Scripture Text: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9
Apostle Peter authored this letter to the Christians scattered all over Asia Minor who had been impacted by Roma-Greco culture and philosophies and were under the control of the Roman Empire during that time. This was the reason why, throughout the book, Peter encourages the Christians to persevere, knowing that persecution and suffering were experienced by these Christians — knowing that we have hope, redemption, and salvation in Christ Jesus.
The letter starts with salutations and an encouraging reminder that we have a Father who has bestowed His excellent and great mercy upon us sinners, who were saved by His grace. We were once lost in sin, but it was God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who caused all things to fall into place, including us whom He has chosen even before the foundation of the world for His workmanship.
Our hope is not mere wishful thinking or fake optimism, but a living hope founded on the life, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter continues to assure us of the glorious inheritance that awaits us. Verse 4 states that this inheritance is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for us. In a world where everything fades away and loses its value, our heavenly inheritance remains eternal and untouched. This is the assurance that we have in Christ Jesus, a treasure that surpasses any earthly possession.
This promised hope should propel us to persevere, knowing that there will always be testing and trials in this life, especially once we have this faith living and active in our lives. These trials and testing hone us through our sanctification daily, which is the test of the genuineness of our faith. These tests of faith show the real state of our heart towards God because we know that even in the midst of trials, we can take comfort, knowing that our faith is being fortified, leading to praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
The mystery of our faith is highlighted to us, knowing that we believe in Jesus Christ even though we haven't seen Him. We already love Him and believe in Him, and the only explanation for that is because of the gift of faith which God gave through the Gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This causes us to have exceeding joy that surpasses any trials and persecutions that come our way.
The faith that we have, which was imputed to us together with righteousness through our Lord Jesus Christ by the power of the Gospel, gives salvation to our souls. This is what we hold on to, knowing that someday our faith will come to an end and turn into a reality that all of us are looking forward to: seeing the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ face to face.
Reflect
Do we still have this hope and joy within us, no matter the circumstances we are in? Are we fully trusting and believing in Christ?
Remember
As Christians, we are in a constant battle in this life. We battle within ourselves, battle with spiritual forces of evil, battle with persecutions, and much more. These battles are nothing compared to what is within us and what is coming. That is what we are waiting for, and our present circumstances do not define our ultimate destiny. Trust in God's faithfulness and allow His living hope to anchor your soul, no matter what challenges you may face.
Read
James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-5
Pray
I pray to You, Father, to help me in moments of trials and tribulations. Help me to fix my gaze on You alone, knowing that my present sufferings are but temporary in light of the glory that will be revealed. Strengthen my faith and grant me the perseverance to endure. Father, I acknowledge that I am kept by Your power through faith. Help me to trust You wholeheartedly, knowing that You are faithful and will never forsake me. Grant me the wisdom and discernment to walk in obedience and holiness, honoring You in all that I do.
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