Deeper Reflection
PETER LOOKS AT SALVATION FROM THREE POINTS OF salvation history: past, present and future.The Present in Salvation History: The “sufferings of Christ” “predicted” by “the Spirit of Christ” points to our redemption through “the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot” (v.11, 1 Pet 1:18-19). Having been redeemed, what do we do from here? We are to “grow up in your salvation” (1 Pet 2:2, NIV) – to “grow into a full experience of salvation” (NLT). How are we to grow up in salvation? By the Word of God – “the pure milk of the word” (1 Pet 2:2, NASB). And for this we must have the appetite of “newborn babies”, and the attitude of “crave pure spiritual milk…Cry out for this nourishment” (1 Pet 2:2, NLT).The Future in Salvation History: Twice in his doxology – praising God for His saving works (vv.3-12) − Peter speaks of “salvation” eschatologically: “for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (v.5) and “receive the outcome of your faith, your final salvation”³² (v.9). “In this” already-and-not-yet eschatological salvation, we will be “distressed by various trials” for the testing of our “faith” (vv.6-7). We are to view the duration of our “various trials” eschatologically – however long it may be: It is “for a little while” (v.6; 1 Pet 5:10). These eschatological trials are according to divine necessity: It is always “if necessary” (v.6). And our eschatological vision is: “to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (v.7).

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³² J. Ramsey Michaels, 1 Peter, Word Biblical Commentary (Word, 1988), 25