S – He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
1 Peter 1:20–21 ESV
O – This payment for sin was planned before the Creation of the world and revealed for people’s sake through the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. (The pres. Age is these last times [v. 20] whereas the coming Age is “the last time” [v. 5].) It is through Christ, whom the Father resurrected (cf. v. 3) and glorified in His Ascension (John 17:5; Heb. 1:3) that people may come to know and trust in God. As a result of God’s eternal plan and priceless payment for sin, faith and hope can be placed in Him.
Roger M. Raymer, “1 Peter,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 843.
A – Before there was a sunrise, there was a plan. Before God spoke light into the darkness, He already knew the cross.
That raises questions. Why did this happen? Why didn’t that? What about those people? Some of those answers won’t come until heaven. But here’s what God has made crystal clear: the plan has a name, and His name is Jesus.
Jesus is the way to God. Peter shows us two things that hold that relationship together.
Faith is the foundation. You have to believe God’s Word is true and His plan is good. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” Faith takes Him at His word.
Hope is the anchor. It isn’t wishful thinking. God raised Jesus from the dead and gave Him glory. That’s already happened. So when I hope in God, I’m hoping in the One who has already beaten the grave.
That means He’s working in my life today. And it means forever with Him is the reward waiting at the finish line.
Where’s your faith resting this morning? Where’s your hope anchored?
R – Heavenly Father, thank You for a plan that was settled before the world began, a plan that made room for relationship with us. We believe Jesus is Your Son. He came to earth as a man, died on the cross, and rose from the grave. Through Him we come to You. Today we put our faith and our hope in You, and in You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
