We are looking at a longer passage this morning as it gives us the opportunity to see it in a grand sweep. We generally look at two or three verses, but it is good, if you get the time, to read these books 'cover to cover' as well. Peter writes about Christianity's grand themes: 1. Jesus Christ is the Redeemer and Lord. He has liberated all believers from the bondage of sin and death. Peter's mind goes back to the first Passover, recorded in Exodus 12 v 5, when the lamb was killed and the blood was used to mark the doorsteps of the Israelites, so that the Angel of death would pass them by and death would not enter their homes. Peter reminds his readers that it was always about Jesus. Remember it was no Plan B, but God's eternal purpose that His Son should die to save the world and it was His purpose BEFORE He created the world! Peter is consistent with the other writers of New Testament books, in that he sees the death of Christ and His resurrection as all of one piece. In death Jesus freed men and women from their bondage; through His triumphant resurrection He brings life which is as glorious and indestructible as His own. 2. The life without Christ. This is the life of ignorance, without any knowledge of the True God; it is a life dominated by desire, for what else is there than to 'eat and drink for tomorrow we die'? So, it was also a life characterised by futility with nothing to live for and nothing to die for. The great Martin Luther-King Junior stated: ''If a man has not discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live.'' 3. The Christ-filled life. This is one of obedience and holiness. God insists to His people that they must be holy as He is holy- Leviticus 11 v 44. We are holy because we are called to live differently. It is also a life of reverence, understanding that we are in the presence of God and recognising the immense cost which Christ has paid to set us free. Peter quotes from the book of Isaiah to emphasise that Christians have been reborn-the life of God is in us-and we are made beautiful by the love of God who gave us this new birth. What do these immense, eternal and fundamental truths about the Christian life mean for you this morning?
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