1 Peter 1:10-16
10 “As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries,11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look. 13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written: “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Verse 10: Peter acknowledges the prophets of the Old Testament who spoke of the grace that would come through Jesus Christ. These prophets diligently searched and studied the Scriptures, seeking to understand the fullness of God’s plan for salvation. Even in the Old Testament when the Mosaic covenant was in focus, the authors still realized that something better was coming.
Verse 11: The prophets were inspired by the Spirit of Christ within them as they predicted both the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. They longed to understand the timing and specific circumstances surrounding these events.
Verse 12: The prophets came to realize that their prophecies were not solely for their own benefit, but for the benefit of future generations, including the believers to whom Peter is writing. The fulfillment of these prophecies has been proclaimed by those who have preached the gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Even the angels are captivated by the profound truths of the gospel and eagerly desire to understand them more fully.
Verse 13: In light of the revelation of God’s plan of salvation, Peter encourages the believers to have alert and sober minds. They are to fix their hope on the grace that will be fully realized when Jesus Christ is revealed at His second coming. But notice that Peter is speaking of grace being fully realized, not given. We have all of God’s grace now. We are simply waiting for the full unveiling of it. This hope should shape their perspective and actions in the present.
Verse 14: Peter urges the believers to live as obedient children of God, no longer conforming to the sinful desires they had when they were ignorant of God’s truth. Obedience is simply belief in Jesus. When we believe we are given a new identity. This new identity in Christ calls for a transformation in our attitudes and behaviors.
Verse 15: Peter reminds the believers that God, who called them, is holy. Therefore, they are to reflect His holiness in every aspect of their lives. This call to holiness is not about achieving perfection through their own efforts, but about living in alignment with their new nature in Christ.
Verse 16: Peter quotes from the Old Testament (Leviticus 11:44) to emphasize the timeless and unchanging nature of God’s call to holiness. The believers are to strive for holiness, knowing that it is a reflection of the character of the holy God they serve. It is important to note that Christ has made us holy, once and for all. We do not become more holy by behaving in holy ways. However, we can make the choice to live out of our new identity.