In the New Testament, the great example of god's preservation of His people in spite of their sins is Simon Peter. Remember that Peter was the chief spokesman for the disciples. On one occasion, Jesus asked the disciples what the crowds were saying about Him, and it was Peter who confessed, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16).

On that occasion, Jesus called Peter's faith "rock-like" and said He would build His church upon it. Jesus made it clear that this faith did not originate with Peter, nor had it been revealed to Peter by men, but directly by God's action on his heart (Matthew 16:17).

What God starts, God finishes. Peter's rock-like faith was shattered at Jesus' trial. Confronted by a servant girl, Peter denied his Master with curses (Matthew 26:71-72). Jesus had predicted that this would happen: "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat" (Luke 22:31). But Peter did not fall away. Rather, he wept bitterly when he realized what he had done. His sin did not thwart god's plan for him.

Judas also betrayed Jesus, but he fell away. He was bitter and did not turn back to God. What was Peter's case different? Because as Jesus had also said, "But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:32). It is the continual intercession of Jesus Christ that calls us back when we sin, and guarantees that God's good work in us will be completed.

This is the wonderful truth of scripture. He is ours, and we are His, forever.

Sincerely in Christ,


Floyd McPhee