Friday - 1st Peter 1 - Spiritual Purity

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N the long list of advantages that accompany salvation is a wondrous thing that might be properly called "spiritual purity" (Matthew 5:8). After all, we are saved FROM sin, right? In 1^st Peter 1:22 the great Apostle Peter wrote, "Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently..." In this context Peter was talking about the conversion of his audience as well as their continuation in pure faith. In coming to the Father through faith in the Son, these believers had (and all believers have) "purified souls." Of course, Peter was challenging them to continue on their journey of purity by continually maintaining pure hearts in their interactions with other believers.

 

You may have read somewhere, "Cleanliness is next to godliness." While this might be a utilitarian way to encourage good hygiene or a tidy house, there is a deeper and more significant point to be made with that good proverb. In James 3:17 we read "the wisdom that is from above is first pure..." Certainly, our Savior is nothing if He isn't pure. Which, of course, He is. He is holy (1^st Peter 1:19) and we are called to be holy and pure also (1^st John 3:3 & 1^st Peter 1:15-16). Our heavenly inheritance is a pure one. Peter called it incorruptible (1^st Peter 1:4). The source of our salvation is pure. Again, Peter called it incorruptible (1^st Peter 1:23). Our sinless Messiah is perfect; flawless. The crucifixion demonstrated & proved it once & for all!