“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.” 1 Peter 1:2

Peter’s first letter is addressed to “the elect… according to the foreknowledge of God…”  These words are meant to bring comfort to a people in dire need of it.  As Rome intensified the persecution against the Jews, many believers left Israel and became residents of Gentile cities.  They are now reduced to exiles and pilgrims.  Peter encourages them with the knowledge of who they are.  By divine providence, they are the elect of God. As the elect, they have been redeemed. When the Bible speak of ‘being redeemed’ it is always begging our attention to the picture of a slave being purchased out of bondage. For believers in Jesus Christ, it depicts our once…