True Grace of God (1 Peter 5:12-14)

Let’s begin by considering how we measure grace. When we talk about grace, we often think of it as something soft and comforting—a word we use to describe God’s forgiveness, His patience with us, or the way He loves us even when we fail. And all of that is true. But have we ever stopped to think about how far that grace extends in our lives?

1 Peter 5:12–14 (ESV) — 12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

In the closing verses of 1 Peter, after everything he has said about salvation, suffering, and how we treat one another, Peter makes a simple yet profound statement: “This is the true grace of God.” It’s a summary, a reminder that everything he has written is part of God’s grace at work in us. Wait, was that your impression as we studied through this book? He says everything he has been writing about is the “True grace of God.” The suffering? Yes. The struggles? Yes. All of it. Think about how grace sustains us through suffering? And what kind of grace shapes the way we interact with others?

Today, as we look back over Peter’s letter, we’re going to explore what he means by the “true grace of God.” What does true grace look like in our salvation? In studying this, it is important for us to be real about the false ideas of grace that might creep into our lives, distorting the beauty and power of what God intends?

That means we need to go back and look at this letter like you would go back and watch the movie “The Sixth Sense.” Now, we know what his purpose was. “This is the true grace of God.” Not just in the moments of joy or blessing, but in the struggles, the challenges, and even in our relationships with each other.

I. The True Grace of God in Salvation

Peter begins his letter by drawing our attention to the most foundational aspect of our faith: the grace of God that saves us. He calls us to bless God for His great mercy, which has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

1 Peter 1:3–5 (ESV) — 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

From the very start, Peter is clear—this grace is not something we have earned. It is God’s initiative, rooted in His mercy, and offered to us through the death and resurrection of His Son.

Now, what does Peter mean when he says we have been born again to a living hope? This is not a hope that fades with time. It is not dependent on our circumstances or on someone who is dead. It’s a hope that is alive because it’s anchored in the resurrection of Christ. It’s living because it’s tied to the One who has conquered death itself. And this living hope, Peter says, leads us to an inheritance. But this is no ordinary inheritance—this is one that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.

Think about that. God’s grace doesn’t just save us; it guarantees us a future. And this future is not subject to the decay and corruption of this world. No matter how the world around us changes, no matter how our personal circumstances may rise or fall, our inheritance in Christ is secure. This is the true grace of God—grace that gives us new life and a secure future in God’s kingdom.

A. True Grace of God Changes

But here’s what we need to grasp: the true grace of God does more than offer us a ticket to heaven. It’s not just about what happens when we die. It transforms us in the here and now. Peter reminds us of God’s call in chapter 1: "You shall be holy, for I am holy." The grace that saves us also calls us to live holy lives. It sets us apart. It purifies our hearts and minds so that we reflect the character of the One who saved us.

This is where many people get confused. Some think of grace as merely a covering for sin, a blanket forgiveness that allows us to keep living the way we’ve always lived. But that’s a distortion of grace. The true grace of God doesn’t leave us unchanged. It doesn’t give us permission to stay in our sin. Instead, it pulls us out of our old ways and calls us into a new life—a life marked by holiness, love, and obedience to God.

Peter knew this firsthand. This is the same Peter who denied Jesus three times. Yet, through grace, Jesus restored him, and that grace didn’t leave Peter stuck in his failure. It transformed him into a bold leader for the early church. Jesus came to Peter and three times asked him if he loved him. The same grace that saved Peter is the grace that shapes us today. It’s the grace that gives us courage, empowers us to follow Christ, and holds us steady when the world around us shakes.

So, what does this mean for us? It means we can’t treat grace like a one-time event. The grace that saved you yesterday is the same grace that is transforming you today. It’s not just about being saved from something—it’s about being saved for something. God’s grace is active. It’s living. It’s working in us every day, shaping us into the image of Christ.

Let me ask you: Is your life being shaped by the true grace of God? Or have you accepted a version of grace that lets you stay where you are, that makes you comfortable without challenging you to grow? The grace that Peter speaks of is powerful. It saves us, yes—but it also sanctifies us. It gives us a new identity and a new purpose. It calls us to walk in holiness because we have been born again into a new and living hope.

This is the true grace of God in salvation: a grace that rescues us, transforms us, and secures our future in Christ. It’s not just a gift we receive; it’s a power that works within us, bringing us into a life that reflects the holiness of our Savior.

B. The True Grace of God Suffers?

1 Peter 4:12–19 (ESV) — 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

If there’s one thing Peter doesn’t shy away from in his letter, it’s the reality of suffering. He knows the pain and struggle of the early church, and he knows that suffering often makes people question God’s grace. But here’s where Peter offers a perspective that might surprise us: suffering isn’t evidence of God’s absence, but rather a place where the true grace of God shows up in powerful ways. In fact, Peter tells his readers not to be surprised when they face trials, but to expect them, even to rejoice in them.

Why does Peter tell us not just to endure suffering but to rejoice in it? This is where God’s grace turns the world’s understanding of hardship upside down. Peter says that when we suffer for Christ, we are actually sharing in His sufferings. In other words, we’re being drawn into deeper fellowship with Jesus. We’re following in His footsteps, walking the same path He walked. And that is something worth rejoicing over. Suffering, in the Christian life, is not meaningless. It has purpose. It refines our faith. It deepens our dependence on God. And it draws us closer to the heart of Christ.

Peter uses the image of a refining fire to describe what happens in suffering. Just as gold is tested and purified in fire, so our faith is tested and purified through trials. And what comes out on the other side is a faith that is stronger, more genuine, and more deeply rooted in God’s grace. This is not a superficial grace that promises us a life of ease and comfort. This is a grace that strengthens us in the midst of hardship, that sustains us when the road gets tough.

And here’s the beauty of it: God’s grace is not just a distant promise. It’s active in your life right now, in the midst of whatever you’re going through. Peter says that if we suffer for the name of Christ, we are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon us. Do you hear that? God’s presence is with you, resting on you, in the middle of your suffering. That’s grace.

Now, let’s contrast this with a false view of grace in suffering. The world’s version of grace says that suffering is to be avoided at all costs. It says that if you’re going through a hard time, it must be because God’s favor has left you. Even in Christian circles, there’s sometimes a belief that if we just have enough faith, we won’t have to face hardship—that God’s grace will somehow shield us from the realities of life. But Peter doesn’t say that. In fact, he says the opposite: expect trials, but trust that God’s grace will sustain you in the midst of them.

False grace also tempts us to believe that suffering is a sign that something has gone wrong in our relationship with God, that we must be outside of His will if we’re experiencing pain. But Peter reminds us that suffering, especially for the sake of Christ, is a mark of faithfulness. It’s evidence that we’re walking the same path that Jesus walked. And it’s in these moments of difficulty that God’s true grace shows up to carry us through.

So how should we respond when suffering comes our way? Peter gives us a clear answer: “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” When you find yourself in the fire, trust the One who holds your life in His hands. Entrust your soul to the God who created you and who is faithful to carry you through whatever trial you’re facing. But don’t stop there. Peter says to keep doing good. Don’t let suffering derail your faith or your mission. God’s grace is not just there to help you survive; it’s there to help you thrive, to keep going, to keep living out the calling He has placed on your life.

Friends, suffering is not a sign that God’s grace has left you. In fact, it’s often the place where His grace becomes most real. It’s in the fire that we see God’s presence with us, sustaining us, refining us, and making us more like Christ. That’s the true grace of God.

So when trials come—and they will—don’t lose heart. Look for God’s grace. Trust that He is with you, that He is working in you, and that He will see you through to the other side. His grace is more than enough, even in the midst of your suffering.

C. The True Grace of God In Relationships

1 Peter 2:21–23 (ESV) — 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

One of the clearest places where the grace of God is meant to shine is in our relationships. Peter spends a significant portion of his letter instructing believers on how they should treat one another, how they should interact with authority, and how they should conduct themselves in their families. The true grace of God doesn’t just transform our individual lives; it reshapes the way we relate to the people around us. In fact, our relationships often become the most visible display of the grace we’ve received.

In 1 Peter 3:8, Peter gives a list of qualities that should define our interactions with others: “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” Each of these virtues is a reflection of the grace of God at work in us. Think about it: unity, sympathy, love, tenderness, humility—these are not things that come naturally. They are the fruit of God’s grace transforming our hearts. They’re evidence that we’ve received grace, and now we are sharing that grace with others.

Peter takes it even further in 1 Peter 1:22, where he says, “Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart.” This isn’t just a superficial love or a polite kind of kindness. This is sincere, earnest love that flows from a heart purified by God’s grace. It’s not optional for the believer. If we’ve truly experienced God’s grace, it must overflow into our relationships with others. We’re called to love not just when it’s convenient or easy, but earnestly, from a pure heart.

But here’s where it gets practical. Peter knows that the real test of grace comes in how we respond when relationships get difficult. He talks about submission—to authority, to employers, and in marriage. Now, in our world, submission is often seen as a weakness or something to be avoided. But Peter calls it a mark of grace. And it’s not submission for the sake of oppression or control; it’s submission out of reverence for God. Just as Christ submitted Himself to suffering out of love for us, we are called to submit to one another out of love and humility.

Peter gives the ultimate example of grace in action in 1 Peter 2:21-23, where he points to Christ: “Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” This is the picture of true grace in relationships. Jesus had every right to defend Himself, to retaliate against those who wronged Him. But He chose the path of grace—entrusting Himself to God and offering love instead of retaliation.

This kind of grace in relationships is countercultural. It doesn’t come naturally to us. We’re more inclined to protect ourselves, to hold grudges, to demand that others meet our expectations. But Peter calls us to something greater. He calls us to embody the grace of God in our relationships by humbling ourselves, by loving sincerely, and by blessing others—even when they wrong us.

Now, think about the contrast: false grace in relationships looks very different. False grace says, “Put yourself first. Do what’s best for you.” It tells us that relationships are transactional—you give only as much as you get. It says that forgiveness is optional and that submission is for the weak. But that’s not the grace Peter is talking about. That’s a distorted version of grace that keeps us trapped in pride and self-interest.

The true grace of God calls us to humility. It calls us to put others first, even when they don’t deserve it. It calls us to forgive, to show compassion, and to seek unity. This is the grace that should mark the Christian community. When the world looks at the church, they should see a people who love one another earnestly, who serve one another humbly, and who forgive one another freely. This is what makes the grace of God visible to the world.

And Peter doesn’t stop with our relationships within the church. He extends this call to grace even to those who oppose us. In 1 Peter 3:9, he says, “Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” This is grace in its purest form—blessing those who curse you, loving those who persecute you, forgiving those who wrong you. It’s the grace that Christ showed on the cross, praying for those who crucified Him. And it’s the grace that we are called to show in our relationships.

So, let me ask you: How is the grace of God showing up in your relationships? Are you living out the true grace of God by loving sincerely, humbling yourself, and forgiving freely? Or have you allowed a false version of grace to creep in, one that makes excuses for pride or selfishness? The true grace of God doesn’t just change how we relate to God; it changes how we relate to each other. It calls us to love deeply, to submit willingly, and to forgive generously—just as Christ has done for us.

Conclusion:

As we come to the end of Peter’s letter and this message, we’re left with a powerful truth: the grace of God is not just something we talk about; it’s something we live. Peter’s final words in 1 Peter 5:12—“this is the true grace of God”—are a reminder that everything he has written is a call to understand and walk in that grace. It’s a grace that saves us, sustains us, and shapes every aspect of our lives.

We’ve seen today that the true grace of God first shows up in our salvation. It’s a grace that pulls us out of darkness and into a living hope—a hope that doesn’t just promise us a future, but transforms us in the present. It’s not cheap, passive grace. It’s the kind of grace that calls us to holiness and secures our future with God.

We’ve also seen that the true grace of God is evident in our suffering. The world may tell us that hardship is something to avoid, that suffering means we’ve fallen out of favor with God. But Peter turns that idea on its head. He tells us that suffering is not a sign of God’s absence but a place where His grace becomes most real. It’s in the fire that our faith is refined and strengthened. God’s grace doesn’t take us out of the fire, but it sustains us through it.

And finally, we’ve seen how the true grace of God transforms our relationships. The grace we receive from God isn’t meant to stop with us. It flows through us to others, shaping the way we love, serve, forgive, and submit. This is grace in action—humbling ourselves, blessing those who wrong us, and loving one another earnestly from a pure heart.

But let’s not forget that Peter’s reminder of the true grace of God also implies the danger of settling for a false version. False grace is cheap. It tells us we can stay where we are, that there’s no need for growth or transformation. It tells us that suffering is to be avoided, and relationships are about serving ourselves. But that’s not the grace Peter has described. The true grace of God saves, sustains, and transforms. It changes everything about us.

So as we leave here today, I want to challenge you: Are you living in the true grace of God? Is your faith marked by the grace that Peter speaks of—a grace that shapes your salvation, sustains you in suffering, and transforms your relationships? Or have you settled for a version of grace that is comfortable but lacks power?

God’s grace is far more than a concept. It’s the very power that saves us, changes us, and carries us through every season of life. And this grace is available to you right now. No matter where you are—whether you’re celebrating a victory or walking through a trial—His grace is enough. It’s enough to save you, enough to sustain you, and enough to transform you.

“This is the true grace of God,” Peter says. Stand firm in it. Let that be our prayer today: that we would stand firm in the grace that God has poured out on us, living each day in the power of His transforming love.

Are we living in the grace of God when it comes to suffering? Do we embrace trials with a heart full of trust in God’s refining process? Are we living out God’s grace in our relationships? In marriage, leadership, and community, are we marked by humility, submission, and sacrificial love? Are we rooted in the grace of God? Do we see God’s grace not just as a past event (our salvation) but as a present and future reality, guiding us through every challenge?