LIVING HOPE

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as exiles, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to the obedience of Jesus Christ and the sprinkling of His blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and unfading, having been kept in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. — 1 Peter 1:1-5

Peter, the outspoken disciple who preached the message at Pentecost, wrote two letters to encourage believers. He is no longer the immature, fiery disciple; he writes as a seasoned apostle. It is evident through the letter that he learned from his failures and also from his successes. 

He writes this letter to scattered exiles. This serves as a reminder that all of us are sojourners in this present world. Our citizenship is not of this world but, rather, in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Peter begins his letter by reminding us of all we have in Christ. While we may be exiles on this earth, we are known by God the Father. 

Peter reminds us that God saved us according to His great mercy. God’s mercy is shown in that He withholds what we deserve: death and judgment. While we are all deserving of death and punishment, God who is rich in mercy offers forgiveness and salvation to those who place their faith in Jesus (Eph 2:4-10).

New birth in Christ brings living hope. Our hope is not imaginary, dead, or wishful. Our hope is sure and it is alive because Jesus rose from the dead. Paul wrote about this in 1 Corinthians 15. Jesus’ victory over death gives us hope in this life. This hope gives us strength to live as exiles here on earth, and assures us that we have eternal life. If you have repented of your sins and placed your faith in Jesus Christ, you have an inheritance in heaven. 

Do you take time to think about those truths? Our hope is set in what Jesus accomplished on the cross. Too many of us place our hope in people and things that are not Jesus. Hope in anything else will ultimately let us down. We have our hope set in the One who conquered death. We also have an inheritance reserved for us in heaven. Many spend time thinking about their retirement accounts and what the market might be doing. And while it is good to learn and be responsible, we have something far greater reserved for us in heaven. Not only do we have an inheritance, but that inheritance is also protected by the power of God the Father. There is no variation with God. Our inheritance is completely secure. 

Take some time to reflect on the hope you have as a believer in Christ. Meditate on your inheritance and on the One who keeps it secure. And if you are reading this and are not sure you have this hope or inheritance, please contact us; we would love to talk with you.