Salvation

The Search by the Prophets

Introduction:
In 1 Peter 1:10–12, we find one of the most remarkable testimonies to the greatness of the salvation we now enjoy in Christ. The apostle Peter speaks of a deep longing—a diligent, consuming search—by the Old Testament prophets to understand the message they were privileged to proclaim. Though they were God’s mouthpieces, they did not fully grasp the meaning of the message given to them. They searched, inquired, and prophesied about the coming grace, the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that would follow. They were told that their work was for a future people, and that people includes us.

This sermon builds upon the powerful truth that salvation was never incidental to God's plan. It was His eternal purpose. The Spirit of Christ spoke through the prophets, revealing the cross and the crown. Even the angels longed to understand the depth of what was unfolding. Today, we live in the age they longed to understand. We are the recipients of the full gospel and the spiritual blessings of the Christian age. Let us reflect on what they sought so earnestly to understand and rejoice in the truth that has been revealed.

The Prophets Searched Diligently
Peter says, “Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully” (1 Peter 1:10). Their search was not superficial. They inquired with purpose and passion. The same term is used in Hebrews 11:6, where God promises to reward those who seek Him diligently. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others were not indifferent. Though they could not see the fulfillment of what they proclaimed, they wanted to know more.

This was not idle interest. They searched like someone searching for treasure hidden deep in a house—checking every corner, every shadow, every crevice. They understood the subject was of supreme importance: the salvation of souls.

The Prophets Prophesied of Grace to Come
These prophets faithfully spoke the words they were given. They were the means by which God's message was communicated. Just as Aaron spoke on Moses' behalf (Exodus 4), prophets were appointed to deliver God's words to the people. They did not originate the message—they spoke it because it came from God.

2 Peter 1:20–21 teaches that prophecy did not come from human interpretation, but that holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. The prophets delivered messages about Christ’s suffering and the blessings that would follow (1 Peter 1:11). Isaiah 52 and 53 clearly describe the agony and rejection Christ would endure. The blessings that followed include forgiveness, redemption, peace, and hope, as taught in Ephesians 1:3–14. These spiritual blessings are for those who are in Christ. The prophets foretold these things, even though they could not receive them in their own time.

The Prophets Ministered for Our Benefit
Peter tells us in 1 Peter 1:12 that the prophets were told they were not ministering for themselves but for us. Their work was service for future generations. Their words were preserved to guide, teach, and bless those living in the Christian age.

The apostle Paul further explains in Ephesians 3:3–5 that the mystery of Christ was not previously made known but has now been revealed through the apostles and prophets by the Spirit. God revealed everything we need to know about salvation during the first century. These messages are complete and available to us today in Scripture.

The Old Testament prophets played a foundational role. Their efforts prepared the way for the gospel and the church. Romans 15:4 reminds us that the things written before were written for our learning. When we study the Old Testament, we gain deeper understanding and appreciation for the New Testament and the salvation it reveals.

The Legacy Fulfilled in Christ
Peter writes that the message proclaimed by the prophets has now been reported through those who preached the gospel by the Holy Spirit. The message has not changed; it has been completed. The prophetic word has been confirmed (2 Peter 1:19).

In Psalm 16:8–11, David foretells that God’s Holy One would not see corruption. In Acts 2:25–31, Peter explains that David, speaking as a prophet, was describing the resurrection of the Christ. David was not speaking about himself, but about the One to come. His words were fulfilled in Jesus.

Many Old Testament passages were fulfilled in the New Testament. The location of Jesus’ birth (Micah 5:2), His rejection (Psalm 118:22), His suffering (Psalm 22), and His resurrection (Psalm 16) were all part of the divine plan. These fulfillments demonstrate the accuracy of Scripture and God’s sovereignty over history.

Even the angels were deeply interested. Peter says in 1 Peter 1:12 that the angels desired to look into these things. They recognized the magnitude of what was taking place.

Our Role in the Eternal Plan
Ephesians 3:10–11 tells us that through the church, the manifold wisdom of God is made known to the powers in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with His eternal purpose, accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Before the world began, God purposed salvation through His Son. The church is part of that eternal plan. We are not merely observers—we are recipients of the grace that was foretold. The blessings of the gospel were spoken of by prophets, fulfilled in Christ, and now preached to us. Let us be good stewards of the message they delivered at great cost.

Sermon Outline: "The Search by the Prophets"

I. The Prophets Searched Diligently

• 1 Peter 1:10; Hebrews 11:6
• Sought salvation with seriousness and effort
• Searched like one seeking valuable treasure

II. The Prophets Prophesied of Grace to Come

• 2 Peter 1:20–21; Isaiah 52–53; Romans 5:1–2
• Declared what was revealed by the Holy Spirit
• Spoke of Christ’s suffering and the blessings that would come through Him

III. The Prophets Ministered to Us

• 1 Peter 1:12; Ephesians 3:3–5; Romans 15:4
• Their messages were for future generations
• We are the ones who now receive and benefit from their service

IV. The Legacy Fulfilled in Christ

• Psalm 16:8–11; Acts 2:25–31
• David’s prophecy fulfilled in Christ’s resurrection
• Dozens of Old Testament prophecies confirmed in the New Testament

V. The Church’s Role in the Eternal Plan

• Ephesians 3:10–11
• God’s wisdom is made known through the church
• The blessings of salvation are now revealed to all

Call to Action:
The prophets longed to see what has now been revealed. They spoke of a Savior they never met in the flesh and foretold blessings they would not live to receive. Today, that message has come to us in full. If you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and you are ready to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38), the opportunity is yours. Let us not ignore the message that was revealed with such care and proclaimed with such love. The time to respond is now.

Key Takeaways:

• The prophets diligently searched for the meaning of the salvation they proclaimed (1 Peter 1:10–11)
• Prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit to speak God's message (2 Peter 1:21)
• They foretold the suffering of Christ and the blessings of the gospel age (Isaiah 53; Ephesians 1:3)
• Their messages were intended for future generations—we are among those blessed by their work (1 Peter 1:12; Ephesians 3:5)
• The resurrection of Jesus was foretold by David and confirmed in the New Testament (Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:31)
• God’s eternal purpose was revealed in Christ and His church (Ephesians 3:10–11)
• We are stewards of a gospel foretold and fulfilled—our response matters (Romans 15:4; Acts 8:35–38)

Scripture Reference List:

• 1 Peter 1:6–12 – The search and service of the prophets
• Hebrews 11:6 – God rewards diligent seekers
• 2 Peter 1:20–21 – Prophecy from the Holy Spirit
• Isaiah 52–53 – The suffering servant
• Ephesians 1:3–14 – Spiritual blessings in Christ
• Ephesians 3:3–5, 10–11 – Revelation of the mystery and eternal purpose
• Psalm 16:8–11; Acts 2:25–31 – Prophecy and fulfillment of the resurrection
• Micah 5:2; Psalm 22; Psalm 118:22 – Messianic prophecies fulfilled
• Romans 15:4 – Old Testament written for our learning
• Acts 8:35–38 – Preaching Jesus includes baptism

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO