Today we read the final words to the Hebrews where the writer tells them that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Therefore, “Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines.”
“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Next we begin reading the first of two letters written by Peter “from Rome shortly before his death, which probably occurred in AD 64 during the persecution of Nero.” This first letter is written to Christians dispersed in “Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.”
Peter encourages the Christians, who are under great persecution, to endure and remain faithful to Jesus, whose life and death provides them with living hope of eternal salvation. Therefore, they do not need to fear their persecutors because no one can take away their eternal salvation that is kept by the power of God for those who have faith in Jesus Christ.
“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love… Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.'”
More from Peter tomorrow so keep reading.
(Hebrews 13:1-25, 1 Peter 1:1-2:3)
Chronological Bible in Layman's Terms 