Eternal Assurance- You, My child, I elected in My sovereignty from all eternity (1:2). I chose you as a precious living stone to be laid on the foundation of Christ, the Cornerstone (2:4, 7). I have begotten you, as I did My own Son, to a living hope through His resurrection (1:3). You are My chosen generation, part of My royal priesthood, My holy nation, My own special people (2:9), knowing that you will be sanctified by My Spirit (1:2). I have called you in order that you will be with Me in My eternal glory (5:10).
Present Hope- I am holy, as you must also be, and judge you impartially (1:15, 17); but because of the righteousness of My Son, My eyes are on you, and my ears are open to your prayers (3:12). You can trust your soul to Me in time of suffering because I am your faithful Creator (4:19). I care for you (5:7), because you are redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, “whom having not seen you love” (1:18-19; 1:8). You have been born again through My eternal and unchanging Word (1:23). Take heart, for My Son suffered for you, the Just for the unjust (2:21, 3:18), and bore your sin upon Himself (2:24); therefore, you can live in righteousness before Me (2:24) through My Spirit who dwells in you (1:11). You were once dead in your sins, but are alive in Me (3:18).
Future Glory- You I redeemed for an incorruptible inheritance that will not fade away, reserved for you in heaven with Me (1:4). I will keep you by My power for your ultimate salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time (1:5). Your faith is being tested in order that it will praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of my Son (1:7). My own Son suffered and will bring you to Me (3:18). My grace and glory will be given to you at His revelation as the prophets testified according to My Spirit (1:13, 11). You will receive the unfading crown of glory I have for you (5:4), as I will exalt you in due time (5:6).
PERSONAL RESPONSE
O LORD my God, I thank You that from the before the foundation of the world You have chosen me to be with You one day, to walk before your face and revel in your glorious majesty. I thank You that You allow me to taste of the future glories already here on earth as You reveal Yourself to me by Your Word and Spirit- but these transient moments are nothing compared to the everlasting glorification that You promise. What a blessing to know that this inheritance is incorruptible, unfading, and sure because You are faithful. You keep me for that eternal day. So often, Lord, I am torn by temporal things, and confused by an ever-changing world. I am so often and so easily led astray to follow after the passing pleasures of sin that this life offers; it seems as though I jeopardize my salvation because of my sin, which is only deserving of death. But You, in Your sovereign good pleasure, have prepared this future for me; You have made the way to enjoy the eternal pleasures of heaven through the sacrifice of Your own Son- so great is Your love for me. May I ever be mindful of these promises, of the goal, of my future destination; especially in difficulties and trials when my focus tends to be drawn away from You. In those times may I recall that you are still preparing me for that everlasting reality, and set my thoughts upon You and Your glory, rather than on myself. I pray that these realities will shape my relationship with others. Teach me to manifest Your salvation and the eternal glory that awaits all who believe in You, in order that many would come to know You, and share in this ultimate glory with me, with You. AMEN.
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