1 Peter 1:3-8: A Living Hope
In 1 Peter 1:3-8, the apostle Peter writes about the hope that believers have in Jesus Christ. This passage is a powerful reminder of the blessings that we have as children of God and the hope that we have in Him.
A Living Hope
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, (1 Peter 1:3, NKJV)
Peter begins by blessing God, who has given us a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This hope is not a fleeting or temporal thing, but a living, abiding hope that is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus. It is a hope that is based on the power of God, who has begotten us again to a new life in Christ.
Inheritance Incorruptible and Undefiled
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 1:4-5, NKJV)
Peter goes on to describe the inheritance that we have in Christ. This inheritance is not something that can be corrupted or defiled, but is reserved in heaven for us. It is a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time, and we are kept by the power of God through faith.
Trials and Joy
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, (1 Peter 1:6-7, NKJV)
Peter acknowledges that believers may face various trials and grieving, but he encourages them to rejoice in the midst of these trials. This is because the genuineness of our faith is being tested, and proven to be more precious than gold that perishes. Our faith is refined and purified through the fire of trials, and will ultimately lead to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Love for the Unseen Christ
whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, (1 Peter 1:8, NKJV)
Finally, Peter writes about the love that believers have for Jesus Christ, whom we have not seen. Though we do not see Him, we believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible joy that is full of glory. This joy is not based on what we see or experience in the present, but on the hope that we have in Christ.
In conclusion, 1 Peter 1:3-8 reminds us of the living hope that we have in Jesus Christ. We have an inheritance that is reserved in heaven for us, and we are kept by the power of God through faith. We may face trials and grieving, but our faith is being tested and proven to be more precious than gold. And in the midst of it all, we love and rejoice in Jesus Christ, whom we have not seen.
