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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 27

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

Nancy S.

 

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I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, USA

 

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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 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South Africa

 

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 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 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 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 66

I am incredibly grateful for the transformative impact you’ve had on my life, and words cannot fully express my appreciation. Over the years, I have been an avid listener and follower of C&R and extend my heartfelt thanks for creating the C&R mobile app. It has allowed me to immerse myself in your lessons repeatedly, enabling me to grasp the profound significance about the Character of God, Design Law, the protocols for life, the reasons behind the current chaos, and Christ’s mission to restore everything. They have deeply touched me. Having studied with various churches, I came away with the perception that God is no different from the deities of ancient Greek or Roman mythology—demanding sacrifices and taking pleasure in bloodshed. Thanks to your transformative teachings, I have experienced a profound awakening to the true nature of God and the immense power of His love. It is truly a remarkable and liberating sensation to finally grasp the truth and embrace the empowering nature of God’s laws. My self-perception has become brighter and more infused with love. My journey of growth continues on a daily basis.

Chris P., Lake Mary, FL, USA

 

Testimony 69

After reading your book, ‘Could It Be This Simple,’ someone was explaining Christianity in a way that made sense to me for the first time in my life. One morning, I simply prayed “I’m sorry and I love you.” As soon as I silently said that, I could literally feel God’s presence and light flood down on me from above and fill me up with love and joy. I sat there crying my eyes out, because I was so overpowered with this feeling of love and joy. It was just so incredible. I hope that more people can read this book and get a blessing from it. It’s really amazing.

Rachael H.

Testimony 50

After coming into contact with Come And Reason Ministries, I can finally say that many of my unanswered questions have fallen into place. I discovered that my view of God’s Law was “imposed laws and rules” with “imposed punishments” and that this was the major culprit of my many unanswered questions. Thanks be to God for using you and those around you to help us who have struggled with this “infection” of thought. I have now rejected the “imposed law” concept to fully embrace “Design Law”… to look thru “Design Law,” instead of “imposed law,” is a relief.

Viliami L., Australia

 

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 16

Your seminars are still inspiring and changing our lives and we continue to share the principles we have learned from you. Your ministry has changed our lives!

E.W.

 

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

 

Testimony 58

I have been watching your videos in The Power of Love seminar and I must say these have liberated me and have improved my relationship with the Lord. I am no longer terrified of him as I was before following your teachings.

Thando N., South Africa