The focus of this lesson should challenge the thinking of every Christian--not because of the lesson but because of what God did and is doing for us. The sinless God's concern for sinful humanity defies human imagination. Stated in another way through a question: "How can the Holy God care so passionately and sacrificially about unholy humanity?"
To grasp the significance of this reality, a person must begin by considering God's character. While sin is common in humans, there is no sin in God. Whereas even the most godly person must be forgiven multiple times daily, God never has been sinful even once! Sin is the precise, exact opposite of God. When sin expresses itself in human evil motives and evil behaviors, it manifests itself in ways that offend God. There is no evil in God inwardly or in action! God does not sin! How can God, in whom there is no sin, love people who are full of sin? How can the God in whom there is no sin love humanity in whom sin resides? God loves the objects in whom resides that which deeply offends Him--to the point of revulsion! For God to love us, He must endure that which deeply offends him.
In providing humanity salvation, God gave (gives) saved humanity three incredible gifts. All three exist because of Jesus Christ's sacrifice that works as an expression of God's mercy. The three gifts: (a) a living hope; (b) an eternal inheritance; and (c) divine protection. Those gifts are NOT defined by human desire or expectation. Those gifts ARE defined by God's intent. Consider each of the three.
The Living Hope. This hope is not based on Jesus' cross (this is no attempt to diminish the significance of Jesus' death) but on Jesus' empty tomb. The focus of the hope is not in Jesus' death but in Jesus' resurrection. It is not focused on Jesus' blood but on Jesus' life after death. In death Jesus paid the penalty for our sinfulness. In resurrection Jesus affirms that God is the power of life that surpasses the power of death. Just as he died and was resurrected to a new existence, we also can die to a godless existence and be resurrected to newness of life. In fact, the baptism of the person motivated by faith and repentance memorializes both Jesus' death and resurrection. Just as he died and was buried, we die to sin and bury our old sinful style of life. Just as God resurrected Jesus to life in a new form to be the Christ, we are resurrected to a new form of existence as God's child in God's family (Romans 6:1-11; Ephesians 4:20-24). Baptism involves much more than a ritual act. It, at its "heart," involves the person's conscious commitment to a new existence with a new purpose. The remarkable divine forgiveness that begins with this resurrection does just that--BEGINS! John said this remarkable forgiveness is continuing (1 John 1:5-10). When a Christian repents of a sin he becomes aware of, God forgives him or her of ALL unrighteousness--that includes all things that are not compatible with the nature or character of the Holy God. All Christians likely sin far more in ignorance (a lack of awareness of matters that oppose God) than in conscious rebellion (a knowing refusal to do as God instructs). Every Christian is godly because he or she is forgiven, not because he or she has achieved goodness or perfection (Mark 10:18). We have a continuing hope of resurrection because of God's action in Jesus' resurrection.
The Sturdy Inheritance. Among Christians there has been a tendency to depict God's inheritance as a fragile reality that is easily lost. That likely is a reaction to the concept that God's inheritance cannot be lost. Problems with theological reactions: (a) They often have a focus on one concern, and are thereby inadequate to address all of God's concerns. (b) They often emphasize extremes that affirm more than scripture actually teaches. (c) They can and sometimes do take a scriptural statement out of its context to justify a human position or conclusion. (d) They often are more concerned about defending a human stance than learning all that scripture teaches on a matter.
In context, Peter affirmed that salvation in Jesus Christ is durable and trustworthy. It is not a "maybe," "hope against hope," "iffy" concept. It is not a concept that God holds just outside human reach to tantalize and manipulate Christians.
Instead, Peter affirmed God's inheritance is imperishable, undefiled, unfading, and reserved. (a) "Imperishable" refers to the enduring nature of the Christian inheritance. In contrast, physical inheritances were subject then to decay, rust, insects, and theft (see Jesus' words in Matthew 6:19). God's inheritance endures beyond physical world realities. Physical inheritances are subject to physical realities and dangers. (b) "Undefiled" refers to the Old Testament concept of uncleanness. Something could occur that made an item or person unfit for holy use or holy service. Nothing could occur to make this inheritance unfit for a holy people serving the Holy God. (c) "Unfading" refers to the fact that nothing could cause this inheritance to become less valuable. Such is not true of a physical inheritance. How would you like a physical inheritance tied to 8-track music recordings? (d) God's inheritance is reserved for the inheritors. God Himself is the assurance that this inheritance is secure. It will be there when claimed. It cannot be stolen or diverted to another use. You need not be concerned about any possibility of serving and sacrificing for nothing.
God Protection. The living hope produces the sturdy inheritance that is God-protected for those in Christ. God protects through faith (confidence, trust). The God Who produced our salvation is the God Who protects us and our salvation. This protection does not mean Christians will escape bad physical realities. Peter already has referred to these people as scattered aliens. He will soon refer to them as distressed. God will not transform physical existence into something wonderful. Instead, He promises an eternal inheritance that will be wonderful. God has not failed when our physical existence is undesirable.
In providing this for humans, God did something that prophets wanted and angels did not understand. How important are people to God? Not even the best, most devoted servants of God grasped what He would do in Jesus Christ! Yet, this supreme act of God is yours!
For Thought and Discussion:
Link to Teacher's Guide
Lesson 1