Call Us: 423 661-4734 | Email: requests@comeandreason.com      
The Conversion and Salvation of Peter

The Conversion and Salvation of Peter

The Bible tells us that as Jesus began His ministry,

As [He] was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him (Matthew 4:18–20 NIV84).

Peter responded to Jesus’ call and, for the next three and half years, studied in the school of the Savior, an intern in Immanuel’s residency, a trainee of the greatest teacher to ever live. He sat on the front row for the Sermon on the Mount; he shared in distributing the multiplied loaves and fishes (twice); he saw the many miraculous healings; he participated in witnessing about Jesus; he saw the raising of Lazarus from the dead; he walked on water; and he was there when Jesus was transfigured. He believed that Jesus is the Son of God. When Jesus asked the disciples who they believed Him to be, it was Peter who said, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Mark 16:16 GNT).

Yet, despite Peter’s belief, despite what he knew to be true, despite his choice to follow Jesus, he was still not fully converted. At the end of His ministry, at the Last Supper, Jesus warned Peter—and informs us—that Peter hadn’t fully surrendered to Jesus, that fear and selfishness were still alive in him and battling for supremacy in his heart.

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me (Luke 22:31–34 KJV, emphasis mine).

And we know what happened. When, during the trial of Jesus, Peter was confronted about being one of His followers, Peter denied it three times and with cursing. How could this be? Peter knew who Jesus is—he had already testified to the reality that Jesus is Savior and Lord. Peter loved Jesus. But the problem was that Peter still loved self more! Peter was willing to follow Jesus up to a point, but when self was threatened, Peter, in that moment, allowed fear and selfishness to rule his heart and denied his Lord. This exposed to Peter the depth of his own sin-sickness and need for heart transformation, and he went out and wept bitterly, surrendering fully to Jesus, receiving the indwelling Holy Spirit, and was now not only converted in his mind, his mental understanding, in his beliefs about who Jesus is, but also in his heart, his affections, his spirit. He had a new heart and right spirit of love and trust and no longer trusted or depended on self.

Peter was now ready to serve in the fullest capacity, but he still needed reconciliation with Jesus. Therefore, Jesus met Peter on the beach after His resurrection and had the following conversation, which was recorded by John. As you read, consider what is revealed in this discussion. What is evidenced, what truths are contained in this account, what are we seeing, and what are we not seeing?

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” (John 21:15–19 NIV84).

What do you understand this conversation to be about? Does it tell us anything about the character of God? Does it tell us anything about God’s methods? Does it tell us anything about our human nature and what we need for salvation?

Perhaps the most obvious lesson and reason this interaction is included in Scripture is to assure the church, the believers, that Jesus had accepted Peter back into full fellowship and recommissioned him as His representative, ambassador, and apostle. Thus, one reason this story is written down is so that all Christians through history can know that Peter was reconciled to Jesus, that his ministry was under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that his writings are inspired and trustworthy.

But this exchange also reveals the grace, mercy, and love of God—that God is forgiving and longs for our reconciliation to Him. When we act selfishly, when we willfully choose what we know is wrong, God is longing to restore us to sonship with Him. As Paul wrote, God is for us—always for us, even when we sin (Romans 8:31).

Have you considered why Peter needed this experience?

What had his denial of His Savior done to him? Did Peter love Jesus less after his denial? No, he still loved Jesus. And do you think that because of that love and the realization of his actions, Peter struggled with self-loathing? Did Peter have guilt and shame? Did Peter’s actions inflame his own fear and insecurity and cause him to doubt whether Jesus and the others would accept him back into fellowship?

Had Jesus become Peter’s enemy? Was Jesus against Peter—angry and resentful of him? Did Jesus need something done to Him in order to accept Peter back? Did Jesus make any legal demands? Did Jesus require something to be done to propitiate or expiate either His or His Father’s anger and wrath before Peter was accepted? Was there anything of a penal/legal nature transpiring in this encounter that restored Peter? No! Jesus, who is God in humanity, required no legal adjustment, no payment, no appeasement! Nothing needed to be done to Jesus or His Father in order for Peter to be reconciled into unity with Them—but something did have to happen in Peter. Peter needed to repent, be reborn, be recreated in his spirit, and be converted from fear and selfishness to love and trust. Peter needed to die to self and be reborn in righteousness.

Peter’s denial of Jesus caused Peter to experience fear, guilt, shame, doubt, worry, dread, apprehension, and inadequacy. These negative emotions caused him to wonder whether Jesus was upset or angry and to doubt whether he could be accepted back.

Peter needed to have his guilt, shame, fears, doubts, and all such consequences of his sin removed from his heart and mind! And Jesus met him on the beach to do just that.

And Jesus longs to meet you on the beach, in the garden, along the sidewalk, in the basement, workshop, or wherever you find yourself struggling with your own guilt, shame, fears, and doubts so that you can experience for yourself His forgiveness, grace, mercy, and love for you. He is longing to remove from you all doubt, fear, insecurity, guilt, and shame; to cleanse your heart and mind; to restore you to full fellowship, friendship, and unity with Him; and to recommission you for His calling in your life.

So, don’t wait! Go to Jesus right now and talk with Him, experience His goodness for yourself, “Taste and see that the LORD is good; [for] blessed is the man who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8 NIV84).

Email me the blog whenever a new one is published.

Donate online, securely via PayPal using your credit or debit card (no PayPal account needed, unless you want to set up a monthly, recurring payment).


cancel recurring payment

 

Want to use zelle instead?
See how on our
Support and Donations page.

Upcoming Events

calendar

Testimonial Post Slider

Testimony 42

I am just writing to say that I have been so blessed by the teachings of Come And Reason Minitries recently. I watched last week’s bible study lesson on Youtube and am thankful that the error in the printed lesson guide you use was pointed out and this week’s study was of equal benefit, if not more so. My understanding of God’s nature has been very confused of late and I am so grateful for clarity in this matter. I have never really fully understood previously how a good God can cause bad things to happen and now I realise that He doesn’t, it’s a natural consequence of sin. May the almighty Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to bless your ministry.

Laura P., United Kingdom

 

Testimony 14

We really appreciate your views on the judgment and they make good sense considering our free choice.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, MA, USA

 

Testimony 38

Since November 2015, when I started studying Gods word from this God Is Love point of view, my life has been transformed. My troubled marriage of 15 years has been healed and my husband and I are truly happy for the first time in 15 years. Now When I read the word of God I understand it so much better and I can’t help but see Gods love radiating through the pages to humanity. Gods word is living and active and I am blessed beyond measure to be having this amazing experience. God has given me a beautiful understanding of Jn 3:16 that amazes me more and more each day. Thank you again for your ministry.

Helen D., London, England

 

Testimony 61

I grew up in a prominent protestant church and had what I like to call religious anxiety. I’ve always had questions about God and Salvation that no one could seem to answer.  I didn’t know how to find resolution. During 2020, at the height of my anxiety, I fell to my knees and begged God to show me truth and light and to give me the hope that I’ve been longing for. Days later, I stumbled upon your online videos and it was like a veil was lifted and EVERYTHING made sense! For the first time in my almost 39 years of life, my religious/spiritual anxiety has lessened. I feel a sense of freedom and peace I’ve NEVER had before… and it’s all because my view of God has changed. Thank you!

Ashleighn C.

 

Testimony 60

Just watched watched lesson 10 in the 1st quarter 2021 bible study classs on Isaiah. I want to thank you for your intellectual spirituality; it’s not an oxymoron! From the point of view of a teacher I also enjoy seeing how much personal pleasure you clearly take in not just tasting, but feasting on God’s word – it reminds me of Jeremiah not being able to hold it in! It makes me smile that your cup is so full and overflowing that you make it to Tuesday’s lesson (on a good day). It just goes to show the richness of God’s Word.

God bless the Come and Reason Team from our church here in Great Britain.

Andrew H., Great Britain

 

Testimony 8

Thank you for the ministry you are sharing with us, it is a real blessing to us and especially to my husband and myself! You are encouraging us to think for ourselves and not just to except everything, without thinking it through, with God’s word!

M.K., USA

 

Testimony 22

I have found your Bible study class lectures to be very inspiring and useful as I prepare to teach class every other week. I subscribe to the podcast and download your notes on the weeks I teach. The audio and notes are such a great help in preparing. My own understanding of God’s character has grown as I teach the class. Commendations on the thought-provoking and well-prepared material Come and Reason provides. Personally, I get excited by the tie you make between the spiritual and mental/physical domains.

A.A. Corrales, NM, USA

 

Testimony 57

You have helped make sense of thirty two years of confusion. The material you freely provide reorganized so much of my life into such a beautiful pattern that has always been hinted at from within, but misguided with my training and what I was experiencing externally. My filipno parents, who were converted from Catholicism to SDA, were sincere and did their best to raise me the right way and I have deep respect for them. However, being immigrants and not understanding the language made for a difficult transition as I was growing up, which also applied to my spiritual growth as I learned the patterns of religion. I have been listening to as many bible study classes and reading blog posts as my time in a work truck will allow, searching for the practical applications of where spirituality and reality meet, and I thank you for helping me find that. You have helped me reach a point in which I can truly say that I love God, that I believe He loves me, and, like David, I delight in His law. God bless.

Emmanuel V., Calgary, AB Canada

Testimony 23

I would just like to add my voice to the many people who, I believe, must have contacted you to express their appreciation for the “Healing the Mind” DVDs. I’ve been listening to your Bible study class discussions for many years and I’ve been personally blessed by your research and teaching about the character of God.

L. G., Oakland, MI, USA

 

Testimony 13

I borrowed “Healing The Mind” DVDs from a friend and showed them at my home for a small gathering of women friends. Neither of my friends are Adventist, but they both enjoyed and embraced the messages you taught. In fact, one of the ladies prayed out loud in our group and that was the first time she had ever had public prayer.

J.B. ,Dalles, OR, USA

 

Testimony 21

I am absolutly on fire with the message at Come and Reason! I can’t get enough! I’ve read your book, blog, and articles. I’ve listened to your Bible study podcasts, your radio show, and your series – all excellent! It wasn’t until the past couple of years that I have I like I’m becoming “healthy,” with more to share with others than just beasts and commandments! I used to be a Bible worker and preached when the pastors were gone until I had had enough. I didnt realize at the time what the problem was, but i know now… the message wasn’t properly focused. Now my flame is rekindled. All of your little examples are so perfect in explaining something “complicated” and making it easily understood! Now I’m trying to shape it into a life changing evangelistic series! Thank you!

M.T., USA

 

Testimony 6

I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

H. S., Australia

 

Testimony 68

Your message of design law vs imperial law is so uplifting and makes so much sense- it is a game changer for me. The fact that Jesus’s death is not a big payment by an angry God is , quite frankly, a relief.

Laura G., London, Ontario, Canada

 

Testimony 5

We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, USA