“Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart.” (1 Peter 1:22, ESV)
Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth. This is a fancy way of describing the experience of conversion. This is that moment when you realize that Jesus is everything. You come to realize that everything you had been living for is no longer worth living for and that in Jesus you have so much more than you ever imagined.
There is an inner and outer transformation that occurs at this moment. There is a shift that takes place in our minds. There is also a shift that takes place in the way we live our lives. There is a change that takes place in our words and our actions. Conversion results in obedience to the Truth, which is Jesus Christ. This is because the Holy Spirit is dwelling within us.
Peter preached in Acts 2:38 to “Repent and be baptized.” It is the response to receiving the gospel. In all this, Jesus comes first, but obedience is the result. Salvation is not the result of obedience. Obedience is the result of salvation.
Peter further points out that love is the result of obedience. The love comes from a pure heart. Love is offered with no motive or agenda. It is simply an overflow of the love poured into our lives. We don’t look for anything in return because we have already been given more than we ever need or deserve in Christ.
Reflection
- How has Jesus changed the way you think and the way you live your life?
- Where are you lacking obedience to the truth? Where do you need repentance?
Prayer
Thank you Jesus for changing my life. You have given me more to live for than I could ever hope or dream. Fill me with your Holy Spirit to submit to your will in obedience. Purify my soul. If there is any offensive way in me, convict my heart, lead me to repentance, and give me the strength to surrender. Amen.
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