We are all broken. If we were given a second chance to avoid wrecking our life with sin, could we do it? Thankfully, God has provided us with more than just a redo!
But first, consider why we need more than a second chance. An illustration from the world of power lifting provides instant clarity.
The world record for squat power lifting is 1113 lbs. So, how many attempts would you like to lift 1500 lbs? Granting us another chance to achieve the impossible does not help at all. Similarly, how feasible is taking another shot at living a sinless life?
If God merely wiped our slate clean saying, “Try not to mess up your life this time!” we would still end up falling short of God’s glory. We need more than a second chance. We need to enter into another type of life.
Peter opens his letter by praising God for having provided us with a new type of life: “He gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). By God’s great mercy God offers us a life whose final destination is determined by Christ’s resurrection, not our track record!
Because the life God offers us is tied to what has already happened, namely Jesus’ resurrection, we can live with certainty about our future! This is no mere redo. Jesus’ resurrection points to where our new life is headed! God’s chosen people can anticipate receiving "an inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. It is reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). Ever thought about your name being embossed in heaven on your future inheritance?
Because God loves us, God made it possible for us to receive a truly new beginning, a new life built upon Christ. Not only does Christ’ death make this new birth possible, his resurrection reveals what awaits those who have received God’s gift.
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