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"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father"

Text: 1 Peter 1:2a

GREAT TRUTHS

Though many believers fled for their lives, they were still special to the Lord. The Apostle Peter was no stranger to tribulation. He too experienced being sent to jail. He was persecuted for his faith as well.

Peter’s own faith had gone through fiery refinement. He was now in a position to write and share great truths with fellow pilgrims. (Because these truths are so deep and rich, we will not attempt to read 1 Peter quickly. The same verse would be read carefully over a few days. Swift reading of Peter’s Epistles would do injustice to the text)

“Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father,
in sanctification of the Spirit,
for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace be multiplied.”
1 Peter 1:2

1. “Elect”

a) This is called “the doctrine of election”.

b) Believers did not just happen to believe.

c) This concept has rich ramifications to all aspects of life.

2. “According to the foreknowledge of God the Father”

a) Peter had noted how Jesus always spoke of God as Father.

b) His own faith had grown significantly and so had his relationship with God.

i) He now called God “Father” as well.

ii) All Elect of God may address God as “Father”.

c) The foreknowledge of God

i) God’s knowledge may be described as “perfect”.

ii) It would, of course, include knowledge of the future.

iii) In the foreknowledge of God believers are chosen as “Elect”.

iv) In the same foreknowledge, God has allowed tribulation to be experienced.

v) A proper understanding of God’s awesome foreknowledge brings much comfort to the heart! No circumstance in life is outside His foreknowledge.