Standing Right!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1 Peter 1:3 KJV

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 NIV

Peter, who wrote this book, understood what it meant to be God's elect, yet an exile. All the men of old used by God understood this distinction: ownership by God meant a different standard from the world's. Peter himself was harassed, imprisoned, beaten too, but he had no doubt as to where his allegiance lay. Do I have the same conviction?

Peter starts off with praise to God, a clear acknowledgement of who is at work. One thing has been clear to me for many years now, and it is that nothing works unless God is in it or allows it. We could claim ability, connection or intelligence for all we have achieved, but the foundations of all claims is God's mercy and grace. Without these, there will be no life.

Yes, mercy and grace: 2 very essential parts of the person of God. I see nothing about works or qualifications here, I see nothing about what I could do to earn these. God has already settled these and invited me in to come and enjoy the benefits. He's given me new birth, called me out of darkness into his light, changed me over from death to life, and given me a hope that there is true life waiting for me even at the end of this present life. Grace asks for nothing except a commitment. Grace asks for no monetary value or physical worth. All these were sealed through his life, and it is his life that secures my life. Nothing else can and nothing else will work.

Of course, the question for me is: "Have I availed myself of the benefits of his grace and life? If this present life ends, do I cross over into true life?". You have got to be sure; nothing down here will last forever or guarantee you eternity, except the One who is himself called Life. His time of favour is here.