1 Peter 1:9 - Salvation

1 Peter 1:9

“for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

What is the goal of our faith and the reason for our joy? Salvation. We are no longer doomed by sin – we are free. We are no longer lost – we have been found. We are no longer guilty – we have been forgiven. We are no longer shamed – we have been restored. We are no longer enemies with God – we are friends. Our death penalty has been replaced with life eternal in the King’s household. That is why angels rejoice when a sinner comes to know Christ! (Luke 15:10)

If you are a grammarian – and honestly, who among us isn’t – you noticed that this verse says that “you are receiving…” – that is present tense. If I accepted Christ years ago, how am I receiving salvation now? Well, there is a past, present, and future aspect in the process of salvation:

1. God HAS saved us – aka, Regeneration. The point in time when you made a decision for Christ. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” – Ephesians 2:8

2. God IS saving us – aka, Sanctification. The continual process whereby we become like Christ – we discussed this in Verse 2. “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16

3. God WILL save us – aka, Glorification. When we become like Christ as we enter eternity in God’s presence. “…who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” – 1 Peter 1:5

Peter reminds his readers that God is faithful to continue His work of salvation in our lives – even in the midst of persecution. God never stops working – He is working in your life this instant! Praise God that He loves us so much that He refuses to leave us like we are…

“After the first few steps in the Christian life we realize the everything which really needs to be done in our souls can be done only by God.” – CS Lewis