1 Peter 1:21
Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
1 Peter 1:21 (KJV)
Context
Peter writes to believers who are facing trials, reminding them of the solid foundation of their salvation. In the preceding verses, he speaks of Christ, who was foreordained before the foundation of the world but was manifested in these last times for their sake. Verse 21 explains the result of that revelation: through Christ, believers come to trust in God, the One who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory.
Meaning
The verse begins with the phrase “who by him do believe in God.” This means that faith in God is not a vague or self-generated trust; it is channeled through Jesus Christ. As the Mediator, Christ is the way by which believers come to God, believe in Him, and lay hold of Him. The Christian faith is therefore not merely a set of moral teachings but a relationship with the living God, made possible through the Son.
Peter then points to two specific acts of God the Father: He raised Jesus from the dead and gave Him glory. The resurrection is the historical event that demonstrates God’s power over sin and death, confirming Jesus’ divinity and the truth of His work. The glorification refers to the exaltation and honor bestowed upon Jesus after His resurrection and ascension, highlighting His divine nature and authority as the Son of God.
The purpose of these events is stated clearly: “that your faith and hope might be in God.” The resurrection and glorification of Christ are not ends in themselves; they direct the believer’s trust and hope toward God Himself. Because God raised Jesus and gave Him glory, believers can have unwavering confidence in Him. Their hope is not in human effort or circumstance but in the God whose power and faithfulness are demonstrated in the resurrection.
Biblical connections
This verse connects to the broader New Testament teaching that Christ is both the object and the mediator of faith. Through Him, believers have access to the Father and confidence in His promises. The resurrection is the foundation of Christian hope, as it assures believers that God is able to fulfill all His purposes.
Application
Faith in God is made possible through Jesus Christ. Our belief in God is intimately tied to our acceptance of Jesus as the Son of God and our Savior.
The resurrection of Jesus is a crucial event in Christianity. It confirms Jesus’ divinity, triumph over death, and serves as the foundation for our faith.
Jesus is exalted and given glory by God. This recognition of Jesus’ authority and honor underscores His unique status as the Son of God.
Our faith and hope should be firmly rooted in God. The resurrection of Jesus strengthens our trust in God, enabling us to have unwavering faith and hope in Him.
Reflection
This verse reminds us that the central message of Christianity is the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, His resurrection, and the faith and hope that result from believing in Him. When trials come, believers can look to the risen and glorified Christ and know that their trust is secure in the God who raised Him.
