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"Grace to you"

Text: 1 Peter 1:2d

GREETINGS COMMUNICATED

It was normal for writers to greet their readers. This was just simply politesse. But in the context of the pastoral epistles of the Apostles, greetings were more than just friendly words.

“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. “Grace”

a) This was a key theological word used by the Apostles.

b) It was a word that was steeped in:

i) Doctrine

ii) Theology

iii) Life

iv) Ministry

c) Source of grace

i) God the Father

ii) The Lord Jesus Christ whose death made “grace” effective for salvation.

d) The mention of “grace” would bring much-needed comfort.

2. “Peace”

a) Grace led to salvation.

b) Salvation led to peace.

i) Peace because there was reconciliation to God.

ii) Peace was the result of salvation given.

iii) Peace with God is greatly prized.

c) Peace had another perspective now.

i) Peace was needed in times of tribulation.

ii) Peace of heart and mind must be found amidst great fears.

3. “Be multiplied”

a) Peter knew the trials that fellow-believers were going through.

b) Grace and peace were wished upon the pilgrims.

i) It was a prayer-wish for them to find grace to cope.

ii) It was also a prayer-wish that they would find some measure of peace of heart and mind.

c) The concept behind “multiplication”.

i) It is not “mathematics”.

ii) It is a prayer that the believers would find increasing grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.