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Book of 1 Peter - Chapter 1 - Verse 2

1:2
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Meaning

This verse emphasizes the process of salvation as it pertains to believers who have been chosen by God according to His foreknowledge. The phrase "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father" highlights the predestined nature of those who are saved, indicating that God has chosen specific individuals in advance to be part of His kingdom. The next part of the verse, "through sanctification of the Spirit," underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in the process of sanctifying and setting believers apart for God's purposes. This sanctification is essential for believers to walk in obedience and be purified through the blood of Jesus Christ. The reference to the sprinkling of Jesus' blood alludes to the atoning sacrifice that he made on the cross for the forgiveness of sin. Finally, the verse closes with a benediction of grace and peace, expressing the desire for God's abundant blessings to be multiplied in the lives of believers.

Theological Overview

Within this verse, we see a rich theological implication regarding the concept of election. The term "elect" signifies those chosen by God for salvation, indicating a divine purpose and plan in the redemption of individuals. The idea of being chosen "according to the foreknowledge of God the Father" emphasizes God's omniscient knowledge and sovereignty in selecting His people before they even existed. This foreknowledge extends to the work of the Holy Spirit in sanctifying believers, setting them apart for God's purposes. Through the sanctification process, believers are drawn into obedience to Christ, symbolized by the sprinkling of His blood which signifies the cleansing from sin that comes through His sacrifice. The mention of grace and peace being multiplied emphasizes the abundance of God's blessings for His chosen ones. Overall, this verse highlights the intricacy of God's redemptive plan, from His foreknowledge to the work of the Spirit to the sacrificial atonement of Jesus Christ, all leading to the multiplication of grace and peace for those who have been elected by God.

American Standard Version

according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
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