The True Grace Of God

by J. Renfrew, Paisley, Scotland | Category: General | Aug 1994

This expression is to be found at the end of Peter's first epistle as he writes to the elect in the five provinces of Asia Minor (5:12). The saints to whom he wrote were described as the Dispersion, that is, in modern terms, they were displaced persons who had been the victims of "ethnic cleansing". They had been forced to leave their homes and religious observances and were sojourners in a foreign country, subject to foreign customs and laws. But Peter describes them as the elect of God. They had come to know Christ through the gospel, and whatever earthly loss they had sustained, they could rejoice in an inheritance in the heavens which was secured for them and us by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Things don't change over the centuries, and a similar situation exists in some countries today and will continue to exist until the Lord's return to earth. Then will be revealed a further manifestation of the grace of God.

They, and we, rejoice in an inheritance which is unfading and reserved in heaven for us, but until the Lord comes from heaven - the little while that lies between - there can be a time of trial and even suffering for the people of God. This can lead to the proof of our faith. It was to sustain their faith that Peter writes his first epistle.

As sojourners in a strange land, they were to reflect in their lives the holiness of the God who had called them; He is holy and we should be a holy people. Living among the nations can be a defiling experience, and we need grace from God to keep ourselves clean in the midst of uncleanness. As the people of God we have a spiritual service in association with His house; a holy priesthood service which ministers about sacred things, and all the requirements for cleansing of priests of a past day have an application in the service of the people of God today. Let us not fail the Lord in this respect.

Our manner of life among the nations must be such as brings glory to the Lord, and a recurring theme which runs through Peter's first epistle is that of subjection. It has its application in different spheres:

The political sphere (2:13):

The people of God should be good citizens. This means subjection as far as possible to the laws of the country in which we live. This is honouring to God and a testimony to those who are unbelievers. Only if the country's laws directly contravene the law of God should we resist for conscience sake. We are deeply thankful to God for countries where Christian influence has led to laws which are to some extent in accordance with the law of God.

The employment sphere (2:18):

Some masters are good to work for; others are not so good, perhaps even crooked. The believer has to be subject as far as possible to his or her earthly master, even if this involves suffering. Peter brings before us the sufferings of the Lord Jesus, who was without sin, and has left us an example that we should follow His steps.

The domestic sphere (3:1):

Subjection of wives to husbands may not be a popular theme in the world today, but it comes within the will of God for His people. Is insubjection one cause of so many broken marriages today? Being joint-heirs of the grace of life involves the subjection of wives, following the pattern of godly women of former days.

The ecclesiastical sphere (5:5):

Unity amongst elders must involve subjection one to another, especially younger to elder. The Adversary is not slow to exploit divisions among elders and caring for the flock of God may involve a measure of suffering, but the God of all grace is able to sustain and meet our every need.

The heavenly sphere (3:22):

Angels and authorities and powers have been made subject to Christ. We may not see this fully in operation yet, but God has appointed a day when all things will be subject to our risen Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:25). Until that day, the people of God may well pass through times of suffering, but we know it will be for a limited time only. In conclusion, Peter writes, "This is the true grace of God: stand ye fast therein" (5:12). It is lovely to meet saints who, in the many vicissitudes of life have held fast to the teaching of the people of God, knowing that this will redound to the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ when He returns for His saints (1:7).

J. Renfrew, Paisley, Scotland | Aug 1994
General