Peter introduced the concept of an inheritance in the opening sentences of his letter. In this week’s passage, he expands upon that and reveals the purpose of his writing.

You can see this passage for yourself in 1 Peter 1:5-6.

Peter spent the previous couple of verses describing the inheritance that believers have, an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. It’s protected. It’s safe.

But that is not the only thing that God is protecting. God is also protecting us. Peter states that we are shielded by God’s power. This has a military connotation, and speaks of an active protection. He is guarding us from the dangers that we will face, which he will address in the next verses.

But just what is this inheritance that Peter is referring to? What have we to look forward to, that Peter is so excited about? It’s nothing less than “the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”

Peter states that it is kept in heaven, being safe-guarded for us, but it will be revealed at the end time. This is our hope. This is our focus. This is what we long for, knowing that we are not meant for this world. In Christ, we have a living hope, a salvation that is held by God himself.

Peter knows that his readers need to know this, and that they need to be encouraged by this. He knows the circumstances of their lives, and understands that they need this hope in order to persevere. Because his readers, then and now, have had to undergo trials and persecution.

This is the reason Peter is writing. This is the purpose of this letter. He wants to give his readers a reason to rejoice. Even though we may face persecution and hatred because we belong to Christ, we can find reason to rejoice, because of that living hope that we know awaits.

Peter’s readers suffered persecution from their neighbors. Many of the believers in Asia Minor were living in pagan cultures, and, as a result, were suffering persecution and hatred. That seems to be not so different from today. Our culture is becoming more and more antagonistic towards Christianity and Christians. Peter says that we can rejoice, because even though we may suffer, we have something great in store for us, that we can look forward to. This inheritance will keep us on track, even during intense suffering.

Peter clearly shows his readers that their sufferings will only last for a short time. This is not the idea that it will only last for a few weeks or months, or years even. But when compared to eternity, it is a brief instant. It is momentary in the grand scheme of things.

Such things as this refine one’s faith, as Peter will explain in the next verses. In light of eternity, it makes it all worth it.

Question: Are you looking forward to this inheritance? What helps you keep your focus there instead of on your trials and sufferings? You can leave a comment by clicking here.