1st.Peter 1:3-5 "Blessed be the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, which according to HIS abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of JESUS CHRIST from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven for you, who are kept by the power of GOD through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
If you have received GOD's gift of eternal life through faith alone in JESUS CHRIST's substitutionary death and resurrection, then you are a personal recipient of the mercy of GOD, for HE has withheld from you that which you rightly deserve as a sinful human being. GOD's WORD declares, "It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because HIS compassions fail not" (Lamentations 3:22). As sinful people, we deserve to be "consumed," that is, immersed in the eternal wrath of GOD (John 3:36). Yet the LORD has provided a way for us to escape that which we deserve. Notice Psalm 103:8-13, pictured above, for the psalmist David clearly defines and describes the LORD's mercy: "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy." David writes, "HE hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities."
Today's text describes the LORD's "abundant mercy" toward us in relation to our salvation and our eternal security in HIM. As a result of GOD's mercy, we have received spiritual life as well as the promise of physical resurrection and everlasting life with our SAVIOR (vv.3-4). Believers can look forward "to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven for [us]." Do we deserve this ? Of course not, but we can be absolutely certain that the LORD's mercy is eternal, and HIS promises will be fulfilled. And, as believers, we can also be confident that we will never lose our eternal relationship with our GOD. Why ? The very same mercy that saved us likewise keeps us forever secure in HIM (v.5 pictured above). Praise the LORD for HIS bountiful mercy that HE has bestowed on such undeserving sinners as ourselves. MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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