1 Peter 1:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

NIV: and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,

NASB: to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

CSB: and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.

NLT: and we have a priceless inheritance — an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.

KJV: To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

NKJV: to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

In verse 3, Peter revealed that we are born again to a living hope. Now he continues, explaining that we are also born again to an inheritance. How can we have an inheritance? Because, in Christ, we have become heirs of God's endless fortunes. How can we possibly be heirs of God? Because, in Christ, we have become God's own children. Incredible!

In Romans 8:15–16, Paul says that we "have received the Spirit of adoption," and that we cry, "Abba! Father!" "Abba" is a term of endearment, much like calling someone "Dad," or even "Daddy." It's a reflection of the warmth and closeness we can have with God. It's this spirit that makes us heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ Himself.

The Christians Peter was writing to were experiencing heavy persecution for their faith in Christ. They were suffering. We all suffer. One of the ways that we suffer is that we have very little of value in this world. What we do have—what we earn or what our parents and grandparents may leave to us—can easily be lost or taken away.

But as children of God, our inheritance can never be lost. It is ours now and ours forever. It is imperishable (can't die), undefiled (can't become corrupted or broken), and unfading (can never lose its value). Our forever inheritance of limitless worth is being kept—right this minute—in heaven for us.

1 Peter 1:3–12 is one of the most loved passages in all of Scripture. It begins as a blessing to God, but also describes how incredibly He has blessed us in Christ. Because Jesus has risen from the dead, our hope is not a wish—it is as alive as He is. Our inheritance as God’s children is eternal, full of glory, and secured forever. Even in our suffering, we have every reason to rejoice. The mystery of God’s plan has been revealed to us in Christ. We are being saved!

Peter, the apostle of Jesus, writes a letter to Christians facing persecution to comfort them with the truth of who they are in Christ—children of God with every reason to rejoice in their salvation and future glory in eternity. Next, he urges them to live like the holy ones of God they already are by obeying God now, loving each other earnestly, and placing all of their hope in the endless life to come.

This beautiful, profound, and challenging first chapter of 1 Peter lays the foundation for the rest of Peter’s letter. In spite of whatever suffering we may face, God Himself has already shown us great mercy in Christ by including us in His family! Jesus is our living hope. Our future is secure and endless and perfect. As the children of God we have every reason to rejoice, even in this present darkness. Peter then calls us to prepare ourselves to live as the holy people God has made us to be.

Some 30 years after the resurrection of Jesus, Christians are facing greater persecution for their faith. How should they respond? How should we respond to suffering today? The apostle Peter writes this letter both to comfort believers and to encourage them to stay strong. He urges them to put all their hope in their perfect future with Christ, and to obey and trust Him in the present, even in their suffering. Christ suffered greatly; now the Christ-followers have the opportunity to follow Him even in this, showing His grace and power in their hopefulness, obedience, and faith.