I Peter 1:1-2

In the greetings of the Apostle Peter to his brethren in the faith, there is a great deal to be revealed. He speaks to the Christian as an alien in this world.

This is something we need to keep in mind constantly. Many Christians live as though what we receive here and now is the only thing to be anticipated, but in reality, we are aliens in this world, for our goal, drive, and focus rest upon what shall be ours when Jesus Christ comes again.

This introduction speaks to us about the work of the triune God in bringing about our redemption, which creates the goal of our living. An analysis of these words, which reveal the work of God in bringing us to faith in Him, will lead us to a deeper appreciation of the salvation He has provided.

• The Father foreknew us
  • He knew us personally
  • He foreknew our needs
  • Loved us enough to call us His children
• The Holy Spirit sanctifies us
  • Sets us apart to belong uniquely to the Lord
  • Gives us the grace to overcome our personal deficiencies to grow more like Christ
• Jesus Christ shed His blood
  • Our redemption depends on the work of Jesus Christ
    • Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins
    • Without the blood of Christ, we have no forgiveness of sin
  • The work of Jesus was a personal self-sacrifice

While all of the work of the triune God is vital, it has been carefully and harmoniously put together so that, in the final analysis, Father called us, the Holy Spirit set us apart, and Jesus made the actual sacrifice that made our new life possible by paying the penalty for our sin.