Lord’s Library editors created this introductory guide to the Gospel in 1 Peter to showcase how the Scriptures reveal salvation by grace through faith in 1 Peter.
The Epistle of 1 Peter, written by the Apostle Peter, is a powerful and encouraging letter addressed to believers scattered across Asia Minor. Facing persecution and suffering, these early Christians are reminded of the living hope they have in Jesus Christ. Central to 1 Peter is the message of the Gospel, emphasizing that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection. Peter encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, live holy lives, and remain steadfast in the face of trials, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel.
A central theme in 1 Peter is the concept of a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Peter begins the letter by praising God for giving believers a new birth into a living hope and “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). This passage highlights the security and certainty of the believer’s salvation, grounded in the resurrection of Christ, which assures them of eternal life and a glorious future.
1 Peter also emphasizes the redemptive work of Christ as the foundation of the Gospel. Peter reminds the believers that they were “redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:19). This imagery connects the sacrificial death of Jesus to the Old Testament sacrificial system, underscoring the sufficiency and finality of His atonement. It emphasizes that salvation is not based on perishable things like silver or gold, but on the priceless sacrifice of Christ.
The Gospel in 1 Peter
The Gospel in 1 Peter Showcased in Scripture
- 1 Peter 1:3-5: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
1 Peter 1:3-5 praises God for His great mercy and the new birth believers have received into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This hope is an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for them. Believers are shielded by God’s power through faith, ready to be revealed in the last time.
- 1 Peter 1:18-19: “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
1 Peter 1:18-19 explains that believers were redeemed from their empty way of life inherited from their ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
- 1 Peter 1:21: “Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.”
1 Peter 1:21 emphasizes that through Jesus Christ, believers have faith and hope in God. It explains that Christ’s resurrection from the dead and His glorification are the basis for this faith and hope.
- 1 Peter 2:24: “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”
1 Peter 2:24 describes Jesus bearing our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness. It affirms that by His wounds, we are healed.
- 1 Peter 3:18: “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.”
1 Peter 3:18 explains that Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, to bring believers to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.
- 1 Peter 4:1: “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin.”
1 Peter 4:1 encourages believers to arm themselves with the same mindset as Christ, who suffered in the flesh. It emphasizes that suffering in the flesh signifies the end of sin, implying that those who suffer in this way have ceased from sin.
- 1 Peter 5:10: “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
1 Peter 5:10 offers encouragement and assurance to believers, stating that after they have suffered for a little while, God will restore, support, strengthen, and establish them.
These verses from 1 Peter emphasize the mercy and grace of God, the redemptive work of Christ through His suffering and resurrection, and the hope of eternal inheritance for believers. They highlight the foundational truths of the Gospel: salvation by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross.
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Furthermore, the letter calls believers to holiness and righteous living in response to the Gospel. Peter exhorts, “As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation” (1 Peter 1:14-15). This call to holiness reflects the transformative nature of the Gospel, which not only forgives sins but also empowers believers to live in accordance with God’s will.
1 Peter also addresses the reality of suffering for the sake of Christ and the Gospel. Peter encourages believers to endure suffering with patience and faith, reminding them that “if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye” (1 Peter 3:14). He points to Christ’s own suffering as an example and assures them of the ultimate victory and glory that awaits those who remain faithful.
As we explore these key passages, it becomes clear that 1 Peter offers a rich and encouraging presentation of the Gospel. The epistle emphasizes the living hope and secure inheritance believers have in Christ, the redemptive power of His sacrifice, and the call to holy and righteous living. Through its exhortations and assurances, 1 Peter provides a comprehensive vision of the Christian life, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith and live out the transformative power of the Gospel, even in the face of trials and persecution.
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
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