Heaven as an inheritance

Peter praises (blessed) God (1 Peter 1:3), particularly because of his great mercy which is displayed in Christians being allowed to be born again (John 3:1-8; Romans 6:1-11; James 1:18). That birth is into a life with a hope that lives with real promise not available before one is born into Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:12-13). "Again" reminds us that our hope is alive because Christ is alive from the grave and God can make us alive from the grave (1 Corinthians 15:16-20; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).

Peter describes the Christians’ living hope as an inheritance (1 Peter 1:4; Acts 20:32; Romans 8:13-17). Earthly inheritances are temporary and perishable (Matthew 6:19-20). The Christian’s inheritance is permanent, lasting and undefiled (Revelation 21:27). The words "that does not fade away" come from amarantos. "The amaranth was a fabled flower whose bloom was perpetual, and whose loveliness never failed” (Woods). The Christians’ inheritance will not run out, nor fade in beauty with the passage of time.

"Reserved" indicates a military guard is keeping watch over the inheritance in heaven. Christians do not possess eternal life while on earth except in God’s promise. It is kept for those who faithfully pursue God’s will (1 John 2:25; Mark 10:28-30; Titus 1:2). Christians are also guarded by God through their faith (1 Peter 1:5; Romans 8:28; Philippians 4:7). Each should do all he can to prevent failing in his faith (Luke 22:31-32; 1 Timothy 1:19-20; Hebrews 3:12). We should desire to keep faith constant until the last day when final, complete, salvation will be revealed.

Christians rejoiced though they were enduring a time of heaviness brought on by trials. Paul and Silas rejoiced in trials suffered for the Lord (Acts 5:40-42; 16:23-25). Such rejoicing is possible because of Jesus’ great promise in the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5:10-12). This life is just for a “little while” (James 4:14; Hebrews 11:25). Suffering throughout life would only be a little while compared to eternity (1 Peter 1:6; 2 Corinthians 4:17).

All Christians desire Christ’s praise in judgment (Matthew 25:21, 23, 34-36); the honor of a crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:6-8); and the glory of living in heaven with God (Revelation 21:22-27). That desire makes the testing of one’s faith more important than the testing of gold. When gold goes through the fiery test, it comes out purified. The Christian’s faith is like that gold (1 Peter 1:7; Romans 5:3-5; 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5; James 1:2-4).

Jesus’ words to Thomas (John 20:29) seem to echo in Peter’s ears as he speaks to these scattered Christians who never saw Jesus, yet loved him. It is an agape love, "which indicates an intelligent and purposeful love. It is the love which recognizes its object for what it is; it is the love of consideration and care; it is the love of good will which desires to serve and to promote the best interests of its object" (Kelcy).

Belief in Jesus had brought them to a joyful state. Included is that joy of close association with and knowledge of Jesus (1 Peter 1:8; Acts 8:39; Philippians 4:4-7; 2 Corinthians 3:18: 4:6).

The ultimate source of every Christian’s rejoicing is heaven, the end result of faith. We have salvation from past sins (Acts 2:38, 47; 22:16); salvation in the present (1 John 1:7); and salvation in heaven (1 John 2:25). Peter was likely speaking of the last of these, though all three could be said to yield rejoicing (1 Peter 1:9).

Scripture states that the prophets wrote as directed by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21). They wrote some things they did not comprehend and searched their own writings diligently to gain understanding (Isaiah 2:1-5; 52:13-15; Psalm 18:49; Hosea 1:10; 2:23). That salvation comes by grace, or unmerited favor. It was not for them, but for those who would live in the Christian age (Hebrews 11:39-40). The prophets wanted to know the time of Christ’s suffering and the glory that would follow it (1 Peter 1:10-11; Isaiah 53; Psalm 22; 16:8-11).

Angels also had an intense desire to know God’s plan for man’s salvation, so they stooped to look closely into it (1 Peter 1:12). He thus makes a case for the great value others placed on merely knowing about God’s plan to take man to heaven. Those living under the law of Christ not only have such fully revealed to them, they also can enjoy the full reward!