As a teacher, one of the best things I can do for my students is hold them accountable. If they think there will be no consequences for late or sloppy work, they are ultimately the ones who will suffer because they won’t really learn the material.
Peter reminds us that God is both our Father and our judge (v. 17). Since God is all-knowing and completely just, we know His judgment will be thorough and fair (v. 17). This should lead us to hold a “reverent fear” of God (v. 17). Healthy fear of God can coexist with assurance of our salvation and love for the Lord. Just as healthy fear of a loving parent might keep a child from giving in to peer pressure, fear of the Lord can protect us from lesser fears that might derail our Christian life.
Another reason to have a reverent fear of God is because we belong fully to Him. In the ancient world, purchasing slaves was a regular part of the culture. A slave could also have their freedom purchased by a benefactor, which was called “ransoming” a slave. Peter uses this imagery as an analogy for what God has done for us through Christ. He freed us from our former way of life and slavery to sin, “with the precious blood of Christ” (v. 19). This was a price far more costly than any amount of silver or gold (v. 18). Jesus is the perfect Passover Lamb (Exod. 12:5). He took the judgment that we deserved upon Himself.
Even more astounding, Jesus was chosen for this role from “before the creation of the world” (v. 20). God had planned way in advance how He would redeem fallen humanity. Amazing love! Because of what He has done for us, we can have hope for the future (v. 21).
Go Deeper
What does having a healthy fear of the Lord look like? What does it not mean? How does this healthy fear change the way we live?
Pray with Us
Hallelujah! What a Savior You are, Jesus! Thank You for ransoming us and taking our judgment upon Yourself. Please give us a healthy fear that comes from love and adoration for You.
Live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.1 Peter 1:17
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