Meaning of 1 Peter 1:20

This verse, 1 Peter 1:20, asserts the preordained and eternal nature of Christ's redemptive work, emphasizing that his coming was not a spontaneous event but a foundational aspect of God's plan established before the very existence of the cosmos. The "chosen" refers to Jesus, highlighting his divine selection for this salvific mission. His "revealing" in the "last times" signifies the Incarnation and his earthly ministry, a period understood by Peter and his audience as the culmination of God's historical redemptive program. Crucially, this revelation was "for your sake," directly connecting the cosmic plan to the salvation of believers, underscoring the personal and purposeful nature of God's grace.

Context and Background

The epistle of 1 Peter is addressed to Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor who were facing persecution and hardship. Peter's primary aim is to encourage them, reminding them of their true identity in Christ and the glorious inheritance awaiting them. In this specific passage, Peter is building upon the idea of believers as a chosen people, echoing Old Testament themes of Israel's election. He is contrasting the temporary nature of their earthly suffering with the eternal reality of their salvation, which is rooted in God's eternal purposes centered on Christ. The concept of "last times" or "last days" was a common eschatological understanding in early Christianity, signifying the era inaugurated by Christ's coming and the outpouring of the Spirit.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Foreordination: The verse strongly emphasizes that God's plan for salvation through Christ was not an afterthought but was established from eternity. Jesus' role as redeemer was predetermined before creation.
• Christ's Pre-existence and Election: Jesus is presented as being "chosen" before time, indicating his divine nature and his specific selection by God for the singular task of atonement.
• Purposeful Revelation: The Incarnation and ministry of Jesus are portrayed as a deliberate act of God, timed for the "last times" to bring about salvation.
• Beneficiaries of Salvation: The phrase "for your sake" highlights that this divine plan is ultimately intended for the benefit of believers, underscoring God's personal love and redemptive intent.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers, this verse offers profound assurance and encouragement. It means that their faith and salvation are not based on chance or human initiative but are grounded in God's eternal decree and unfailing purpose. This knowledge can strengthen their resolve amidst trials, knowing that their suffering is temporary and their ultimate destiny is secure in Christ, who was chosen from eternity for them. It also calls for a deeper appreciation of the immense sacrifice of Christ and the profound love of God that predates creation itself.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

1 Peter 1:20 fits seamlessly into the overarching biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan, often referred to as the "covenant of redemption." This concept suggests that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit agreed from eternity to accomplish salvation for a chosen people. The Old Testament foreshadows Christ's coming through prophecies, sacrifices, and the covenant with Israel, all pointing towards the Messiah. The New Testament, beginning with the Gospels, reveals the fulfillment of these promises in Jesus. This verse, therefore, bridges the eternal decree with its historical manifestation, linking the beginning of creation to the "last times" of redemptive history.

Analogies

• A Master Architect's Blueprint: Imagine a magnificent building designed by a master architect. The blueprints, detailing every aspect of the structure, exist long before construction begins. Similarly, Christ's redemptive work was perfectly conceived and planned in God's mind before the foundation of the world.
• A Pre-written Play: Consider a play that has been meticulously written, with its characters and plot determined before the actors ever step onto the stage. Christ's role and the unfolding of salvation were preordained in God's eternal script.
• A Seed Planted Before the Bloom: A fruit tree's potential to bear fruit is inherent in the seed, even before it is planted or blossoms. Christ's saving power was established in God's eternal plan, awaiting its manifestation in due time.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse resonates with several other key biblical passages:

• John 1:1-3, 14: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made... The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." This highlights Christ's eternal existence and his role in creation, aligning with his pre-existence mentioned in 1 Peter.
• Ephesians 1:4-5, 11: "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will... In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will." These verses echo the theme of God's eternal election and predestination in Christ.
• Revelation 13:8: "...and all inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the book of life, belonging to the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world." This verse from Revelation further emphasizes the sacrificial Lamb (Christ) whose atonement was, in a sense, determined or accounted for from the very foundation of the world.