1 Peter 1:1

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.” – 1:1-2

Peter – this is Peter the disciple of Jesus, who is now called an apostle. This word apostle literally means “delegate; specially, an ambassador”

Jesus Christ – “Jesus – saves His people from their sins”, “Christ – the anointed or chosen of God”, or the Chosen Saviour. Peter now understands that Jesus is Chosen of God to save people from their sins, not to restore Israel.

To the pilgrims – “one who comes from a foreign country into a city or land to reside there by the side of the natives”.

Elect – “picked out, chosen”

1. According to the foreknowledge of God the Father 
2. in sanctification of the Spirit
3. for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ

Peter states three things regarding this fact of being “elect” or “picked out” or “chosen”. 1) We are told something about its origin and basis in God’s foreknowledge. 2) We are told something about the way it becomes real in our lives by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. 3) We are told something about the goal or purpose of election: that we might obey Jesus and go on benefiting from his cleansing blood.

An application:

Father, you have called me to be sanctified, for obedience, all because of Jesus’ blood. Let this be a reality in my own life. Amen.