Writings

Sunday, 29 September 2019

…searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 1 Peter 1:11

The words here speak of “the prophets” of the previous verse. He said that they “inquired and searched carefully … of the grace that would come to you.” Now, he continues with that thought, explaining what it was like for these men who spoke out and wrote down the oracles of God. He says they were “searching what, or what manner of time.”

The idea of “searching” is to make a diligent inquiry. These prophets wrote out the prophesies transmitted through them, and then they thoroughly investigated what they had written out. They wanted to know “what,” meaning the details concerning the Messiah they had prophesied about. They were given a broad brushstroke of His coming, but they lacked the details. They could see aspects of Him, but the Man Jesus was out of their ability to see – who He would be, what He would be like, and how He would accomplish the things they wrote of.

They also wanted to know “what manner of time” these things would come about. This may be speaking of the actual timing of the coming of Messiah, but more probably it is speaking of the state of the world at the time of His coming. How could the things they wrote down be fulfilled? What would be the condition of the people who anticipated His coming. What would be the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles? On and on, “what manner of time” lay ahead when Messiah would be revealed?

Peter next gives an indication of the means of the prophetic word coming to these men. He refers to “the Spirit of Christ who was in them.” Charles Ellicott notes that the term “Christ” here speaks of the office, and not specifically a title of the Man – meaning Jesus Christ. This may be a correct analysis. The “Spirit of Christ,” is that which anticipates the coming of Messiah, it speaks of Him and His work, and so on.

It is not impossible, however, that Peter is speaking of “the Spirit of Christ” as referring to the Holy Spirit, whose role in the Godhead is to reveal the Lord Jesus before His coming, during His advent, and continuing on after His ascension. The work of God within the Godhead has one united purpose. Thus, the term “Spirit of Christ” would then be synonymous with “Holy Spirit,” “Spirit of God,” and etc. This is seen, for example, in Romans 8 –

“But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.” Romans 8:9

Peter continues on, noting that “the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand.” Whether “Spirit of Christ” refers to the office, or to the inspiration which comes from Christ personally, the words “was indicating” show that the men were influenced by a force which led them to record what was instilled in them by God. The things He purposed for them to know were revealed. There was enough information to make the work of Christ fully understandable in relation to what was written once it occurred, but not until it occurred.

Until Christ came, it remained veiled even though specific words were given by God as “He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ.” In Scripture, it is the Lord who speaks out prophecy, and yet it is the Spirit who speaks out prophecy, and it is God who speaks out prophecy. And in those words which point to Christ, they – like all other Scripture – were recorded in the word. And the word itself then speaks out prophecy. In this word, the sufferings of Christ are clearly indicated, even from the earliest chapters of Genesis.

In Genesis 3:15, it is now quite clear that Messiah is being referred to. There it says that the serpent would “bruise His heel.” From that point on, countless examples of the sufferings of Christ are recorded. The sacrifices and offerings of the Levitical priesthood point to the sufferings of Christ. His sufferings are detailed in small and in great ways in the prophets. They are obscurely referred to in the account of the birth and naming of Benjamin in Genesis 35:18, where he was first named Ben-Oni, or Son of my Suffering.

A complete record of the study into how many times the sufferings of Christ are mentioned in the Bible would take up innumerable pages of analysis. Vincent’s Word Studies explains why Peter highlighted this. He says, “Peter was especially concerned to show that the sufferings of Christ were in fulfilment of prophecy, because it was a subject of dispute with the Jews whether the Christ was to suffer (Acts 3:18; Acts 26:22, Acts 26:23).”

By testifying to the sufferings of the coming Christ in advance, there was no excuse that Israel – the stewards of the oracles of God – should have missed the coming of Messiah. Along with these sufferings, Peter also refers to “the glories that would follow.”  This refers to everything that would come in successive steps after the sufferings of Christ.

The cross was a point of suffering, but it was also a point of glory. The resurrection, the proofs of His resurrection, the ascension, the continued work of the apostles and the church since, the coming rapture, the physical return of Christ, the millennium, and the eternal state are all referred to in the glories that would follow.

These were recorded by the prophets, and they were all carefully searched out by them, but they could not sufficiently peer into the words they had been inspired to write in order to see what they desired to see. Those things were reserved for those who came after they occurred, and which could then be pieced together in order to be seen in the revealed light that God so intended for them to be seen.

Life application: Today, we have the revelation that the prophets searched out in hopes of knowing, but to them it was a mystery. Paul uses this term quite a few times as he speaks of the ministry of Christ. For example –

“Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began ²⁶ but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith— ²⁷ to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.”  Romans 16:25-27

Here we see that the work of Christ was a mystery kept in the mind of God since the very foundation of the world. However, it was made manifest in the gospel. This mystery was presented in the “prophetic scriptures” which is exactly what Peter is talking about. The prophets of old wrote of the coming glory, and yet to them it was veiled.

Likewise, the times of the coming of Christ and the fulfillment of the ages is veiled. We can search carefully, get out our calculators and computers, look at calendars of coming events, and strain our minds over the times and the seasons, but in the end, we must simply wait on the Lord’s timing. As Jesus said in Acts 1:7, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.”

When He is ready, He will be back – but not a moment sooner. It won’t come by the desires or uninspired guesses of prognosticators; it will come by the wisdom of God.

Lord God, we sure would love to see Jesus, and we would very much like to sit in His presence and dine together. May that day be soon. But Lord God, Your will be done, not ours. Our garments are washed, our hearts are ready, and Your invitations are in our hand. When You call, we will respond with joy. Until then, we love You and we will be about the business You have for us. Even so, come Lord Jesus. Amen.

Saturday, 28 September 2019

Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 1 Peter 1:10

Peter now refers to what he just said in the previous verse concerning “the salvation of your souls.” He says, “Of this salvation…” The word “of” here carries the sense of “in regards to,” or “concerning.”

From there, he says, “the prophets have inquired and searched carefully.” Both verbs begin with the prefix ek, signifying “out.” And so, the words bear the idea of “the prophets have sought out and searched out carefully.” In this, there is not just a general search made, but a very detailed and concerted effort on their part. They peered into the matter with the most intense scrutiny in order to find out what they were looking for.

Peter says they are those “who prophesied.” A picture is forming. These are prophets who spoke out the word of the Lord. They are not false prophets as can be seen from the previous words “have inquired and searched carefully.”

A false prophet would not search out his own false words. What would be the point? He uttered something out of his own head, and so he is fully aware of what he spoke of. On the contrary, these are true prophets who have spoken the word of the Lord, and now they are actually searching out the message transmitted through them. It shows that the Source of the prophecy was not from themselves, but from God.

The word translated as “searched carefully” is found only here in the New Testament, exeraunaó. It signifies “to search with all diligence.” As HELPS Word Studies says, “Here it focuses on the end-result of the searching, i.e. the fulfillment of salvation (unique glorification) in a believer’s life.”

Understanding this, Peter describes what these prophets prophesied by saying, “of the grace that would come to you.” The prophets came under the dispensation of the law. They spoke the word of the Lord, and what they prophesied was a time when God’s grace would be bestowed apart from the law. That is perfectly evident from the context of Peter’s words. Further, it is apparent that the grace which they spoke of was coming not for themselves, but for others – at a later time. The word “grace” here signifies the Lord’s favor as He freely extends Himself to His people.

Peter will continue with this through verse 12. It is a marvelous set of words which gives us insights into how certain the prophetic word of God is, and how perfectly planned out it was. Before the things came to pass, the Lord revealed them. However, He did it in a way which was veiled to those who passed them on. Though they spoke them out, they did not understand what they had conveyed. Thus, they searched what they had received carefully. It is a rather astonishing thing to ponder.

Life application: We read these marvelous words in the book of Isaiah –

“Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6, 7

Imagine Isaiah receiving this prophecy, knowing these were God’s words, and then reading them again and again and again – searching diligently and trying to discover the meaning of the very words that he had just penned. It is almost unimaginable!

A Man would be born and yet He would be called the Mighty God. Men are born, live, and then die. And yet, it says He would be the Everlasting Father. Each word used to describe this coming One shouts out to us of the Incarnate Word of God – yes, we know Him as Jesus. But Isaiah could only look forward and wonder.

Likewise, the suffering servant passage in Isaiah 52:13-53:12 must have been incredible – what could it mean? Each of the prophets must have looked at the words they had composed and wondered, but until such things were revealed in Jesus, they simply couldn’t fathom the grace that would come. However, we can look back and understand and revel in the words that brought them such straining of thought. How blessed we are in this dispensation of God’s grace!

We look on Your word to us in awe, O God! The grace it reveals is far greater than anything a human could imagine. You stepped out of eternity, united with human flesh, and walked among us. In Christ, You suffered on our behalf and now we have the offer of reconciliation and eternal life – all because of what You have done! Glory to You, O God! Amen.

Friday, 27 September 2019

…receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:9

Peter now completes the greater thought which began in verse 6 of this chapter, but of which a lesser thought is connected to the previous verse. Taken together the two verses say, “Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, ⁹ receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.”

The word translated as “receiving” simply means to carry or bear something. However, based on the context, it carries one of a couple different ideas. The first is that of receiving something back which belonged to a person. That is seen, for example, in Matthew 25:27. However, it is also receiving something that has been earned or recovered. This is what is Peter is speaking of here.

He says to his audience (meaning the saints) that you will be “receiving the end of your faith.” It is faith which brings the result. One does not receive what is promised based on works, living a particular type of life, or being better than another (grading on a bell curve), or any other such notion. It is faith alone by which one receives “the end” which Peter speaks of, which is “the salvation of your souls.”

The “end” or object of faith is what the faith is expectant of. One can have faith that putting money in the bank will result in a return on the principle through whatever interest rate is promised. One can have faith that starting a journey on a sailboat will bring him to his anticipated island getaway. The “end,” or object, of the Christian’s faith in Jesus Christ is salvation.

In short, sin is the problem. The law is how sin is made manifest, Jesus’ lived perfectly under the law and was found without sin, Jesus died in fulfillment of the law, and for the sins of those bound under the law (a principle known as substitutionary atonement which is authorized in the law), and therefore Jesus removes our sin debt. Jesus rose from the grave, having triumphed over death. In His resurrection, the proof of His sinless nature, and the proof of His acceptable substitutionary death for our sin is seen. In this, the person who believes in Christ’s work (demonstrating faith) is deemed justified and freed from sin’s penalty. And in this, the person is granted eternal life. In this declaration of justification by God, one is saved, which is the “end” of his faith.

Concerning this word, translated as “receiving,” Vincent’s Word Studies says, “Paul uses it of receiving the awards of judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10; Ephesians 6:8; Colossians 3:25). In Hebrews, it is used of receiving the promise (Hebrews 10:36; Hebrews 11:39), and of Abraham receiving back Isaac (Hebrews 11:19). 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.”

It should be noted that in this verse, this word komizó, or “receiving,” is a present participle in the Greek. Peter says in “believing,” (of verse 8), one is “receiving” (of verse 9). In other words, the deal is done. By an act of faith in what Christ has done, the salvation is received. How terrible it is that people add to the simple gospel, or that people attempt to divide the simple gospel into various categories (one gospel for the Jew & one gospel for the Gentile) instead of seeing that what God has done in Christ is a one-time act, based on faith, and it is a single gospel message for all people. Those who add to, or attempt to divide, this gospel will receive their just punishment for proclaiming “a different gospel, which is not another” (Galatians 1:6, 7). Be wise! Don’t listen to these false workers who teach their message of demons.

Life application: Positionally, those who have called on Jesus are already saved. We know this from a multitude of verses, for example –

“For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?” Romans 8:24

The action is completed in the sense that we need to do nothing else except wait to receive our final redemption. Until that day, let us act as if we really believe it. We should attend church – not to be blessed, but to worship out of gratitude. We should endure trials joyfully, knowing that even these serve a good purpose. We should sing in our hearts (and even with our lips!) as we walk along life’s path.

If you are forgetting to thank the Lord for the glory to come, take time today – even right now – to reflect on what is ahead, and then thank Him for the marvel of that Day! As Paul said in the Romans verse, “hope that is seen is not hope.” And as Peter shows, a day is coming when we will receive the end of our faith. This will be when our hope is changed to sight – that glorious day when Jesus Christ Himself calls us to the paradise He has prepared.

Get ready, Jesus is coming, and our eyes will behold the One who brought us to the end of our faith. Praise God! Jesus is coming and we shall be saved. Hallelujah and amen!

What a day! O, what a glorious and joyful day – O, happy day! Lord Jesus, what You have promised is worth all the waiting in the world. One day we will look upon Your majesty and bask in Your beauty for all eternity – saved from the stain of sin found in this temporary world. Praise to You, O Lord! Amen.

Thursday, 26 September 2019

…whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 1 Peter 1:8

Peter had just spoken of the faith of his audience. Someday that faith would be turned to sight. As he said, “at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Now he confirms that they are living by faith and not by sight with the words, “whom having not seen you love.” It is to be remembered that Peter had lived with Christ, experienced many marvelous things with Him, and yet that did not lessen the honor of those who had not seen Him. In fact, Peter certainly remembered the words of Jesus to Thomas –

“Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29

It very well may be that this is what was on Peter’s mind as he penned his words to the saints. He next says, “Though now you do not see Him.” This is a set of words which, although rather innocuous in nature, are to be taken literally for all whom he is writing to. As this includes any who read Scripture, and as Scripture is given to all for the establishment and building up of faith (Romans 10:17), it is to be taken that Peter’s words here apply to all – “Though you do not see Him.” It is a note that we live by faith and not by sight. It thus dispels claims by those who say they have had visions of Christ. Taken together with Jesus’ words to Thomas, this is a certainty.

Peter then expresses what should be considered an honor with the words, “yet believing.” These people had believed simply by having been told. There was no sight, and yet they accepted the message. The honor Jesus spoke of to Thomas is firmly established in those who have come to God through the word conveyed to them. And in this act of faith, Peter then says, “you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.”

The joy inexpressible is that joy which can only be felt inside. It is the absolute surety that the faith in the heart will lead to the sight of the eyes. It is a joy which understands that the pains and trials of this world are nothing when compared to the state of existence which lies ahead. And it is a joy which says, “Though death may come, it does not have the final say over my existence.” Words cannot fully express the joy which is anticipated in the faith of the believer.

The idea of the believer’s joy being “full of glory” is that of anticipation in the state which lies ahead. We can look at our bodies and see true wisdom in their construction. We can marvel how they heal themselves from cuts, bruises, diseases, and so on. But we also know that our bodies are corruptible and will wear out.

We will die and our bodies will return to the dust. However, what God promises in Christ is a glory which is beyond our ability to imagine. We shall be like Christ, rising from the dead with eternal bodies. Such is just a small sampling of what the words “full of glory” look forward to. Peter understood this because it has been the hope of man since the fall. And it is a hope which is now realized in Christ Jesus, of whom his audience was now also partakers.

Life application: After the resurrection, Thomas doubted that it had occurred at all. This was even after the other apostles and those with them had emphatically claimed that Jesus was alive. Eight days later Jesus appeared while Thomas was present. Finally convinced of what he saw and felt, he cried out, “My Lord and my God!”

Are you struggling with the validity of the biblical account? Or do you have that inexpressible joy which is full of glory? The difference may simply be that you have failed to apply your faith to a study of the Bible.

When your faith is faltering, nothing can build it up like opening its pages and reminding yourself about the reliability of what is recorded there, including the book of 1 Peter.

If you find some portions difficult, go to reliable study aids which were written by people who have spent their lives verifying the accuracy of what the Bible records. Don’t be a doubting Thomas (or Jane, or Mike, or Calvin, or…)! Instead, believe the surety of God’s word and you will be filled with inexpressible joy!

Heavenly Father, I know Your word is sure and Your testimony is true. When my faith falters, help me to rebuild it through reexamining the pages of the Bible and being filled with Your glorious Holy Spirit. Yes, Lord! Fill me to overflowing with knowledge of You by the illumination of Your Word for my understanding and the joy that accompanies it. Amen.

Wednesday, 25 September 2019

…that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 1:7

Peter just spoke of being grieved by various trials. He says that there is a reason for these things. It is dealing with “the genuineness of your faith.” The word translated as genuineness is found only here and James 1:3. It signifies a test or a proving of something to determine its nature, whether it is genuine or not. Because of the use of this word, it is surmised that Peter was aware of James’ epistle and was using this particular word to supplement the thoughts that James spoke of. There he said –

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” James 1:2, 3

James spoke of the producing of patience when tested. Peter speaks of the genuineness of it. In other words, there is a proving process which is occurring in the believer that comes from these various trials. He then says that this proven faith is “much more precious than gold that perishes.” Peter makes the comparison of faith directly to gold, and he says that it is “more precious.” The thing that many find of such high value is nothing compared to proven faith.

And to bolster this, he says that gold “perishes.” The idea here is that faith does not. When it is proven, it is that which has eternal benefit. In this, there is a thought which Paul made in his writings that is confirmed here. Gold is tangible; it can be seen and held. And yet, it is temporary. However, faith in God’s work which is accomplished in Christ is unseen. But despite this, it will never perish. Paul spoke of this in 1 Corinthians 13:13 with the words, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three.”

Peter then says of this faith, “though it is tested by fire.” This is referring to the “various trials” of verse 6. They are the means of testing the faith, and though they may be grieving, they serve a purpose. Gold is purified when it is put through the fire. Peter is making a comparison between that process and the fire of affliction. The same result is realized. Just as gold is purified by fire, so is the faith purified by the trials. He is making a direct analogy between the two – meaning the proven faith and the purified gold. In doing so, he then says that the faith “may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

The three-fold thought expresses that which is to be bestowed upon those of faith at the time of Christ’s revelation. There will be commendation for having demonstrated faith. That will be increased for those who maintained their faith through the various trials they face. There will be reward for those who have increased their faith from simple belief in the gospel to that which is so grounded that it will hold up even through the greatest of trials. And, there will be a conferral of the magnificence of God bestowed upon those who have so proven their faith. Each person will receive what is due to him according to the evaluation which is made concerning the faith which is demonstrated.

In the end, the judgment of the believer is one of reward and loss, and every single reward will be based on faith which is connected to whatever deed is accomplished. A deed not done in faith can receive no reward. The judgment of God in Christ upon the believer is described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 and 2 Corinthians 5:9-11.

Life application: The faith we possess, and which is tested in the crucible of trial, difficulty, and suffering will ultimately lead to “praise, honor, and glory.” Too often when something disastrous occurs, we cry out, “Why God?”

Imagine a father and his friends who go out on the ocean for a day of fishing. Three days later, after extensive searches, they are all found dead. The usual questions arise, and God’s goodness is part of that questioning process. But is this right? Would these people have perished in a boating accident if they hadn’t gone boating? Would it have been better to stay indoors in a locked room?

God’s goodness is displayed in the fact that these people had the freedom to choose a day of fishing; they had the ability to relax instead of continuing work just to feed their family; they had families that loved them; etc. We don’t live in isolated cells with feeding tubes attached to us. We must expect soldiers will die in war, people who cross the street may not make it to the other side, and people who eat may accidentally choke on their food.

The test then is not for the dead, but for the living. When we face trials – be they large or small; personal, within a family, or within a community; financial, life-threatening, or spiritual – we demonstrate our faith when we acknowledge God’s sovereignty and His right to work out His plan in a way that we may not always understand.

When trials come, the testing may be intense and the heat may be severe, but this refining process is something that will ultimately lead to praise, honor, and glory. And this will come when Jesus Christ is revealed to us in His glorious splendor. Pain and sadness are to be expected, but when you can honestly accept all things with the attitude that “the Lord’s will be done,” you are in the high place of strong faith – a place of reward from the Creator.

O great and sovereign God, give us the ability to accept all things that occur in our lives as gifts from You – whether blessing or trial. We ask this because we see that even the trials are blessings when they test our faith and refine it. Help us to consider that Your word clearly teaches this. And so, when trials come, may there be praise, honor, and glory for us when we faithfully endure through them, and when our faith is proven as a result of them. Amen.