New Birth Brings Living Hope Through Christ’s Resurrection

1 Peter 1:3 (NRSV)

God’s elect – both Jewish and Gentile believers – were scattered throughout the world because of persecution on every hand. As a result of their persecution and dispersion, the Gospel of Jesus Christ spread throughout the world. The reality is we will suffer since Christ suffered and died for us. Yet, even in the midst of our suffering, we have the blessed assurance of his comfort – “the God of mercies and the God of all consolation” (2 Corinthians 1:3b). We’re reminded in 1 John 3:13 that we are not to marvel if the world hates us. Recall that Cain showed no love for his little brother Abel. He killed him out of jealousy because God accepted Abel’s sacrifice and rejected his. As peculiar treasure, we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44) and count our trials and tribulations all joy (James 1:2). They are to strengthen us so we can encourage someone else who may be going through the same thing.

He goes on to say that all praise goes to “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” for His abundant mercy by which He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (v.3). Thank God for His mercy; He is worthy to be blessed. We have been spiritually transformed to live because he lives. Jesus told Nicodemus, “Unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Thank God for having mercy on us. Not only are we born again, but we also have living hope. Through faith in the resurrected Jesus, “all things are possible for those who believe and trust” (Mark 9:23), and with him “there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 24:14b).