Recognize the Grace of God
 

 1 Pet 5:12b

“…I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.”

  

  Peter wanted his readers to understand, that when they face suffering remind themselves of God’s grace. Think of the greatness of God. Recognize His work for your salvation and how He carried out His plan by the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ. Think of the wonder of the benefits you have received.

  

Peter reminded them of the fact that God chose them. Remember also God chose you. He loves you even though right now you may not sense that. He is carrying out the plan for which you were created. Because you are remaining faithful to Jesus Christ you will be especially blessed when Jesus Christ returns. Your heavenly inheritance is far greater than any job, any family, any position, any money reserved for you by God Himself.  Part of what you are going through is God's means of making you more like Jesus Christ and perfecting your character. It is also teaching important spiritual lessons, if you are willing to hear it.

        

Grace is seen in your great Salvation. God who began the work in you will see it through.   As far as God the Father is concerned, I was saved when He chose me in Christ before the foundations of the world. As far as the Son is concerned, I was saved when He died for me on the cross, but as far as the Spirit is concerned, I was saved one night in 1956 when I received Christ. Then it all came together. God in His Triune nature carried out His saving plan for my soul and yours.

    

The grace of God is revealed in receiving the Gospel. Peter also showed his readers that what they have in Jesus Christ was far greater than what was received by Old Testament prophets, fathers, and saints. They longed for the revelation of the Messiah and now Jesus came. We are recipients of the grace of God in far greater ways than people of old could even imagine. Even the Heavenly beings become observers, not participants, in the grace that is ours.

     

Peter showed how God marvelously called us, prepared us, purchased us through the works of the Son and purifies us through the works of the Holy Spirit. Angels long to look into the wondrous works of God that is for our rejoicing.  Many people have yet to hear that good news. You've heard it and responded to it because of God's grace.

  

Grace is seen in the extent of His love by coming to earth in bodily form. The story of His grace is seen in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. By responding to His love in faith and receiving His salvation, He further demonstrates His grace by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in your life.

  

Grace is also seen in an inheritance that will never pass away. Peter’s audience had lost homes, money, jobs, property and loved ones. Things of this earth will pass away, but the reminder of our inheritance gives peace. You will see Him when He returns and rewards your faithfulness. All rights will be righted when Jesus returns. That is cause for hope and Paul defines it as a living hope.

 

Dale