“May grace (the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude) and peace (prosperity and quietness) be yours in the fullest measure” 1 Peter 1:2b.
Because –
The result of faith is the salvation of our soul (v.9)
1Peter 1:9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.
We have a living hope, an inheritance in heaven, the protection of God’s power, opportunities to prove our faith, and a love for God that produces joy.
We like to set goals. We look ahead and plan for the next steps in our life. From the moment a child is born, each new achievement is celebrated – the first smile, the first time rolling over and sitting up, the first steps, the first tooth, and the first words. Then learning and formal education is encouraged as each level in school is passed. We plan for the future, thinking ahead to careers, relationships, family and retirement. We even hedge our plans with insurance. Think about this though – insurance does not stop something from happening. It only helps when things do occur. For instance, fire insurance will never produce the security that you will not have a fire, it will replace items lost to the fire. Health insurance will not prevent you from getting an illness, it will help pay the cost of your care. We could go on and on, the point is our plans, and all we do to protect those plans, have limits. This is all fine for our time on earth, but do we look ahead to eternity? Do you have life insurance? Not the kind that provides a benefit to those you leave behind, but the insurance that promises your eternal dwelling in heaven?
What insurance do you have for your soul?
What is your eternal goal?
These questions are more important than anything else we can address in our lives. 1 Peter 1:9 speaks about the outcome of our faith. There is a defined result of faith, a conclusion of our trust and belief when we die. Eternal life insurance is a one-time purchase only by the blood of Jesus. It is free to those who choose to receive it.
1Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
Hebrews 10:36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
Ro 6:22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.
What will be the outcome of your faith?
James tells us what saving faith looks like, how it is manifested in a person’s life.
James 1:21 Therefore putting aside all filthiness and [all] that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
Have you humbly bowed before the Lord your God to accept His gift of salvation purchased through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ?
In doing so, there is great cause for rejoicing. Your soul, that part of you which will continue on through eternity, is secure. Salvation is the object and result of faith. 1 Peter 1:9 addresses the assurance a believer has for their eternal life with Christ.
“Receiving--in sure anticipation; "the end of your faith," that is, its crowning consummation, finally completed "salvation". Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary
“Receiving with unspeakable delight, as a full equivalent of all your trials, the great end of your faith, {even} the complete salvation of {your} souls; a prize of infinitely greater importance than all you can be called to sacrifice for its sake!” Philip Doddridge N.T.
As we continue to move through this challenging time in our world, navigating the guidelines of ‘safer at home’ born from the Covid 19 pandemic, we can either focus on what we believe we have missed out on or we can focus on what we know is promised for our future. The outcome of these choices is opposite to one another. The first will produce unrest and despair. The second will produce peace and hope.
May grace and peace be yours in fullest measure because your faith is based on the Cross.
