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God’s Salvation is Forever

“Being born again…by the Word of God…lives and abides forever”

(1 Peter 1:23)

“…And this is the Word which by the Gospel is preached unto you”

(1 Peter 1:25)

The death of Christ, by which God’s elect were redeemed, is the objective work of salvation. Peter’s focus is the subjective work of salvation. The first was for us; the latter is in us. The first was finished two thousand years ago. The latter occurs in each generation.
Consider:

A Declarative Statement – “Being born again”

Peter assumed they were given spiritual life by God. In verse three, he said: “according to His [God’s] abundant mercy has begotten us again unto a lively hope”. God is the first-cause of spiritual birth, the Author and Originator of spiritual birth. He doesn’t await man’s okay or acceptance. He awakens in a sovereign Way.

A Definitive Statement – “the Word…the Word”

Both refer to the Gospel. The first is the Gospel defined. The latter is the Gospel declared. Both are necessary to awaken the soul. God doesn’t awaken by the false gospel; neither, does He awaken by another method. Reading and/or hearing the Gospel of sin put away by Christ is essential. “Of His own will begat He us with the Word of Truth…” (James 1:18). Question: David, why not preach something in addition to the Gospel? Simple, God only awakens the soul by His Word.

An Assuring Statement – “lives and abides forever”