You're Elected

1 Peter 1:2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
 
HERE’S is a very personal, encouraging definition of Jesus’  church.
   First, you have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father. Does your heart bow down in wonder and joy to know God has chosen you? Are you in awe of the Creator’s gracious gift to your life on earth now and in heaven forever? Far beyond the depths of our understanding, God knew you would be born and confess Jesus to be your Lord. Your faith based membership in Jesus’ church comes from the same source as the heavens and the earth. The eternal God planned for you to belong to him.  
   How different it is to think, “God chose me.” than to say,  “I chose God.” If the choice was left to the human heart alone, there would be no church. Adam and Eve proved that. And God’s Word says that: Romans 3:10 As it is written:
“There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.”
   Do you understand this for your own church membership? When people are asked, “Why did you join the church?” and “How did you become a Christian?” there is a disturbing tendency from many to respond with human reasons instead of God’s reasons. Such answers as, “I like the people here.” “My parents took me to church.” “I feel this fits my needs.” are self-centered answers. Maybe these people know in their heart that God has chosen them. If so, they need to say, “God has chosen me to be his and in this church.” If you don’t, than you are either focusing on your own ability to know God. Or you are denying God’s authority, grace, mercy and kindness to choose you into his Kingdom. If you truly confess Jesus, you belong because of the foreknowledge of God the Father.
   His foreknowledge goes into action through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood. The Holy Spirit sanctifies you – sets you apart – from your sin nature. Jesus’ blood has spiritually anointed you to your salvation. Sanctified from sin, you begin a sanctifying journey toward God’s holiness. In other words, when God sets you apart from the world, you become a Kingdom citizen, a child of God. Under the Father’s authority, you are to mature in God’s household as you learn his truth. Your daily Kingdom work must include time with God in study and prayer, so you will live as God intended for you.
   Peter closes his opening with Grace and peace be yours in abundance. His blessing is that God’s grace will greatly strengthen and encourage the church. Knowing God has chosen them, peace will be on their hearts and minds, even as they struggle through life’s challenges.
   Peter personally knew of God’s abundant grace and peace. He hoped all of God’s elect will know this as he did.