From Expectation to Dispensation: Peter’s Prophetic Shift

From Expectation to Dispensation: Peter’s Prophetic Shift

There’s a subtle but powerful dispensational insight in the way Peter’s letters frame the coming of the Lord. At first glance, 1 Peter and 2 Peter might seem like spiritual bookends—both speaking to suffering saints with hope—but a closer look reveals something far deeper: a prophetic shift, one that traces the unfolding of God’s plan from Kingdom expectation to grace dispensation.

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” —1 Peter 4:7 (KJV)

In 1 Peter, written during a time when the offer of the Kingdom was still fresh in Israel’s memory, Peter urged the Kingdom believers to live with urgency. His words echo the question posed in Acts 1:6, “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” The apostles anticipated the imminent return of Christ in glory—to reign as King and fulfill the promises of Israel’s restoration. But Jesus answered, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons…” (Acts 1:7)—a subtle indication that something else was about to unfold.

As Israel’s national rejection of their Messiah deepened, that Kingdom expectation was deferred. Not abandoned—but postponed. And in that divine pause, God revealed the mystery kept secret since the world began: the dispensation of the grace of God, entrusted to Paul for the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:1-6). A new heavenly calling emerged—the Body of Christ—not born of Law, lineage, or national covenant, but by faith alone, through grace alone.

Fast forward to 2 Peter, and the tone shifts.

The one true church of God and its members

The one true church of God

Adapted from a teaching by Paul Lucas

The true Church of God is defined in Scripture as a congregation of believers set apart for God's purposes through their faith in Jesus Christ. This Church transcends denominational labels or physical gatherings and is grounded in God's eternal plan, as stated in 2 Timothy 1:9: "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began."

God's calling is described as holy and purposeful, and those who are part of His Church are sanctified in Jesus Christ. As mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:2, the Church consists of "them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints." This sanctification implies that believers are set apart to walk in God's will, fulfilling the divine purpose established before the foundation of the world.

While there are many churches and religious groups globally, not all are part of the true Church of God as described in Scripture. Being part of the true Church requires being in Christ and living according to God's holy calling. Simply joining a physical church does not guarantee membership in this spiritual body. As Romans 8:1 reminds us, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

Believers who are in Christ are called to understand and fulfill this divine purpose. Ephesians 4:1 exhorts us, "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called." It is the duty of every believer to align their lives with God's plan, striving to live in obedience to His calling while growing in their faith and understanding. Only through such a commitment can one truly walk in accordance with the holy calling God has extended to His Church.

Is Christ's church built on Peter or all living stones of truth?

Answer Request:
Is Christ's Church built on Peter or all living stones of truth? Did God reveal the truth to Peter that Jesus is The Rock?

The Greek word translated "church" in the New Testament is ekklesia. A literal translation of ekklesia would be "a called-out assembly". Thus, when God calls one out, to separate them, it is for a purpose. In other words, there is a specific function that this entity should fulfil. For example, God separated the nation of Israel for a purpose. Israel can be identified as an ekklesia, (or church in modern English).

Deut.7:6 For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.

Num.23:9 For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people [Israel] shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.