Find Life

1 Peter 4:5-7 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. 7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
 
CAN you trust God’s salvation? This was a significant question in the early church. And it continues to be one that challenges the faith of many believers. Peter had just commanded the church to put aside a list of sins common to those who are now dead in their sin. They needed to receive the gospel to prepare for the day they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
   How do we prepare for that day? In our sin nature, we cannot know of judgment and salvation. We consider our own desires to be a good way of life. Recognizing our sins is the first step to prepare for Jesus’ “courtroom”. Then we boldly ask forgiveness because know Jesus’ power to save is greater than any sin that condemn us.
   That’s why the gospel is preached. Peter taught of sin, and he warned of judgment. Then Peter assures the church that Jesus’ salvation extends into an eternal life. Even though many who ae dead will condemn Christians to even persecute them, the church can trust Jesus is their redeemer.
   This is God’s eternal promise throughout Scripture. God, the Father, has acted. He declares his salvation will come from the Son and the Spirit to redeem those he has chosen from eternity past. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love; he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. (Ephesians 1:4-5) And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment – to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. (Ephesians 1:9-10)
   Do not let the world’s “judgment” cause you to doubt your eternal salvation. “For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.” (Proverbs 8:35-36)
   Peter urges the church to be self-controlled. This is a fruit of the Spirit that will give us the mindset to resist temptation and trust in the Jesus’ salvation. Be confident of the good news. Be pure in the life God  has given to you. Be a person of effective prayer. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)
   Love the LORD God, who has chosen you to be his own. From sin’s depths he raises you to his holy heights. He has determined you are his. And nothing will cause your salvation to perish.