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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).

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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 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 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 52

Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

You did not just give me answers, you also taught me how to answer new questions that arise in my mind. Now I see things differently. I see God’s mercy, grace, and Love everywhere, in spite of all the chaos that we all have done as humans. I don’t fear death anymore. Accepting the Truth and Love about God is truly a genuine Freedom from all the confusions, sufferings, selfishness, pain, and death.

I just wanted to say, thank you, sooooo much for revealing the real Remedy for our infected life. I have a new hope and now see the world in a different perspective!

Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA

 

Testimony 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

Testimony 32

The message [of Come And Reason Ministries is] for all Christians (and those who may become Christians) and not just Adventists or any other group. It is difficult to imagine why any [anyone] with intellectual and spiritual honesty could find fault with the way you explained the healing substitution concepts and the truth about God’s character, though I know some will reject and criticize. On behalf of those in our group near Tacoma, WA, thank you and your staff for all of the hard work and for sharing the Gospel in this manner. God’s message of healing love will be carried to the whole world and then Jesus will come – He promised it.

Terry U., Tacoma, WA, USA

 

Testimony 39

[This ministry is the] biggest blessing I have ever received! Your DVDs and lessons could not have come at a better time in my life. I have experienced in the past year many difficulties that, if it wasn’t for this wonderful view of God that I have discovered through this ministry, I would not have been able to respond in love and forgiveness. My heart is being transformed everyday by the Calvary-looking God you teach. Hallelujah!! I have tears in my eyes as I write, because my life has taken a complete turn from where I was heading.

I am from Central America. Most of my family is scattered in different parts of the world and all have the same view of God that I had growing up; a distant, exacting, and ready-to-punish-us-with-tragedy type of God. So, I have been translating lessons for my family and, to my surprise, they have also been sharing them with others! I can already see the difference. My brother has often said, “Thank you for sharing, I have never heard it this way!” My other family members are taking an amazing turn from a message of “repent or burn” towards a loving God, pleading to us that we won’t reject him because he loves us eternally.

Bless you for all you do.

Sofia S., Ashfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 56

I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Tammy Cinzio, Australia

 

Testimony 47

I can’t even begin to thank you and your ministry enough for introducing me to the Truth about a loving and merciful God! I have my daughter and her in-laws to thank for sharing with me “The God-Shaped Brain” as well as your website. I listen to the Bible study class lessons on my daily walk. May God continue to bless your thirst-quenching ministry!

Liz H., Port Angeles, WA, USA

 

 

Testimony 19

I truly believe that to know who God really is the first step to understand ourselves in a balanced and kind way, so the healing can take place. Your approach really makes sense – Thank you for your ministry!

A.M., Pittsburg, PA, USA

Testimony 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia

 

Testimony 25

I just want to say thank you so much for your conversations via YouTube. I regularly tune in to your lectures, “Let’s Talk” sessions, and many others. Through these I’ve found greater depth and meaning to God’s word. Thanks for all that you do and please continue. I’m currently working in the middle of Silicon Valley at Stanford University. I feel like God really has me in the right place right now and I’m sensing that your teachings might be part of it.

B. F., Silicon Valley, CA, 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 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