Peter has written his first letter to you to build you

up in your Christian walk. 

Your life is to be based on the atoning work of Jesus Christ, who died to redeem you from bondage to sin.

His blood paid in full the cost of all your actions

against the will of God—past, present, and future.

When you accept the Lord’s sacrificial death on your behalf, you experience a second birth and become spiritually alive.

At that moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within you. His presence is proof of your new position in Christ, as well as a guarantee of your future inheritance and your place in heaven. As God’s children, you're commanded to live a life of holiness, marked by a deep reverence for the Lord.

Your desire for holy living comes from knowing your Father’s character, understanding what it cost for you to be saved, and recognizing you will face a future judgment. Though you won’t face condemnation, you will one day stand before your Lord so He can assess your work and determine your heavenly rewards. He will examine your inner feelings as well as your outward behavior. Acts of obedience will be rewarded; times of rebellion will not. In other words, your attitudes and choices really do matter, both in this life and in the future.​