When Peter told his readers that they had had been redeemed by through the precious blood of Christ, in 1 Peter 1:22-25 he urged them to therefore have a sincere, pure and fervent love for one another. This kind of love would be evidence that they had been made new (born again) through the Word of God which they had received and believed. Love for others will also be the main evidence that we also belong to Jesus and know the depth and the value of his redeeming love.

When Peter told his readers , that they were to live holy lives because God the Father had redeemed them through the payment price of the blood of Jesus, Peter also let them know in 1 Peter 1:20-21 that this death of Jesus was no accident. Rather it was all according to God’s plan who before time, set Jesus apart to be our Saviour, then in the fullness of time sent Him to be our Saviour, so that this is what He is for all time!  Such an amazing plan of salvation for all of God’s people!

In their desire to live holy lives in response to God’s grace toward them, in 1 Peter 1:17-19, Peter tells his readers that they are to live in fear of the Lord, knowing well his impartial judgement that will come to all men. But to balance this, believers should also live knowing the redeeming love of God their Father who purchased them to be His own, not with money, but with the precious blood of His Son, Jesus.

After telling his readers of the wonderful inheritance that God’s people will receive because of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, in 1 Peter 1:13-16, Peter then seeks to apply these truths to life. A very important word in his letter is the word ‘therefore’. Because of what Christ has done and what is coming, God’s people are to set their hopes on what is in heaven, not on what is on earth and live lives of holiness. The going will be tough and discipline will be required, but the rewards will be eternal.