Peter writes with a sense of urgency here. It is vital that believers take very seriously their identity in Christ and intentionally demonstrate spiritual growth in the everyday roles of life. Why? Because we are being evaluated daily. We must live distinctively as “Jesus Life” people!

With three complementary illustrations, Peter now calls on each believer to take personal and continuing responsibility for spiritual growth. It is not enough to be converted and to only begin the Christian journey. Turning from sin to righteousness is a daily practice; and this new life has communal obligations that go with it.

The greatest tragedy, until the cross, played out in Genesis chapter 3. Everything God had made for us, and to be with us, was lost. But God, in the midst of the tragic loss and inevitable death, promised that He would make things right. He started making things right in that very same moment.

When Adam fell into sin, he sold every one of his descendants into slavery. Thankfully, Jesus Christ, the “second Adam”, never fell into sin. Instead, He fully endured temptation to the full extent, and prevailed as perfect. It is because He remained sinless that He is able to pay the price that we could never pay.

We often do not truly understand sin. Because we view sin as the grand total of negative actions we have committed in our life, we often think we do not need to be forgiven of much. The truth is we often live out our lack of trust in God’s proven character. Every time we fall for the lie that God is not who He says He is, we fall into sin.

Further motivation for the Christian life (beyond our fascination with salvation and our enthusiasm for the Jesus life) is found in our recognition of God’s discipline and an appreciation of the tremendous cost of our salvation. This new life is meant to be lived openly so others are attracted to Jesus.

Always captivated by a “living hope,” Peter now transitions from lofty theological introduction to gentle pastoral direction about how to live the Christian life. He gives no complicated strategy or oppressive requirements. Peter simply describes the obvious traits of an authentic follower of Jesus.

1 Peter is a timely message to twenty-first century disciples—a letter designed to strengthen the local church living in an increasingly hostile environment; and to steel the resolve of the saints to stay the course to eternity. From eternity past to eternity future, the drama of salvation is breathtaking!