Our Guaranteed Reservation in Heaven
April 29, 2021
Commentary
At the very beginning of this book Peter expresses thanksgiving for the eternal salvation which God offers to every man (vv. 1-5). This brings new hope which is a result of the believer’s personal relationship with the living Savior. This provides an inheritance which will not decay, is without any defect or flaw, and will never fade away (v.4).
Maybe you have experienced going to a hotel or motel only to find that the reservation you made for a room has been confused or canceled. This will not happen to us when we arrive in heaven as we who know the Lord have a guaranteed reservation. We are not kept in our own power but by the power of God which can never fail. Peter shares three basic facts about the trials we will go through as Christians (v. 6):
1. They are varied: “manifold temptations” – They prepare us for spiritual growth or help to prevent us from sinning.
2. They are not easy – They produce “heaviness” or pain. We must accept the fact that there will be difficult experiences in life.
3. They are controlled by God – “for a season.”
Application
Trials test my faith. I have heard the statement, “A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted!” On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 rejoicing) how would I mark myself on rejoicing in the midst of trials?
1 Peter 1:1– 8 (NET)
1 From Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those temporarily residing abroad (in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, the province of Asia, and Bithynia) who are chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father by being set apart by the Spirit for obedience and for sprinkling with Jesus Christ’s blood. May grace and peace be yours in full measure!
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 that is, into an inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. It is reserved in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are protected through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 This brings you great joy, although you may have to suffer for a short time in various trials. 7 Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold—gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away —and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 You have not seen him, but you love him. You do not see him now but you believe in him, and so you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,