Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (4) to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that dies not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, (5) who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation 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 soul.   

The Apostle Peter wrote this letter near the end of his life and probably from a Roman prison. The arc of his life on earth was stunning – from a fisherman in Galillee to the chosen companion of Jesus – from an uneventful life as a Jewish working man to a witness of the most astounding event in human history.  Peter’s life was not just turned inside out, he was, at the end of his life for the Christ, head of the universal Christian church and an instrument for God’s plan for redemption.

Persecution of Christians was in full swing in Rome and escalating throughout the rest of the ancient world and Peter is writing to suffering Christians.  He is overcome by the enormity of the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and writes his word of encouragementment through this lens.  Everything – all suffering – pales in comparison.  Salvation of the faithful is sure and is of the Lord.

We need our eternal perspective and not to dwell on immediate trials. Salvation can never be earned by man – it comes in spite of man. Mercy and grace are the undeserved gifts from God. If salvation depends on our “goodness” then it isn’t sure.  Our salvation comes from the resurrection of Christ Jesus and Peter was a witness to the risen Christ. Peter urged his readers to put their faith in the right place – in Jesus and what He did for us on the cross – not in ourselves or others which would be faulty and inadequate. God gives the faithful saving faith.

We can expect tribulations in this world – the purpose of trials is to refine our faith  which is not perishable.  Trials are temporary, necessary and under God’s control and for a little while compared with eternity.  Grief and pain are real and the biblical way is not to deny this but we are to retain genuine joy in eternal hope.