Calling on the Father

Acknowledging God as Father and 'our Father' is uniquely Christian. It is more than a statement of belief; it asserts a relationship. That relationship is more than Adam's, for it comes about through union with the Son of God. Peter's epistle tells us to 'be holy'. Obedience is essential for household harmony, and holiness is the very character of our Father. The call is to forsake the ways we lived in at the time of our ignorance and become like our Father in heaven. Another teaching in this passage is that the Father gave his Son in order to make us holy. Redemption is from those earlier ways. And its effect is hinted at in three ways: Christ was 'foreordained' - this is the Father's purpose; his offering was accepted - 'without spot'; and it is now presented to us for our faith. Our confidence is increased by the fact the Father has raised and glorified Christ. There is evidence of sin put away; a new heavenly life for all who are in Christ; and the power of Christ to make us holy in accordance with our Father's purpose. Thus our 'faith and hope are in God'. Faith in Christ is ultimately faith in the Father who planned, gave, and accepted. Hope is hope in his promise, and the power of Christ by the Spirit to prepare us for the Father's house.