“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” (I Peter 1:3-5).
Peter is writing to believers he calls “strangers” (v.1), those who are passing through a strange land. He reminds them (and us) that we are not “home” yet! We are citizens of Heaven (Philippians 3:20), and in this world we are merely “strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13). In verses 3-5 Peter shares with them at least three reasons why every believer, no matter how difficult the journey, ought to praise the Lord.
1. Because we have been delivered by God’s mercy (v.3).
Peter uses the term “begotten” to remind us that we have been “born again” (John 3:3-7) by the abundant mercy of God and that we now have a “living hope” through the Lord Jesus Christ, Who has been resurrected and now “lives” for us!
There are many in this world who have no hope (Ephesians 2:12), and others have a false hope (human effort, religion, etc.). But those who have been born into God’s family have a real, living hope, an assurance that God will honor the promises He has made to His children.
2. Because we are destined for God’s heaven (v.4).
As God’s children, we are “heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ” (Romans 8:17). The inheritance we have is described as “incorruptible” — that is, it can never be destroyed. It is “undefiled” — it can never be spoiled. It can never fade away or disappear, and it is reserved in Heaven for us.
The place God has prepared for them that love Him is beyond anything we can ever imagine (I Corinthians 2:9). How beautiful Heaven must be!
3. Because we are defended by God’s power (v.5).
Thank God we are defended by God and kept by His power. “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31b). The Lord Jesus Christ told His disciples that He keeps His sheep and they will “never perish” (John 10:27-30). If it were up to us, we could have no such assurance. But we are kept by God’s power, not ours. Hallelujah!
This salvation we have received by faith is “ready to be revealed in the last time.” One day, and perhaps very soon, we will realize it and receive it fully. For this, and for all the promises of God which we have been given, we ought to praise the Lord and give Him glory!