The Story: We need to explore a little further that idea of “sprinkling of his blood.” This is actually what the text says. Literally, it reads, “unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.” This translation reveals the resolute firmness which Peter intends to impart to these suffering Christians. Because we are the people of God, we must not deny the reality of our election, foreknowledge, and sanctification in the Spirit by caving in to pressure from angry unbelievers. This is who we are, and who we are comes to expression in obedience, come what may. Part of that obedience involves “sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ” – not literally, of course, but in a figurative sense. As the blood of Old Testament sacrifices was sprinkled on the altar and even the people at times, symbolizing their redemption, so believers are called to “sprinkle” the blood of Jesus around by proclaiming the Good News of His redemption and calling others to take shelter in Him from the judgment that is to come. We must not allow threats, intimidation, or persecution to deter us from this course.

The Structure: Peter wants to comfort and encourage his readers, so that they can bear up under their suffering. But merely “bearing up” under suffering isn’t the point. Triumphing over suffering – that’s the point, for that’s what Jesus did; and the way we triumph is to receive our sufferings with joy and hope and to persevere in obedience and witness for our Lord. The Christian story has been able to proceed through the ages, in the face of stiff persecution in virtually every generation, simply because faithful believers understood this well and kept their testimony and obedience faithfully, even unto death.

Why do you suppose most believers today are afraid, or at least, reluctant, to share their faith with others? How can believers encourage one another to become more consistent witnesses?

Each week’s studies in our Scriptorium column are available in a free PDF form, suitable for personal or group use. For this week’s study, “Suffering and Beyond: 1 Peter 1.1-11,” simply click here..

T. M. Moore

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.