When someone becomes a Kingdom follower, the power of God raises them from eternal death to eternal life. This supernatural change also carries with it a God-given command for the Kingdom follower to pursue holiness. The apostle Paul would put it like this, “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19b-20)
Peter wanted the churches to know that God expected this of them. They had been saved, called out, set apart, and given the hope of a glorious future! They had been called to be witnesses of God’s Kingdom in thought, word, and deed.