Stand Firm in the True Grace of God

Grace is a misunderstood topic among many in the religious world. People believe we are saved by grace alone and that works (especially baptism) are not necessary for salvation. There are also those who believe that grace gives them permission to sin without fear of punishment.

As Peter summarized his first epistle, he said this: “I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!” (1 Peter 5:12). What is the true grace of God? Is it the kind of grace that is described by the majority of those in the religious world, or is it something different? A study of Peter’s first epistle – which he said is “the true grace of God” – will help us get a better understanding of grace and what is related to it. Let us notice some of the things that Peter, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13), included in this category.

We Have Been Chosen

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood” (1 Peter 1:1-2).

Peter said we have been chosen by the foreknowledge of God. This is important because it means that God did not preselect certain individuals for salvation. Paul said that God chose and predestined those who would be of a certain character – “holy and blameless” (Ephesians 1:4-5). We choose to be of this number that God has foreknown.

Peter also mentioned the fact that we have been “sprinkled with [Jesus’] blood.” Later he said we have been redeemed “with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:19). This sacrifice was the defining action of God’s grace. Paul wrote, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

We Must Be Born Again

“Blessed be the God and Father or our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).

Jesus also told Nicodemus that being born again was necessary for salvation: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). He then explained this further: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). It is important to note that Jesus said that water is involved in the new birth.

Peter said, “Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls…for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:22-23). We purify our souls “in obedience to the truth.” Some will protest this and say obedience is not compatible with grace, but it most certainly is (1 Peter 5:12).

Later in this epistle, Peter wrote, “Baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). First he said we are “born again to a living hope through the resurrection” (1 Peter 1:3), then said that baptism saves us “through the resurrection” (1 Peter 3:21). Using one passage to interpret another, we can see that water baptism is the new birth and is necessary for salvation. We are certainly saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8); but as Peter testified of “the true grace of God” (1 Peter 5:12), he clearly indicated that baptism is a condition of grace.

We Have an Inheritance

“To obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4).

By the grace of God we have an inheritance in heaven that is sure, perfect, and eternal. Jesus asked, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26), showing that our reward in heaven is much better than anything we could hope to have in this life. Therefore, we must lay up treasures in heaven. Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

Be Holy as God is Holy

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:13-16).

Peter wrote, “Fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought… As obedient children…” (1 Peter 1:13-14). Again, grace and obedience were connected to one another by the apostle. We are called to be holy as God is holy. To what extent are we to strive to be like God?

Peter answered this question in the next chapter: “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:21-22). Many believe grace is a license to sin (Jude 4; Romans 6:1), yet Peter says the true grace of God shows us our goal – sinless perfection, just like Christ. Though we may not reach this perfectly, this is what we must strive for (1 John 2:1).

Just before this, Peter said, “Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles…” (1 Peter 2:11-12). He later wrote, “For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles” (1 Peter 4:3). Now that we are out of the world and in the body of Christ, we are to be like Christ and cease from sin (1 Peter 2:21-22). We must “live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God” (1 Peter 4:2).

Grow in the Lord

“Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Peter 2:1-2).

The growth process of any Christian must begin with the fundamentals of faith and Bible teaching. Peter described those as “the pure milk of the word” (1 Peter 2:2). Yet as we grow, we should be able to proceed on to the meat of the word. The Hebrew writer rebuked those Christians for not having matured to this point: “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil” (Hebrews 5:12-14).

A babe in Christ is not to be rebuked for needing the milk of the word – this is perfectly natural. However, after sufficient time has passed, all Christians ought to grow, mature, and progress to the point that they can understand more difficult passages and be able to teach others. Whatever level of growth and maturity we find ourselves at now, we should not be content to remain there. At the close of Peter’s second letter, he wrote, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). We must continue to grow, and the grace of God instructs us to do so.

Teach Others

“But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15).

Peter said we must be ready always to teach others. This requires time spent in studying God’s word (2 Timothy 2:15) and developing the ability to say the right things (Colossians 4:6). This teaching is certainly part of God’s grace. In fact, Paul elsewhere described his message as “the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).

As we teach, we must “do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God” (1 Peter 4:11). The only way we can accurately and adequately speak the words of God is by appealing to the Scriptures – citing book, chapter, and verse – so that we can demonstrate to others that our message is not just our opinion, but is the truth that comes from God.

We must also be ready and willing to speak, even in the face of persecution. When Peter said to be ready always to give an answer, that was only part of the thought. He began with this: “Who is there to harm you, if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense…” (1 Peter 3:13-15). The gospel of God’s grace must be taught regardless of the consequences. We must prepare ourselves, both with knowledge and courage, to be able to do it.

Endure Suffering

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name” (1 Peter 4:13-16).

We should not be surprised by persecution. Paul told Timothy, “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). So we must be ready for it, whenever it may come.

But Peter also said that we must not suffer “as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler” (1 Peter 4:15). We should have already given up those sorts of practices (1 Peter 1:14; 4:1-4). Instead, we are to suffer “as a Christian” (1 Peter 4:16).

Be On the Alert

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

Satan is always looking for an opportunity. Therefore, we must be ready at all times. The prowling lion attacks its prey when it is unsuspecting. We must not let our guard down, whether we are among those of the world (Matthew 10:16; Romans 12:2) or our brothers and sisters in Christ (Acts 20:30; 1 Corinthians 5:6). Temptation can come from anywhere, so we must always be on the alert.

Peter then offered a word of encouragement: “The same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world” (1 Peter 5:9). They were not alone. Others were facing the same challenges they were and were overcoming them. Paul wrote, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). While there will always be temptations, there will always be ways to overcome those temptations. Furthermore, there are others we can look to as examples in this regard.

Conclusion

As Peter described “the true grace of God” (1 Peter 5:12) in his letter, he was certainly not describing a system that requires nothing of man. God will save us – not because we deserve to be saved, but because He is full of grace and mercy. Yet we are still responsible to do certain things.

Let us stand firm in the true grace of God and avoid the false systems of “grace” found in the religious world.