The Goal Is God

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit."
1 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

Do you ever feel like you’ve been missing the whole point of salvation?

Most people think Jesus died to forgive their sins. True. Others believe He died so they can go to heaven. Also true. Some understand that His death satisfied God's wrath against sinners. Absolutely correct. But here's what you might be missing: none of these is the ultimate goal.

The Apostle Peter reveals the real purpose in today’s verse: Christ suffered "to bring you to God." Forgiveness, justification, and eternal life aren't the destination—they're the bridge. Getting to God is the goal of salvation.

Think about marriage. When a spouse offends their partner, they seek forgiveness. But why? If they try to reconcile because they value what the spouse does for them, that's just selfish manipulation. We should pursue reconciliation because we value the relationship, not just what that person does for us. Healthy relationships are about wanting the person, not just what they provide.

The same applies to your relationship with Christ. Jesus didn't die just to give you benefits—He died to give you God Himself. You don't pursue salvation for what you get; you pursue it for Who you get.

Take a moment to consider today: am I treating God like a cosmic vending machine? Or do I genuinely desire Him? Salvation succeeds when it brings you into relationship with the Father. Come to Him right now—not for what He gives, but for Who He is. And let that security remind you of the joy and purpose of your salvation.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of knowing You—and You desiring to know me. Forgive me for treasuring Your gifts above You. Help me pursue You as my greatest treasure, not just Your blessings. In Jesus' Name, Amen.