Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cap-padocia, Asia, and Bithynia … 1 Peter 1:1 (ESV) 

Most people think that Peter wrote his first letter to the refugees of Northern Israel’s dispersion which occurred almost 800 years prior to this time.  No, he wrote to the exiles of this world who have lived anytime during these last days, the times since the death and resurrection of Jesus.  Like most of the Bible, Peter wrote his book to believers, not unbelievers.  And, again like most of the Bible, he wrote to the remnant, to the overcomers, to the Bride.  These exiles Peter writes to are those “in the world, but not of the world.”  They never fit in with the crowd; they never get the perks of this life; they are black-listed, black-balled, and ridiculed.  Yet, they are God’s elect, God’s chosen.

Let’s examine some clues which show who they really are.

First, verse two tells us that these exiles were foreordained for obedience to Jesus Christ.  Who obeys Jesus?  Only a believer.  Who really obeys Jesus?  Only a faithful believer, an overcomer.  Second, these exiles have been and are “grieved by various trials.”(vs. 6)  Overcomers must be tested so that their faith is proved genuine.  They, and only they, rule in the next age, the Kingdom Age, when their faith will “be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (vs. 7)  Note that this shows us that the revelation of Jesus Christ has not yet occurred.  We are learning about it now as we learn to practice righteousness.

Third, verse nine teaches that the outcome of the faith of the overcomer is “the salvation of your souls.”  Almost all Christendom misinterprets this verse.  They teach that this is the common salvation that comes to man by initial faith in Jesus.  Most mistakenly equate the soul with the spirit.  But, my soul is not my spirit.  Jesus effected the salvation (propitiation, atonement, reconciliation) of my spirit to our Father by his perfect blood sacrifice.   My soul, on the other hand, consists of my mind, will, and emotions.  It is what I call “me.”  My me is not perfect yet; is yours?  But, I take the commands of Christ and his apostles seriously which say, “Be perfect, even as my Father in heaven is perfect.”  Therefore I seek to know his commands and obey them.  When I fail, I repent, and he then counts me as perfect, holy, and righteous before him.  This is how I “work out my salvation with fear and trembling.”  This is how I, by grace through faith, effect the salvation of my soul.

I do not save my soul by reciting some mantra or saying the sinner’s prayer.  When I understood the sinner’s prayer, then I understood that Jesus had unlocked the prison bars of death, and I walked out.  The door was already open; I just didn’t know it until I believed that Jesus was who he said he was and that he did what he said he did.

Fourth, knowing these things, Peter then begins to explain to us how we save our souls.  He says, “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  [14] As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance,  [15] but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,  [16] since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”  [17] And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,  [18] knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,  [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”   1 Peter 1:13-19 (ESV) 

Finally, in verse 22 he makes it clear that we purify our souls (save our souls) by obeying the truth.  And, what is the truth?  “The Word of the Lord,” of course.  Verse 25.  Remember Psalm 119:160 which says, 

    The sum of your word is truth,
        and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

So, Peter begins his letter to the elect exiles (overcomers) by teaching them to work toward the salvation of their souls (not their spirits!) by obeying the truth of God’s Word, i.e., by practicing righteousness.