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.
Written by the Apostle Peter, the Epistle of 1 Peter is a powerful yet encouraging letter addressed to Christians scattered across Asia Minor. Suffering persecution, these early Christians are reminded by Peter of the living hope they have in Jesus Christ. Central to 1 Peter is the message of the Gospel, which we know tells us that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, according to the Scriptures.
Peter is an encouragement for others to stand firm in the faith, live holy lives, and remain steadfast in the face of trials, mirroring the legitimate power of the Gospel to save the soul.
1 Peter emphasizes the redemptive work of Christ as the foundation of the Gospel as well. The imagery, which we’ll see via the Scriptures below, connects the death of Jesus to the Old Testament sacrificial system, showcasing the sufficiency of His atonement. It cements that salvation is not based on perishable things like silver or gold but on the priceless sacrifice of Christ.
In this guide to the Gospel in 1 Peter, we showcase Scriptures (using the King James Version) that best help the Christian zoom in on the Good News using this specific book as a lens. Each verse is accompanied by concise commentary to provide the takeaway in layman’s terms. Our goal in this and all the other Gospel in the New Testament Series articles is to show how 1 Peter presents the doctrine that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus 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 salvation through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This hope is an inheritance that is imperishable and unfading, kept in heaven for them.
- 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.”
These Scriptures explain that believers were redeemed from their empty way of life (dead to sin) inherited from their ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ.
- 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.”
Here Peter tells us 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 that “blessed” 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 choose righteousness over sin. It affirms that by His wounds, “ye were 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.”
This verse highlights Jesus’s death as the means of reconciliation between God and man, confirming that Christ, though sinless, died for the sinful, and through His resurrection, death was destroyed and believers are brought into a restored relationship with God.
- 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.”
This verse emphasizes the need for believers to adopt Christ’s attitude toward suffering, understanding that enduring suffering for righteousness helps break the power of sin and aligns them with God’s will.
- 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.”
This verse shows us that, though suffering is temporary, God will ultimately bring healing and strength, fulfilling His promise of eternal glory for those who remain faithful.
It’s important to note that Peter’s letter calls believers to righteous living in response to the Gospel. See 1 Peter 1:14-15: “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;” In this, we see that within the nature of the Gospel not only forgives sin but also empowers Christians to live in accordance with the Will of God.
Before you go, consider the reality of suffering for the sake of Christ and the Gospel. Peter encourages us to endure; see 1 Peter 3:14: “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;” He points to Christ’s own suffering as the chief example.
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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