God and mankind are fully reconciled in Jesus Christ by not having their trespasses imputed to them. The completed work of Jesus on the cross offers to everyone who will believe in Him forgiveness and righteousness. This finished work releases to every believer the blessing of Abraham whom God called a friend. The gospel gets better still.
In the introduction of 1 Peter 1:1 Elder Thomas explains its theme of being “begotten to a living hope” through Christ’s resurrection and provides background on the Apostle Peter, highlighting his humanity, failures, and revelations.
He concludes by stressing that Jesus calls His disciples primarily to “be with Him,” and that the Sermon on the Mount was a training ground for discipleship based on heart-level obedience rather than legalistic righteousness.
