Last week, we began our study of the book of First Peter.

Peter thus far has identified himself as the apostle of Jesus, and he identified his readers as strangers.

Christians are strangers and pilgrims in this world. We should not feel too comfortable here. We are to remain separate from the ungodly world in which we live. Our true and final citizenship is in heaven. Our highest loyalty is to the Lord and his kingdom—Mt 6:33—“seek ye first…”

Peter also states that his readers are elect by God. I mentioned last week that the text reveals three elements of election. In vs. 2, we find that people are elect according to the foreknowledge of God. Foreknowledge is not merely knowing something ahead of time. Foreknowledge pertains to God’s relationship to his people and his plans for them. God has set his love upon his people, and that results in their salvation.

Peter goes on to describe two other elements of election.