1 Peter 1:1–2 (ESV) — 1 Peter, an apostle of
Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus,
Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2
according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the
Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May
grace and peace be multiplied to you.
NOTE: My simplistic
view of terms such as elect, election, predestined, predestination, etc, is
explained in this very simple word, foreknowledge. It gives man complete choice
to accept or reject salvation and it explains how God could elect or predestine
people. It means "advanced knowledge." God knows how we will respond
to the gospel and how we will live even before we live it. Paul in his treatise
to Rome puts it at the first step in every other step of salvation:
Romans 8:29–30 (ESV) — 29 For those whom he
foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order
that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he
called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
It all starts with
foreknowledge, then precedes to predestination (not the other way around). From
there, it goes to sanctification, calling, justification, and glorification.
But it all starts with God's advanced knowledge of his creation.
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