elect

Much debate has surrounded the concept of being God's chosen spiritual people, usually to miss the greatest point of our wonderful calling. The apostle Peter says:

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, ² elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied (1 Peter 1:1-2 nkjv).

Some say foreknowledge means foreknowing a choice. Some say foreknowledge practically means foreordination... both have truth, but the reality is foreknowledge implies something much deeper and more beautiful: an eternal, intimate knowledge and relationship our God has with His children. When we begin to focus on this truth, our election becomes that much more practical... it becomes a hope of a future home. An inheritance. An eternal destiny that only God can give.

Peter goes on to tell us:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, ⁵ who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:3-5 nkjv).

Let these words be an encouragement to us as God's adopted children during these days of trial, tribulation and suffering, just as it was for these first believers many centuries ago.