The means of our new birth is not first the **message **of the resurrection; it is the **fact **of the resurrection. When Christ rose he secured our salvation. He entered that new day of which the prophets spoke, and he brought us with him...In giving life to Christ, God gave life to all those who are united to Christ. God's elect have a hope that is as sure as Christ's resurrection. Christ has not just made their salvation possible; he has made it sure.
-Ed Clowney on 1 Peter 1:3