The Living Hope
1 Peter 1:3-9 (KJV)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
The Gift of Hope
In this passage, Peter reminds us of the incredible gift of hope that we have received through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This hope is not a fleeting feeling or a temporary sentiment, but a living, active, and unshakable reality that has been born in us through the power of God.
A Lively Hope
This hope is described as "lively" or "living" (Greek: ζῶντα, zōnta), emphasizing its dynamic and active nature. It is a hope that pulses with the life of God, and it is this hope that enables us to face the challenges and difficulties of life with confidence and courage.
An Inheritance Reserved in Heaven
The hope that we have is not just a vague promise or a distant dream, but a concrete reality that has been reserved for us in heaven. This inheritance is described as "incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away" (1 Peter 1:4), emphasizing its eternal and unchanging nature.
The Power of God
Peter reminds us that we are "kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation" (1 Peter 1:5). This is a powerful affirmation of the fact that our salvation is not dependent on our own strength or efforts, but on the mighty power of God that works in and through us.
Trials and Temptations
Peter acknowledges that we may experience "heaviness through manifold temptations" (1 Peter 1:6), but even in these difficult times, we can rejoice in the knowledge that our faith is being refined and purified like gold in a furnace. This process may be painful, but it is necessary to produce in us the praise, honour, and glory that will be revealed at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
In this passage, Peter reminds us of the incredible gift of hope that we have received through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This hope is a living, active, and unshakable reality that enables us to face the challenges of life with confidence and courage. May we rejoice in the knowledge of our inheritance reserved in heaven, and may we trust in the power of God that works in and through us, even in the midst of trials and temptations.
