Your Secure Inheritance To obtain an inheritance which is . . . reserved 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 Pet. 1:4-5). When Peter wrote his first epistle, attitudes toward Christians in the Roman Empire were not at all favorable. Because they would not worship the emperor as a god, or enter into other sinful pagan practices, Christians were looked upon with suspicion and disdain. In addition, Nero had blamed them for burning Rome (an act he himself perpetrated), so anger and hatred toward them was at its peak. Peter wrote to encourage them—and all believers—to live out their faith amid persecution, just as Jesus had done when He suffered unjustly (cf. 1 Pet. 2:21-23). He reminded them that despite the sufferings they might endure in this life, God will reward them with an inheritance that is eternally secure because it is reserved in heaven for them. Reserved in 1 Peter 1:4 indicates an inheritance that already exists, is presently protected, and will continually be protected. The place of its protection is heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal (Matt. 6:20), and where nothing unclean and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever [enter], but only those whose names are written in the Lambs book of life (Rev. 21:27). There is no safer place! Not only is your inheritance protected for you, but also you are protected for it! Thats what Peter meant when he said that it is reserved 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 Pet. 1:4-5). The omnipotent, sovereign power of God will continually protect you until His work is fully accomplished in your life. Then He will grant you glorification: the fullness of the salvation for which He redeemed you. You neednt fear the loss of your inheritance. Instead, rejoice in the protection of our gracious God. Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for His protection and for the assurance of your inheritance.
Posted on: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 00:21:40 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015