Born to a Living Hope: A Transformation of New Life 1 Peter 1:3
- 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, 1 Peter 1:3 KJV
We explore the transformative power of being born to a living hope. The Apostle Peter, in his first letter, speaks of this living hope that springs forth through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let us delve into the beautiful reality that this hope brings, resulting in a spiritual awakening and a remarkable transformation of life.
This is a “living [ongoing] hope”
Particularly associated with the resurrection
- Being raised from the dead to eternal life (Titus 1:2; 3:7)
- We have hope in this (1 Cor. 15:13-19)
- Hope is not what we see/have, but what we have as an earnest expectation (Rom. 8:24)
- We have hope to be like Jesus (1 Jn. 3:2)
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I. Quickened to New Life (Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13)
The living hope we are born into quickens us, making us spiritually alive. Prior to encountering Christ, we were dead in our trespasses. Through His resurrection, we are brought to life, granted a new beginning, and set on a path of divine purpose. This transformation is not just a future hope but a present reality that we experience.
II. God's Masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10)
Being born to a living hope doesn't just result in individual revival; it turns us into God's handcrafted masterpieces. We are His workmanship, carefully crafted to fulfill His divine purposes. The living hope empowers us to walk in the good works prepared for us, reflecting His glory in every aspect of our lives.
III. The Operation of God (Colossians 2:12)
The living hope is the operation, the divine work, of God in our lives. Just as water baptism signifies our identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, it visually represents the transformational process the living hope initiates. It symbolizes the old self being buried and the new self emerging, alive in Christ.
IV. Remission of Sins (Acts 2:38)
As we embrace the living hope, it leads us to the remission of sins through repentance and baptism. The living hope restores our broken relationship with God, offering us forgiveness and reconciliation. This hope is not mere wishful thinking; it's a confident assurance that our sins are washed away, and we stand justified before God.
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V. Raised to Walk in Newness of Life (Romans 6:3-5)
The living hope we are born into is not a mere abstract idea; it ushers us into a new way of living. Through baptism, we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. We are buried with Him in the watery grave of baptism and rise to walk in newness of life. This is a vivid depiction of our spiritual rebirth, symbolizing the transformation from death to life in Christ.
VI. Entered into Christ (Galatians 3:26-27)
Born to a living hope, we are welcomed into the family of God. We become children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Through our baptism, we put on Christ like a garment, signifying our complete identification with Him. This new identity enables us to live as heirs of God's promises and to experience the fullness of life in Him.
VII. A New Creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
The living hope births us into a reality where old things pass away, and all things become new. In Christ, we experience a spiritual rebirth that transcends the physical realm. We are not merely reformed; we are transformed into new creations. The old sinful nature is replaced with a heart that desires to follow Christ and live in obedience to Him.
VIII. Begotten by the Word of God (1 Peter 1:23)
Our spiritual birth is not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the word of God. The living hope is sparked by the life-giving Word of God, leading us to embrace the truth of salvation through faith in Christ. The Word implants within us a living hope that brings forth the fruit of righteousness and transformation.
Conclusion:
Being born to a living hope is an invitation to experience life's highest purpose in Christ. Through baptism, we are raised to walk in newness of life, enter into the family of God, become new creations, and are begotten by the Word of God.
Beloved, being born to a living hope is not just a theological concept but a life-altering reality. It quickens us to new life, transforms us into God's masterpiece, operates as God's work in us, and grants us the precious gift of remission of sins. This living hope is not bound by time or circumstance; it's anchored in the resurrection of Jesus Christ
