Lesson 2217

(Lesson 2217)(01-03-18) 1 Peter 4:1-6
    “ Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.”

   Today’s quote draws a very distinct line between those of us who believe that the eternal salvation of one’s soul, is accomplished by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, and those who believe that they must work out, and maintain, their own salvation.
    Jesus, knowing that the dead could no longer commit sins, preached assurance to those whom had demonstrated faith in God in their earthly lives, so as to impute His righteousness into their everlasting spirit thereby qualifying them for everlastin life. Although the fleshly bodies of the dead to whom Jesus preached had already been condemned, their eternal souls were saved because of their faith in God to provide a redeemer as He had promised since the beginning.
    The dead, who had believed in the promise God made to His people, were saved by the same “baptism” whereby, we today, are saved. That “baptism” being a total immersion into the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ imputed into us through faith in Him. ~