Read 1 Peter 1

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3–5)

Beloved in Christ, could we possibly turn our attention to a more life-giving truth than this? These verses burst forth like a spring of water in a dry desert for the weary soul! Every child of God can drink from these waters and be refreshed regardless of their current feelings or shortcomings, for it is the action of God on our behalf that we observe here. We see our living hope, our incorruptible inheritance, and the power of God all weaved together like an unbreakable chord of assurance. Let us take a closer look, therefore, at the assurance of everlasting life.

First, we see that we are born again to a living hope through the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! This is not a temporary or fleeting hope, but an eternal and living hope. Wait — a living hope? Yes! But who ever heard of such a thing in this world? That is because this hope is not of the world, but of Christ! And all that is of Christ is alive as sure as He is alive. Christ’s Word is living (see Hebrews 4:12) and the water which He provides is “Living Water” (see John 4:10). And now we learn that He offers us also a “living hope.”

Would we ever dare say that such a hope which Christ provides could die? — especially when it is according to His own resurrection? God forbid! As long as Christ is alive from the grave, our hope of salvation is sure and steadfast!

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

Second, we see that we have been given an incorruptible inheritance. The word itself refers to a given possession. It is the same idea of God giving Israel their future possession of the promise land (see Numbers 26:54; Isaiah 14:1, 49:8). Our future possession is, no doubt, the resurrection of our bodies. Just as Christ rose from the grave, so too will we in Christ!

Oh, but that is only the beginning! This inheritance is furthermore described as undefiled, unfading, and unmovable. Not a single person can defile this beautiful inheritance in heaven that is reserved for you. It is truly an everlasting heritage waiting to be taken ahold of when this life ends.

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” (Philippians 3:20–21)

Third, and finally, we see the amazing power of God in regards to our salvation. According to Peter, our salvation is kept by His Almighty authority. In the original language, the word kept carries the idea of guarding or keeping watch over. Oh to think! — our God is personally watching over our salvation in order that it would remain in place. Could there be a greater security than this? Could there be a more impenetrable safe? — or a more impervious lock? Most certainly not! Our salvation is protected by God's power and cannot be taken away.

To add more weight to these words, the verb tense in which Peter writes this word only further emphasizes the ongoing nature of this action, showing that the salvation of believers in Christ are continuously guarded by the power of God’s hand.

Beloved — as we have been so much assured as of late of our justification and salvation in Christ, let these inspired words of the Holy Spirit found in Peter’s epistle sink deep into your inner being. You have a living hope, a sure resurrection, and an everlasting possession waiting for you on eternal shores which are under lock and key by the Almighty God Himself. In this you have the most assuring rest for your souls.

“And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.”” (John 10:28–30)

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