The Doctrine of Salvation

Bible Book: 1 Peter 1 : 1-12

Subject: Salvation, Doctrine Of

Introduction

This epistle begins in verse 1 with a view of “The Man That Wrote This Epistle.” Then, as the book begins to unfold, we see “The Message That Is Woven In This Epistle.”

In Chapter 1, there is “A Message Concerning The Believer’s Salvation.” And in the first section of this chapter, Peter is discussing “The Doctrine Of Salvation.”

Through his writing, we discover that…

I. Salvation Involves Truth (vs. 2)

A. Peter Mentions God In His Sovereignty

(1 Peter 1:2) Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

elect – Greek 1588. eklektos, ek-lek-tos'; from G1586; select; by impl. favorite:--chosen, elect.

The doctrine of election and foreknowledge is beyond our human understanding. Harold Wilmington mentioned this notation from the life of Charles Spurgeon: “Spurgeon, asked how he reconciled God’s election with human choice, replied, ‘I never have to reconcile friends!’”

1. The Term “Foreknowledge” Makes Us Mindful Of His Sovereignty

foreknowledge – Greek 4268. prognosis, prog'-no-sis; from G4267; forethought:--foreknowledge.

Cf. (Romans 8:29) For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

2. The Term “Father” Makes Us Mindful Of His Sovereignty

Father – Greek 3962. pater, pat-ayr'; appar. a prim. word; a “father” (lit. or fig., near or more remote):-- father, parent.

Who has the rule and authority and dominion in the relationship of father and child? The father does.

B. Peter Mentions The Goal Of Sanctification

sanctification – Greek 38. hagiasmos, hag-ee-as-mos'; from G37; prop. purification, i.e. (the state) purity; concr. (by Hebr.) a purifier:--holiness, sanctification

1. A Relationship Of Obedient Compliance

Our Sanctification Produces A Relationship Of Obedient Compliance (Honoring God)

obedience – Greek 5218. hupakoe, hoop-ak-o-ay'; from G5219; attentive hearkening, i.e. (by impl.) compliance or submission:--obedience, (make) obedient, obey (-ing).

2. A Relationship Of Ongoing Cleanness

Our Sanctification Produces A Relationship Of Ongoing Cleanness (Holiness)

The Barnes’ Notes Commentary says…

The phrase “unto sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ,” means to cleansing from sin, or to holiness, since it was by the sprinkling of that blood that they were to be made holy. (Cf. Hebrews 9:18-23; 12:24.)

The Jewish New Testament Commentary says…

The sprinkling is accomplished inwardly through trust. Our hearts are “sprinkled clean from a bad conscience” (Hebrews 10:22).

Cf. (Ephesians 1:4) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Cf. (1 John 1:7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

C. Peter Mentions Grace In His Salutation

1. Notice The Concept Of Grace

grace – Greek 5485. charis, khar'-ece; from G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act

(abstr. or concr.; lit., fig. or spiritual; espec. the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):--acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank

(-s, -worthy).

2. Notice The Companion Of Grace

peace – Greek 1515. eirene; prob. from a prim. verb eiro (to join); peace (lit. or fig.); by impl. prosperity:--one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.

II. Salvation Involves Triumph (vs. 3-5)

A. There Is Triumph In Salvation’s Abundance

(1 Peter 1:3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1. The Compassion That God Gives Is Lavish

abundant – Greek 4183. polus, pol-oos'; includ. the forms from the alt. pollos; (sing.) much (in any respect) or (plur.) many; neut. (sing.) as adv. largely; neut. (plur.) as adv. or noun often, mostly, largely:--abundant, + altogether, common, + far (passed, spent), (+ be of a) great (age, deal, -ly, while), long, many, much, oft (-en [-times]), plenteous, sore, straitly.

mercy – Greek 1656. eleos, el'-eh-os; of uncert. affin.; compassion (human or divine, espec. active):-- (+ tender) mercy.

2. The Confidence That God Gives Is Living

hope – Greek 1680. elpis, el-pece'; from a prim. elpo (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstr. or concr.) or confidence:--faith, hope.

lively – Greek 2198. zao, dzah'-o; a prim. verb; to live (lit. or fig.):--life (-time), (a-) live (-ly), quick. It was A. T. Robertson wrote…

Peter is fond of the word “living” as in 1 Peter 1:23; 2:4-5,24; 4:5-6. The Pharisees cherished the hope of the resurrection (Acts 23:6), but the resurrection of Jesus gave it proof and permanence (1 Corinthians 15:14,17). It is no longer a dead hope like dead faith (James 2:17,26). This revival of hope was worked “by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Hope rose up with Christ from the dead.

B. There Is Triumph In Salvation’s Anticipation

(1 Peter 1:4) To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

inheritance – Greek 2817. kleronomia; from G2818; heirship, i.e. (concr.) a patrimony or (gen.) a possession.

1. Notice The Described Character Of Our Inheritance

incorruptible – Greek 862. aphthartos, af'-thar-tos; from G1 (as a neg. particle – “not”) and a der. of G5351 (spoiled, ruined); undecaying (in essence or continuance):--not (in-, un-) corruptible, immortal.

undefiled – Greek 283. amiantos, am-ee'-an-tos; from G1 (as a neg. particle – “not”) and a der. of G3392 (soiled, contaminated); unsoiled, i.e. (fig.) pure:--undefiled.

It is “unspoiled” and “unsoiled.”

Note that A. T. Robertson said of the phrase “fadeth not away” that it comes from the Greek term amaranton…

Alliterative and verbal adjective again from alpha (privative – “not”) and marainoo (to dry up, to wither, as in James 1:11), a late and rare word in several inscriptions on tombs, here only in the New Testament. These inscriptions will fade away, but not this inheritance in Christ. It will not be like a faded rose.

2. Notice The Definite Certainty Of Our Inheritance

reserved – Greek 5083. tereo, tay-reh'-o; from teros (a watch; perh. akin to G2334); to guard (from loss or injury, prop. by keeping the eye upon):--hold fast, keep (-er), (ob-, pre-, re) serve, watch.

Robertson said this is “an old verb, to take care of, to guard. No burglars or bandits can break through where this inheritance is kept.”

“in heaven” Jesus said…

Cf. (Matthew 6:20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

F. B. Meyer Wrote In His “Daily Homily”…

Oh, blessed heritage! Incorruptible! The gnawing tooth of decay cannot injure it. Moth and rust cannot consume, nor thieves break through to steal. No spendthrift hand can scatter or overspend its treasures. Undefiled! Not a stain on its pure robes; not a freckle on its leaves; not a taint of miasma on its atmosphere. Into the city entereth nothing that defileth, or worketh abomination, or maketh a lie. That fadeth not away! To use the Greek word, it is amaranthine. Some of the fairest hopes that ever blessed human vision; the most delightful friendships; the most perfect dreams of delight have faded and withered before our eyes. That never can.

It is kept for us, and we are kept for it. . . It is reserved in heaven for you. “I have a heritage of joy, That yet I must not see;

The hand that bled to make it mine, Is keeping it for me.”

C. There Is Triumph In Salvation’s Assurance

(1 Peter 1:5) Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1. We Find Assurance In The Protecting Power Of Salvation

kept – Greek 5432. phroureo, froo-reh'-o; from a comp. of G4253 and G3708; to be a watcher in advance, i.e. to mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at gates); fig. to hem in, protect:--keep (with a garrison).

power – Greek 1411. dunamis, doo'-nam-is; from G1410; force (lit. or fig.); spec. miraculous power (usually by impl. a miracle itself):--ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.

2. We Find Assurance In The Prospective Presentation Of Salvation

salvation – Greek 4991. soteria, so-tay-ree'-ah; fem. of a der. of G4990 as (prop. abstr.) noun; rescue or safety (phys. or mor.):--deliver, health, salvation, save, saving.

ready – Greek 2092. hetoimos, het-oy'-mos; from an old noun heteos (fitness); adjusted, i.e. ready:-- prepared, (made) ready (-iness, to our hand)

revealed – Greek 601. apokalupto, ap-ok-al-oop'-to; from G575 and G2572; to take off the cover, i.e. disclose:--reveal

last – Greek 2078. eschatos, (like “Eschatology”) es'-khat-os; a superl. prob. from G2192 (in the sense of contiguity); farthest, final (of place or time):--ends of, last, latter end, lowest, uttermost

III. Salvation Involves Trials (vs. 6-9)

A. Notice The Feeling Of Heaviness For The Christian

(1 Peter 1:6) Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

heaviness – Greek 3076. lupeo, loo-peh'-o; from G3077; to distress; reflex. or pass. to be sad:-- cause grief, grieve, be in heaviness, (be) sorrow (-ful), be (make) sorry.

temptations – Greek 3986. peirasmos, pi-ras-mos'; from G3985; a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by impl. adversity:--temptation, X try.

1. He Mentions The Duration Of This Heaviness

season – Greek 3641. oligos, ol-ee'-gos; of uncert. affin.; puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); espec. neut. (adv.) somewhat:--+ almost, brief [-ly], few, (a) little, + long, a season, short, small, a while.

The Barnes’ Notes Commentary says…

[Though now for a season] A short period - oligon. It would be in fact only for a brief period, even if it should continue through the whole of life. Compare the notes at 2 Corinthians 4:17: “Our light affliction which is but for a moment.” It is possible, however, that Peter supposed that the trials which they then experienced would soon pass over. They may have been suffering persecutions which he hoped would not long continue.

2. He Mentions The Diversity Of This Heaviness

manifold – Greek 4164. poikilos, poy-kee'-los; of uncert. der.; motley, i.e. various in character:--divers, manifold.

B. Notice The Fiery Heat Of Our Circumstances

(1 Peter 1:7) That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Cf. (1 Peter 4:12) Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

Some believe that “the fiery trial” is a reference to the persecution of Christians by Nero as he used the burning bodies of Christians to illuminate his garden at night. But this is more of a word picture.

1. Tried Faith Is Seen As An Analogous (Analogy – Comparative) Picture

Cf. (Job 23:10) But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

2. Tried Faith Is Seen As An Approving Process

tried – Greek 1381. dokimazo, dok-im-ad'-zo; from G1384; to test (lit. or fig.); by impl. to approve:-- allow, discern, examine, X like, approve, prove, try.

C. Notice The Future Honor For Christ

(1 Peter 1:7-9) That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: {8} Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: {9} Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

1. There Is Glory For Christ In The Joyful Confidence

believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory

believing – Greek 4100. pisteuo, pist-yoo'-o; from G4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by impl. to entrust (espec. one's spiritual well-being to Christ):--believe (- r), commit (to trust), put in trust with

rejoice – Greek 21. agalliao, ag-al-lee-ah'-o; from agan (much) and G242; prop. to jump for joy, i.e. exult:--be (exceeding) glad, with exceeding joy, rejoice (greatly).

joy – Greek 5479. chara, khar-ah'; from G5463; cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight:--gladness, X greatly, (X be exceeding) joy (-ful, -fully, -fulness, -ous).

2. There Is Glory For Christ In The Journey’s Conclusion

Marvin Vincent says in his Word Studies in the New Testament…

[Receiving] komizomenoi. The verb originally means “to take care of or provide for;” thence, “to receive hospitably or entertain; to bring home with a view to entertaining or taking care of.” Hence, “to carry away so as to preserve, to save, rescue,” and so to carry away “as a prize or booty.” Generally, “to receive or acquire.” … Peter uses it thrice, and in each case of receiving the rewards of righteousness or of iniquity. See 1 Peter 5:4; 2 Peter 2:13.

IV. Salvation Involves Testimony (vs. 10-12)

A. The Prophets Of Grace Have Testified

(1 Peter 1:10) Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

1. They Had A Desire In Knowing About The Coming Christ

inquired – Greek 1567. ekzeteo, ek-zay-teh'-o; from G1537 and G2212; to search out, i.e. (fig.) investigate, crave, demand, (by Hebr.) worship:--en- (re-) quire, seek after (carefully, diligently).

2. They Had A Diligence In Knowing About The Coming Christ

searched diligently – Greek 1830. exereunao, ex-er-yoo-nah'-o; from G1537 (out of or from) and G2045 (seek out, investigate); to explore (fig.):--search diligently.

B. The Person Of God Has Testified

(1 Peter 1:11) Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

1. The Spirit Testified Through The Prophets Of Christ And His Grief

sufferings – Greek 3804. pathema, path'-ay-mah; from a presumed der. of G3806; something undergone, i.e. hardship or pain; subj. an emotion or influence:--affection, affliction, motion, suffering.

Cf. Isaiah 53:1-12

2. The Spirit Testified Through The Prophets Of Christ And His Glory

glory – Greek 1391. doxa, dox'-ah; from the base of G1380; glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (lit. or fig., obj. or subj.):--dignity, glory (-ious), honour, praise, worship.

Cf. (Hebrews 12:2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

C. The Preachers Of The Gospel Have Testified

(1 Peter 1:12) Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

preached the gospel – Greek 2097. euaggelizo, yoo-ang-ghel-id'-zo ); from G2095 and G32; to announce good news ("evangelize") espec. the gospel:--declare, bring (declare, show) glad (good) tidings, preach (the gospel).

1. This Gospel Message Has Been Announced

reported – Greek 312. anaggello, an-ang-el'-lo; from G303 (through) and the base of G32 (see below); to announce (in detail):--declare, rehearse, report, show, speak, tell.

aggelos, ang'-el-os; from aggello [prob. der. from G71; comp. G34] (to bring tidings); a messenger; esp. an "angel"; by impl. a pastor:--angel, messenger.

2. This Gospel Message Has Been Anointed With The Holy Ghost