The first epistle of Peter is written to the oppressed, scattered, and fragile first century church who found themselves distressed by the “various trials” that stood in their way (1:7).  Peter writes however to encourage these believers by reminding them of their great privileges.  Four of them stand out in the opening chapter of Peter’s letter.

First, they have been promised an “imperishable inheritance” that would not “fade away” (1:4), and was reserved in Heaven.  Nothing could strip them of this eternal hope.  Secondly, they were recipients of a salvation, so glorious and so mysterious, that even the angels stood in awe and wonder, amazed by the grace bestowed upon the willfully rebellious mortals (1:10-12).  Thirdly, this salvation had been secured, not with the blood of goats or bulls, nor with perishable commodities such as silver and gold, but rather with the precious and imperishable blood of the Lamb of God, the Saviour, Jesus Christ (1:18, 19).  Finally, these distressed believers, promised an eternal inheritance and assured of their glorious salvation secured by Christ’s blood, were also empowered with the imperishable seed of the Word of God, that unlike the flower, grass, or flesh, which would ultimately wither away, would endure forever.  This promise of power and assurance of salvation was that which Peter expected to invigorate the troubled believers.

We are no different.  Various trials threaten us and the enemy of our soul is on the prowl, seeking as a lion those whom he might devour.  But a prize awaits us, an imperishable inheritance is reserved for us in Heaven.  Yet in this life and today, we can glory in the assurance of our salvation that the angels long to look into that was purchased with the ultimate price of Christ’s imperishable blood.  Moreover, to sustain us in this struggle, the incorruptible seed of God’s Word has been planted within us and gives us the power to stand in the face of every trial.  Truly, it is a privilege to be a child of God!