Sanctification and Suffering

Suffering, no matter the form it takes, is a means of a Christian's sanctification. While this may be overlooked in our day and hard to grasp, it's a major theme Peter returns to again and again in this letter. Our suffering leads to growth. Christians embrace Christ and follow the pattern of his life, which includes a break with the sins and ungodly practices of this world. We've all sinned enough, Peter argues! It's high time that we follow hard after Christ, who saves us from the wrath to come! And while such a life will be maligned and mocked, all will have to give an account to the just judge of all the earth. On that day, only those joined to Christ will find peace and rest. May such be true of each of us!