Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 1:13-2:3
A Heart of Reverence
Peter continues on and exhorts believers in the fact that we are not only commanded to holiness but also to a reverent mind. This means a respectful fear, one based in awe of God Almighty and a deep appreciation of who God is.
“If you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear. . .”
In the light of verse 17, it especially means a realization that the One whom we address as “Father” is the same One who “without partiality judges” His children “according to” their deeds. As we realize the extent of His knowledge and the accuracy of His judgment, we should live with a wholesome fear of displeasing Him. Peter is reminding us that “the Father . . . judges” those who are His own, “throughout the time of your stay” in this life; He has committed the judgment of sinners to the Lord Jesus (John 5:22).
Lincoln stated:
“He is looking on, taking notice of all, whether there is integrity of purpose, intelligence of mind, and desire of heart to please Him.” 1
We are to pass the time of our stay on earth in reverential fear. Do not confuse this with terror, for a son or an heir should never be terrified of their father, but remember that God Almighty is Creator of all and as our Father, deserves the respect of His creation.
Remember, as Christians, this world is not our home. I’ve often said it, that we are only pilgrims, immigrants as it were. We are living in a foreign country, exiled from heaven. We should not settle down as if this were our permanent dwelling. Neither should we imitate the behavior of the worldly-dwellers. We should always remember our heavenly destiny and behave ourselves as citizens of heaven.
Breaking With the World
Before conversion, believers were not different from the rest of the world. Our talk and walk were as empty and trivial as that of men around us. Therefore Peter goes on to remind us:
“Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers . . .”
Our unconverted days are described as passed down to us through tradition, and resulted in conduct that had no structure, no discipline, no direction, in other words, “aimless.” But we have been ransomed from that futile existence by a tremendous transaction. We have been rescued from the slavery of world-conformity by the payment of an infinite ransom. It was by neither “silver or gold” that we, as kidnap victims have been freed (for comparison see Exodus 30:15).
No, it was most definitely not with precious metals, jewels or any other corruptible thing with which we were ransomed. However, it was:
“With the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
Christ is the perfect offering; “a lamb without blemish and without spot,” that is, He is absolutely perfect, inwardly and outwardly. If a any believer is ever tempted to return to worldly pleasures and amusements, to adopt worldly modes and patterns, to become like the world in its false ways, he should remember that Christ shed His “precious blood” to deliver him from that kind of life. To go back to the world is to re-cross the great gulf that was bridged for us at staggering cost. But even more, it is positive rejection and disloyalty to the Savior.
“Reason back from the greatness of the sacrifice to the greatness of the sin. Then determine to be done forever with that which cost God’s Son His life.”
To Be Continued
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 
You must be logged in to post a comment.