The book of 1 Peter was written during a time when Christ followers were facing intense persecution. Peter wrote this book to encourage them and bring them hope amidst the trials and persecution they were facing. One of the reasons for hope, Peter explained, is the inheritance that all followers of Christ will receive: salvation and eternal life with Christ one day.
Peter wrote about the inheritance that Christ followers have in 1 Peter 1. He wrote that because of Jesus' resurrection, "we live with a great expectation" (verse 3). What is that expectation? Peter explained that the expectation that we live with is our inheritance. He wrote, "We have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay” (verse 4). This inheritance that we have cannot be destroyed, and it cannot change. The inheritance is our salvation, the eternal life that we will have with Christ one day, Peter explained in verse 5.
We talk so freely and openly about the gift of salvation that sometimes the word "salvation" loses its wonder. The truth is that God's gift of salvation truly is wonderful. It is too wonderful for words. It changes everything for the Christian. During our worst days and throughout our trials and hardships, we can cling to the hope of salvation that we have in Christ. One day, God will restore everything, and we will spend eternity with Him for all of our days. May we never lose the wonder of God's gracious inheritance to us, the salvation of our souls.
The good news of the salvation that Jesus Christ offers is too good to keep to ourselves. Who do you know who needs to hear about the hope of Christ right now? Reach out to them today and invite them to join you at one of our weekend services. Make plans to share a meal with them after the service. Pray for them that God will work and move in their lives so that they will soon experience His hope.
1This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ.
I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. 2 God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
May God give you more and more grace and peace.
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.
