1 Peter 1:2 doesn’t specifically say what the foreknowledge of God is of, and therefore it would be a leap of logic to conclusively assert that the divine foreknowledge in focus of is of the faith of those who would some day, in the future, demonstrate a willingness to believe and hence were appointed by God to join a secret number an elect body on that account (i.e. “the foreseen faith” model of election to salvation). Moreover, this passage does not establish an elect caste vs. non-elect caste. So in the absence of a positive statement on the object of the foreknowledge, one might better conclude that the foreknowledge in focus is of the individuals themselves, rather than an unstated aspect of them, so that having been foreknown as believing Christians, God might elect to use such believers for evangelism and perhaps even martyrdom.
1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
1 Peter 1:1 KJV,
Pete’s letter was written to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Peter’s salutation relates to
Romans 8:29-30 KJV, where he addresses these stranger as God’s elect, who have been chosen according to God’s foreknowledge. It is obvious that God’s predestination is not related to just these individuals. Other epistles written by Paul and the other Apostles and disciples have similar salutations written to other groups. The gospel was/is to be preached through all the world, and those who believe will be saved, Mark 16:15-16 KJV
These are just a few scriptures below relating to God’s foreknowledge and predestination where Apostle Paul and other Apostles addressed those they wrote epistles to as the elect, as those that are called, and as those sanctified, etc.
Romans 8:29-30 KJV
29 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
30 “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”
Romans 1:5-7 KJV
5 “By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:”
6 “Among whom are ye also the
called of Jesus Christ:”
7 “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God,
called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Titus 1:1-2 KJV
1 “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of
God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;”
2 “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie,
promised before the world began;”
2 Timothy 1:9 KJV,
“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,”
1 Thessalonians 5:24 KJV
“Faithful is he that
calleth you, who also will do it.”
Romans 8:28 KJV,
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
1 Peter 2:21 KJV
“For even hereunto
were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:”
1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV
“God is faithful, by whom
ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”
