By His Wounds: The Suffering and Salvation of Christ
Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 2:24–25
In the realm of suffering, the Apostle Peter offers profound insights, particularly as he teaches that we must endure hardships—even from those who are harsh. He provides us with a remarkable example to follow: our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus stands alone as the one for whom all suffering was completely unjust (John 18:38b). His life epitomizes goodness and righteousness, making Him the perfect model for those of us who find ourselves suffering for doing what is right.
The Unjust Suffering of Christ
Jesus is not only the only one who suffered unjustly; He is also the only one who responded to suffering without sin (1 Peter 2:22). Throughout His life, Jesus entrusted Himself entirely to the only Judge over all creation (1 Peter 2:23). This standard of perfection remains a guiding principle for those who seek to follow Him. As verse 22 affirms, Jesus committed no sin at any point, setting a benchmark for us as His followers.
However, the reality we face is that due to our inherent sinfulness, we can never hope to achieve this standard of perfection on our own. In light of this truth, we can only be grateful for the good news that the Scriptures present. As today’s passage reveals, not only is Jesus our example, but He is also our Savior.
Healing Through His Wounds
In verses 24–25, we are reminded of Christ's incredible sacrifice: He bore our sins on the cross and healed us by His wounds. This profound act of love provides real atonement for His people, as He bore God’s wrath on our behalf. Through His suffering, we are reconciled to the great Shepherd of our souls.
If we place our trust in Christ for salvation, we receive the abundant benefits of His perfect work. His flawless trust in the Father is credited to us, granting us acceptance into God's flock based solely on Jesus’ righteousness. We are freely justified when we receive Him by faith alone.
The Journey of Sanctification
Justification through faith is not the end of our journey; it is followed by sanctification. Our identification with Christ’s death empowers us to live in righteousness and faithfulness as God’s people (Col. 3:1–11). Over time, we are progressively enabled to fulfill the command to endure suffering with patience. As John Calvin eloquently expresses, “For he [Jesus] has not only brought this great benefit to us, that God justifies us freely, by not imputing to us our sins; but he also makes us to die to the world and to the flesh, that we may rise again to a new life.” This transformation is an ongoing process that continues as we seek to embody the essence of Christ in our daily lives.
A Call to Gratitude and Action
Every human being, at all times and in all places, is called to obey the Lord fully. Yet, we recognize that we fall short. Romans 3:23 reminds us that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. In the midst of our failures, we are met with the grace of a perfect Savior whose obedience is counted as our own when we trust in Him.
Take a moment today to thank Jesus for the incredible gift of salvation. Let that gratitude serve as motivation for your sanctification, urging you to reflect Christ’s love and righteousness in all circumstances. As we endure our own sufferings, let us remember His wounds—the source of our healing and hope.
By contemplating the significance of Christ's suffering and our salvation, we are not only encouraged but also equipped to face the trials of life with renewed strength and purpose, reflecting the light of Christ in a world that so desperately needs it.
