I Peter: A letter about “the true grace of God”
- I Peter 5:12
- No contradiction:
- I Peter 1:17 – judged according to works
- I Peter 1:18-19 – redeemed with the blood of Christ
- Acts 2:37-38
The example of Jericho: Joshua 6
- Joshua 6:1-5 – God gave them the city.
- Joshua 6:20 – The people took the city.
- No contradiction:
- Joshua 6:2 – “I have given Jericho into your hand”
- Joshua 6:20 – “they took the city”
- Deuteronomy 9:6
| Jericho | Salvation | |
|---|---|---|
| God gives it | Joshua 6:2: “I have given Jericho into your hand.” | Ephesians 2:8: “it is the gift of God” |
| You didn’t earn it | Deuteronomy 9:6: “it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land” | Ephesians 2:8-9: “not of yourselves … not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” |
| And yet there are conditions | Joshua 6:3: “You shall march around the city …” | Matthew 7:21: “he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” |
- Hebrews 11:30 – “By faith …”
- Ephesians 2:8 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith …”
The example of Naaman: II Kings 5
- II Kings 5:1-4, 10-14
- God can choose His own methods to achieve what He wants to achieve. God sets the rules!