MAY 2, 2023 – LIVING HOPE

READING: Col. 1:3-14

Blessed be the God and Father … who … has begotten us again to a living hope … to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, … . – 1 Pet. 1:3-5).

Peter begins his letter after his greeting to the readers with praising God. How does  beginning with praise fit with a life of faith? Living in faith is not just a way of life where you experience a certain happiness or meaningfulness here on earth. No, Peter makes it clear that faith in Christ not only involves a thorough transformation, but also that it is of heavenly and eternal value. It entails nothing less than a rebirth: your inner being is completely renewed. That is the work of God, the Father of our Lord Christ! Not because you deserve it, but by grace, in accordance with God’s mercy (verse 3).

That rebirth makes us new people with a unique purpose. God gives us hope for an inheritance that He prepares for us in heaven. That is not a vain hope, nor an uncertain matter, but a fully living hope. Peter describes that inheritance as something that will remain forever and  will never diminish or perish. Verse 4 says that inheritance, on which you as a believer may place your hope, is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.

Why is that hope alive and not an unattainable ideal? Because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. It is a combination  of unimaginably great things that Peter connects to faith in Jesus Christ, who has overcome the power of sin and death. His victory guarantees our eternal happiness, our future salvation. This will become evident on the day Christ returns.

It now comes down to persevering in faith. But even for that, we may rely on the power of God, who will guard us (verse 5). The only thing God asks for is faith.

Do you ever think about your future inheritance?

Singing: Ps. 16:5