1 Peter 1:1-2

"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus CHrist and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure."

I hope you are ready! This passage is packed with truth and filled with jewels. In short, it is beautiful. Shall we?

"To those who reside as aliens" - as a result of the persecution, believers from all over the Roman Empire were scattered because of their belief in Christ. The idea of "strangers and aliens" also comes from Hebrews 11:13. Those who trust in God confess that they are but strangers in this world because they are citizens in heaven. The ones who live by faith, "desire a better, heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them" (Heb 11:16). The world is not our home, for our citizenship is in the heavens!

"chosen according to the foreknowledge of God" - Our citizenship in heaven is the result of God's choosing. In Chapter 2:9, Peter says that we are a "chosen generation". In the same way that God chose His people, Israel, He chooses His people now - the church. In the book of Ephesians, Paul tells the church at Ephesus that they have been "predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will" (1:11). Romans tells us that "No one understands, no one seeks after God" (3:11). Therefore, "No one can come to Me (Jesus) unless the Father who sent Me draws him"  (John 6:44)

The foreknowledge of God is also more than a simple knowledge of future events. It is the Greek word "prognosis" which refers to God's eternal, predetermined, loving and saving intention. The same word was used in reference to God's knowledge from eternity past that He would send His Son to redeem sinners. His knowledge is based on His decisions, not merely an understanding of future happenings in the world. God does not take a "hands-off" approach to running the universe!

When God says "I have known you by name" to Moses, He means that He has an intimate relationship with Moses, not that He merely knows about him. To those whom He has redeemed, we also have an established, intimate relationship with our Creator. Psalm 139 says "O Lord, You have searched me and known me..." His foreknowledge involves a predetermining to know somone by having an intimate, saving relationship with them. Those whom He has "foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son" (Romans 8:29).

"sanctifying work of the Spirit" - refers to the separation and holiness of the believer from the world. Once a person is justified, or made right with God, the Spirit begins this sanctifying process. For the rest of a believer's life, the Spirit will be chiseling and molding that person into the image of Christ. The Spirit produces faith and repentance, and is also the guarantee of our inheritance in heaven. (Ephesians 1:14).

Making war on sin is the work of the Spirit. He separates us from darkness into light and changes our desires. When we find a love for righteouness and a hatred of sin in our souls, it is the work of the Spirit! Any good thing in us is the "fruit of the Spirit" (i.e. love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control)

Therefore, if you cannot find the work of the Spirit in your life, it is time to re-evaluate! Have you ever accepted the sacrifice of the Son of God on your behalf? If you have, then rejoice! For the Spirit is continuously changing you into the image of Christ! We are citizens of heaven...