The Calling of Salvation

Too often the gospel is treated like a trophy that we receive and place on a mantle. When we have time, we stop to admire and appreciate it. It’s like we’re saying, “Salvation, I sure am glad I have you.” Then we go about our business as if nothing has changed. The reality is, however, that the gospel only comes to us in order to go through us. Salvation changes everything.

First of all, we are called to be holy (1 Peter 1:15, 16). This is so intimidating that many quit being a “Christian” at this point. Didn’t we need salvation because we were such bad sinners?! How can a sinful wretch like me become holy? Well, perhaps by becoming conformed to his image and not being satisfied to live in our image. And part of the problem here is that we view holiness as an extended form of obedience. We think of holiness as being super obedient. This only reveals that we have a works-righteousness view of Christianity. Philippians tells us that we are to have the same attitude as Christ: that though he was the embodiment of God, did not see equality with God as something to be grasped, but rather emptied himself.

It goes on to say that Christ humbled himself—to the point of death. What does it mean to empty and humble oneself? That is the path to holiness. That is the point of being willing to take up our cross daily. I also think of the passage in Isaiah 6 where the prophet has a vision of the splendor of God. At the end of the passage, God says, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” (Isaiah 6:8). Isaiah responds, “Here I am! Send me!” Isaiah had just acknowledged he was sinful. But once his sin and guilt were gone, once his ears heard the call of his Lord, he was compelled and desirous to serve—having a humble heart, a pure heart, a heart for serving the King. That’s holiness.

Second, we are called to be obedient (1 Peter 1:14, 22). Interestingly, the emphasis in the passage is, first and foremost, the call to holiness. Obedience has its place, but it has to be in perspective. Holiness puts obedience in perspective. We are to be obedient as children. Children should respect and know that the parent (typically) is genuinely concerned about the child’s welfare. Our earthly parents may fail at this, but our heavenly Father does not. Obedience is a way of saying, “God, I trust you and will do as you ask.” In this light, obedience is not a list of rules to check off. It is simply trusting Jesus. 1 John tells us that obedience, keeping God’s commands, is not burdensome. It’s not like we’re being forced to work in a concentration camp. It’s being free to act in ways that care for others. Yes, obedience is actually a freedom. Following our own desires and acting for self is the slavery. We are called to be free. To be obedient.

Thirdly, we are called to love one another earnestly (1 Peter 1:22). On the surface, this sounds the easiest of the three things this passage calls us to. In reality, this is too often the most difficult. Why? We must deal with people! I can confess and repent of my own sin, but I don’t like dealing with other people’s sin. I want them to hurry up in their holiness and obedience! Again, Christ is our example. He was sinless, yet had great compassion, mercy, and patience with those sinners (like us) that he dealt with daily. His disciples were among the most stubborn of people, but he loved them. Oh, to see through the eyes of Jesus! Oh, to learn to love others as he has loved me—to put away jealousy, envy, and self-righteous judgment—to love earnestly. That is a real challenge of faith.

Peter concludes this passage in an interesting manner. He shares a proverb. It is about the values that perish, versus those that last forever. We are currently exiles here, living in a temporary status. God has called us to live presently in the light of our future glory. If we long to be with God for eternity, shouldn’t we want a taste of it now? You are called to be holy and obedient, and to love earnestly.