Trusting Christ

The hymn writer said it best in the popular chorus:

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

John H. sammis (1887)

In our previous studies in 1 Peter, we noted we must continually come to Christ and we must continually live for Christ. Now from 1 Peter 2:6-8 we see also that we must continually trust Christ.

Continually Trust Christ

By this I mean to trust that the Lord knows what He’s doing. Trust that living for Christ is the right thing to do, especially when you suffer and are persecuted.

It’s at this point in the chapter that Peter cites or alludes to three different passages in the Old Testament that refer to Christ either as a stone or chief cornerstone:

Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture (Isaiah 28:16),
“Behold, I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” (verse 6)

That last phrase–“will by no means be put to shame”–means that living for Christ will be worth it all in the end. The idea is, “He who believes on Him will never be disgraced” (New Living Translation) or, as we may say, “will never live to regret it.”

Remember the historical context of this letter: Peter is writing to encourage Christians who are being persecuted for their faith. He intends to strengthen them by reminding them that God is in control of everything and always does what is right.

In essence, he says, “Continually trust Christ. He who believes on Christ will never be put to shame. You may face difficult days now at the hands of your oppressors–at the hands of unbelievers–but you will not be disappointed that you lived for Christ! It will be worth it all in the end!”

Furthermore, those who are persecuting these Christians will answer to God for it:

Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious (literally, “The honor is to you”);
but to those who are disobedient,
“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone (Psalm 118:22),”
and “A stone of stumbling
And a rock of offense (Isaiah 8:14).” They stumble (the unbelievers who persecute Christians stumble over the stone of Christ), being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. (verses 7-8)

That last phrase–“to which they also were appointed”–means, among other things, that God is not surprised by those who disobeyed the Word and persecuted Christians.

God is sovereign over all actions, even the actions of unbelievers when they act against believers.

It really is amazing: God holds all things in His hands, even “declaring the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10).

Nothing surprises Him!

These unbelievers freely rejected Christ and would give an accounting of their rejection on Judgment Day, but their willing rejection and incorrigible rebellion is mysteriously compatible with God’s perfect will and ways.

So how are we to live in light of this truth?

Continually come to Christ, continually live for Christ, and continually trust Christ.

He knows what He is doing and He always does what is right.

What About You?

• How does the knowledge of God’s sovereignty and character encourage us in times of trials and hardships?
• What are some ways you may become more resolute in your trust in Christ?
• Jesus is “the chief cornerstone.” He is also a stone of stumbling. Have you run to Him as a “stepping stone” or have you stumbled over Him, rejecting Him as Lord? Read here about how to take the first step of faith in Christ.