1 Peter 1:1-2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,… I. ELECTION IN ITS SOURCE. 1. Election as an eternal act of the Divine mind is inaccessible to us; it is only in its effects that it comes within our mental cognisance. 2. This election is "according to the foreknowledge of God." God is the only and whole cause of every man's salvation. 3. The Supreme Being not only drew the plan, but continually emits a stream of energy to impel men into acquiescence with it. This energy is not physical but mental and spiritual, making man a willing co-worker with God in his own salvation. II. ELECTION IN ITS MEANS. 1. Election first shows itself in a man's separation from the world which lieth in wickedness. 2. Election is indissolubly connected with holiness as the sphere in which it moves, the atmosphere in which it breathes. 3. The holiness of the believer is not a created finite thing, like that of the angel, but an active participation in the uncreated, infinite holiness of God in virtue of the personal indwelling of the Holy Ghost. III. ELECTION IS ITS END. 1. Election has for its object our obedience. (1) The obedience of which faith is the substance, the obedience we render God when we believingly receive the truths of the gospel. (2) The obedience which faith produces. 2. But notwithstanding all our efforts, aided even by Divine grace, bitter experience reminds us that we often stumble, and sometimes fall. Is there any provision for our manifold imperfections? Yes, there is the "sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ" — to secure forgiveness for the sins we daily commit despite our aspirations after holiness, and to wash away the pollution cleaving to us, notwithstanding our endeavours after a higher Christian life. (J. C. Jones, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, |
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