In 1 Peter 1, the apostle pronounced a benediction [devout or formal utterance of blessedness] upon God for his “abundant mercy” (3). According to Peter, this mercy is shown by His giving spiritual life to us, and a “living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (3-5).
So much is shown us in these few verses:
Our hope is because of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. God sent Jesus to die as a sacrifice for our sins. God proved that Jesus was His tool in accomplishing this great work by raising Him from the dead. Christ’s death and resurrection complement one another in man’s redemption. “This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses” (Acts 2:32). Our hope is characterized here as a living hope. This hope is active precisely because of who it is who supplies it, the One who lived, and died, and lives evermore! Concerning that hope, Paul wrote, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming” (1 Corinthians 15:22-23).
Our hope is centered in our inheritance. Here our hope is described as incorruptible. This means it is what it was, and what it will ever be. There is not change or dimming with the time it takes to obtain it. Flowers fade and metals rust, but God’s inheritance retains its glory throughout eternity.
Our hope is undefiled. It isn’t changed to become less, to be diluted, to lose its value, to become less precious. It’s constancy is found in its author, God Himself.
Our hope does not fade away. Notice the three attributes emphasizing the same thing — the constancy of our hope. Again we note the eternal nature of the inheritance. Christ’s death and resurrection occurred once for all time. The victory is won. There is nothing left for Satan to do, no alternate plan. All who live godly in Christ will realize their hope in the last day.
Our hope is in heaven. While no hope centered on earthly things can retain its glory, purity and value. The hope we have in Christ does because it is realized in that time and place where there is no corruption or loss.
