SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 1:5 “You, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
OBSERVATION | First, let us learn that this passage comes in the discussion of our heavenly Father’s work of giving dead men new life and a future inheritance that 1) cannot decay 2) cannot be defiled and 3) will never fade away (1 Peter 1:4). This inheritance is “kept” or preserved in heaven for the true believer. It is “protected by the power of God.”
Second, let us learn of what we are being taught by God of the doctrine of predestination and election. Here Peter affirms the same truth Paul has in Ephesians 1:4-5. Salvation in no way depends on man. Not our works. Not our choice. Not anything. God chooses those who truly believe. He chooses to take the dead and give them gift of life and eternity through the gift of faith (Ephesians 2:1-10).
The heart of the issue of what appears to be freewill (aka Arminianism) is that it teaches salvation and the inheritance depends on man. Freewill, repackaged and wrapped up with a bow, makes it look like something other than what it is, works righteousness. Add the fact that arguing against free will confounds human reason and logic, as well as that fact freewill embraces the desires of man which are only bent toward sin, and the result is every reason to accept the idea of freewill. However, freewill is still just another twist on works righteousness. This has been argued to be true and is a dangerous error that has been defeated again and again throughout history.
A true doctrine of salvation maintains the plain and simple teaching of scripture. God 1) creates all 2) choses those who are His own (Romans 9) and 3) He “protects by the power of God” their future with Him. God’s power has no limits. Therefore, the chosen’s inheritance will in no way “decay” or “fade away.” That is to say, their entrance into heaven will in not be lost. This is the gospel of grace and it is “according to His great mercy” that he “has caused us to be born again to a living Hope.” (1 Peter 1:3) If our salvation is dependent on human will in its beginning, or in its continuing until we reach glory, it is dependent on the works of man and is not of grace and God’s mercy then at all (Romans 11:6). Further, it would be at least in part to the praise and glory of man if it were man’s decision and not God’s alone.
Third, regarding the so called will of man, it does exits, but either is bent on sin or by grace and the power of God comes into conformity with God’s own will. In justification, this change of the will occurs drastically. Then in sanctification, the will in the life of a believer becomes increasingly and progressively more conformed to God’s will. Thus, man’s free will is always evil and sin, but when conformed to God’s will it is obedience that is righteous and holy that God himself creates and causes. He is in effect the one at work in us when we seemingly freely do His will.
Philippians 2:12–13 “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”
Fourth, those who “fall” from salvation only do so from the limited human view. For no man can see and know God’s divine choice and election of others. In other words, those who are chosen by God (vs.1-2), and “protected by the power of God”(vs.5) if they appear to fall away are still sheep, only sheep that have gone astray. See Matthew 18:12–14 for Jesus explanation of this in the shepherd leaving the ninety-nine to go and find the one sheep who has gone astray. Others who “fall away” have left a salvation they never truly had, but from every human point of view seemed to have had. If it is possible for a man to “un-chose” himself by God or break the “protection of the power of God” God’s power would be horribly limited and His choice would have no meaning or authority.
However, regarding those who are assured by faith in the scriptures and the work of God in their life of their own election, they rightly rest in the protecting power of God taught in verses like this one. It is the nervousness of some that call the biblical doctrine of election into question.Some are nervous because they simply lack confidence in the truth of scripture that assures them they are saved and chosen by the Work of God alone, which cannot be undone. Some are nervous because they actually do not have true saving faith, but a false assurance(James 2:19, Matthew 7:21-23). Scripture warns of the un-saving kind of faith, and teaches us to test ourselves and be sure of our election (2 Peter 1:10–11). In other words, we are commanded by God to be assured of our salvation. The result? Godly living grows increasingly from having such assurance. For we live for God not to try to make Him accept us, but because we know He has chosen and adopted us despite our wretchedness. Thus, we want to live for Him all the more and more.
APPLICATION | Are you sure of your salvation and election? Have you been living and fooling yourself with a false assurance? Having faith in scripture and seeking assurance in prayer will reveal your own election by God to you. Seek confident assurance today, and live in it boldly.
PRAYER | Father, we look forward to “the last time.” The day when Jesus returns and our full salvation from the battle with sin, from the curse of this age and from the evils of this world are over. Give us a confidence and assurance of our salvation and election through Your Holy Word. Cause us to stand firm if we are truly yours and then turn to live a life full of the kind of gratitude obedience that You deserve. For Your glory alone. Amen.
