Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundance through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (4) to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,  (5) who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (6) In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, (7) that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, (8) whom having not seen you love.  Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, (9) receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls.

This first letter of Peter was written by the Apostle Peter to the Christians living in the ancient world of the Roman empire.  It was likely written from Rome and was again likely written before the persecution of Christians which took place after the fire in Rome in A.D. 64.  There was open hostility toward Christians in the first century.  They were mocked, ridiculed harassed, marginalized, imprisoned and put to death.  Peter’s purpose in writing this pastoral letter to “God’s elect” was to help the early believers see their temporary sufferings in the light of the coming eternal glory.

Peter tells his audience that man has a need for meaning and purpose and hope that is met – through faith- by a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  By God’s mercy man can take hold of that great gift of grace and promise of salvation and will be reborn into a new life – a living hope that can never be extinguished. This is a lively hope that cheers the soul, inspires confidence and sustains courage based on God’s promise.  Future hope brings present joy.  Peter advocates for a life lived by faith rather than works – life lived waiting to be judged righteous through faith in Christ. He states that the foundation of our absolute  assurance of future hope is based on the resurrection  and the only work that God requires of people for salvation is faith in Christ Jesus – the believer is already saved by grace through faith.

Present hope is based on past calling. We are called to be holy and blameless before Him and hope in the gospel anchors us.  Our inheritance is eternal, not subject to decay.  It is imperishable, not like an earthly inheritance – it will not corrupt the soul, will not tempt or defile the heart.  God has “caused us” to be born again.  This is a gift from God – even the faith to believe is a gift from God.