The Pardon of Sin

1 Peter 2:19-21 (New King James Version)
19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us,[a] leaving us[b] an example, that you should follow His steps:
Imitation is not salvation. But salvation brings imitation. Christ did not come here first to be an example but to be a savior. As Christians we first receive the pardon of Christ, then we follow the pattern of Christ.
Only when we have the pardon of Christ, can He become a pattern for us. When Christ saves someone they are transformed into a person who will act like Christ. Not like Him in pardoning, but like Him in loving.Like Him in suffering to do good to others. Like Him in not repaying evil for evil. Like Him in lowliness and meekness. Like Him in patient endurance. Like Him in servanthood. Jesus suffered for us uniquely, that we might suffer with Him in the cause of love.
Our suffering for others does not remove the wrath of God from us. It shows the value of having the wrath of God removed by the suffering of Christ. It points people to Him. But if we are like the world it points people away from Him also.
Remember, we are to imitate His love, but not take His place.