Dr. Lawrence Butler

The Bridge Church, Pembroke

Synopsis Part I – The Glorious Salvation

We have a living hope. It is based upon the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

(1Peter 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,” We have an incorruptible inheritance. Our future inheritance is not one that will pass away, but it lasts forever. (1Pe 1:4) “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” There is a divine power. The children of God are kept victorious in the midst of suffering by this power. a. Through faith (v.5) – “Who are kept by the power of God unto salvation…” b. Rejoicing through trials (v.6) – “Wherein ye greatly rejoice” c. After coming through trials, we come forth as gold at Christ’s appearing (v.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 honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” Peter strongly believed in the return of Christ to this earth, and he taught that to the early church. d. We are kept victorious in love and joy (v.8) – “… ye rejoice with unspeakable joy” The mysterious plan. a. Prophets and angels enquired about (v.10-12) b. The plan calls for godliness, obedience and holiness (vv.10-17) c. The cost was infinite and foreordained before the foundation of the world (vv.10-21).

It was important to Peter to reach out to the saints of his generation.

He knew the path of suffering from personal experience, and was aware of the danger of losing perspective. It was critical to encourage the suffering saints!