Scripture

But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth where righteousness is at home.

Observation

The earth will pass away on the day of the Lord, so we need to live lives of holiness and godliness. While we actively await these things, we strive to be at peace and without spot or blemish.

Paul has written about these things also, but some twist his teachings for their own aims and to their own destruction. We need to ensure that we are not ensnared by those who are lawless. Instead, we must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour.

Application

The knowledge that Jesus is coming back should turn us outward not inward. Some people pore over Scriptures trying foolishly to determine the date and manner of His return.

Rather than this striving for intellectual knowledge we should be aiming for holiness. To be ready for His coming, we need to be without spot or blemish in our character and daily life.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I know you will return and the heavens and the earth will be re-created. Please help me to be ready for that wonderful day. Amen.

Scripture

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests,a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

Observation

We are to get rid of all sinful behaviour. Instead, we are to crave the pure spiritual milk that will grow us into maturity.

We are living stones in the Temple of which Christ is the cornerstone. Those who trust Him recognise the honour that God has given Him, but those who reject Him stumble because they refuse to obey God’s word.

But we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.

Application

We have been saved from sin- not just its consequences but its reality. That means that sin no longer has power to hold us captive.

We are always subject to temptation in this life, and at times we will fall. But this is not an excuse to hold on to the ways of sin. As holy people we must learn to live holy lives- lives dedicated to a holy God.

This is impossible in our own strength. As we surrender to the Holy Spirit, He will change our sinful ways to holy ways.

Prayer

Lord, today I cry out to you for that pure spiritual milk. Feed me on what is holy. Transform me into that pure person you designed me to be, totally submitted to you. Amen.

Scripture

For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last for ever because it comes from the eternal living word of God.

Observation

Our heavenly Father will judge us by our deeds because He paid a precious ransom to save us from our empty life. The ransom was not mere silver or gold but the precious blood of Christ. We have come to trust in Christ through faith because of the resurrection.

We were cleansed from our sins and must now show love for one another. We have been born again to eternal life.

Application

God’s salvation is awesome in its scope, but we find it so easy to take for granted.

Peter reminds us that we were born again for eternity. Death no longer has a hold over us. We will live for ever.

Our salvation was bought at a tremendous price. The blood of the spotless Lamb of God was poured out to set us free from sin.

If we are to honour God’s grace in saving us, we will want to live out a different life- a life marked by holiness and love.

Prayer

Lord Jesus you are the spotless Lamb of God and you purchased my salvation. Thank you for setting me free from the works of sin. Let me honour you with every word and deed. Amen.

Scripture

The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.

Observation
God knew us and chose us from long ago, and His Spirit makes us holy. For this reason we have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
It is by the mercy of God that we have been born again. Now we have an inheritance kept for us in heaven where nothing can spoil it. Meanwhile God is protecting us until that last day when all will see the mystery of salvation.
We must rejoice, despite any trials that we go through. Trials strengthen our faith. If we keep trusting in Jesus we truly will be saved.

Application
It is an awesome thought that God chose us before we were born. He is the one who brings us to the place of salvation.
Because my salvation is in His hands, it does not depend on me or even on my faith. God will protect me and give me the faith to overcome, if I trust Him for that,
The key is to always look to Jesus in good times and in trials. If we do that, He will bring us safely through.

Prayer
Thank you Lord Jesus for your salvation. Thank you for the assurance that nothing can separate me from your love. Amen.