The first Christians were fiercely persecuted and that is why the apostle Peter reminds them of all the things that are promised to them. All of these things were more than enough reason to have a hope that remains like a burning fire. Did you know that you too have been promised all of these things that were promised to the first Christians?
The context in which Peter writes this letter is crucial for understanding the depth of his words. These believers were facing rejection, social exclusion, imprisonment, and even death because of their faith in Christ. Following Jesus was not a cultural trend or a comfortable choice; it was a path marked by sacrifice and suffering. Yet, instead of focusing on fear or despair, Peter directs their eyes toward the eternal promises of God, reminding them that their present suffering could never outweigh the glory that awaited them.
Peter says to the persecuted Christians:
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
1 Peter 1:3-4
Dear reader, here is something extremely interesting, which may revive you if you are fiercely struggling with sin or if you are being persecuted for the sake of the Gospel. First, Christ gave us birth again when He died on the cross for us and not only died, but in dying, He also gave us a living hope and this because one day we will be resurrected. This hope is not a vague wish or an emotional comfort; it is a living hope grounded in a historical event: the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
How glorious is this, to know that our life does not end here, but that one day we will be reunited with our Savior for all eternity. The resurrection assures us that death does not have the final word. For believers, suffering, loss, and even death itself are temporary realities that cannot cancel God’s eternal purposes. This truth gave strength to the early Christians, and it continues to sustain believers today who walk through seasons of pain, doubt, or opposition.
Then we find that we have an inheritance (all the promises that God has made to us in the Scriptures), which does not decay, which means that it is impossible for it to suffer any kind of deterioration. Unlike earthly inheritances that can be lost, corrupted, or taken away, this inheritance is secure and protected by God Himself. It is not dependent on economic stability, political systems, or human approval.
It also cannot be contaminated, which reflects that it can never be stained by evil. In a world deeply affected by sin, injustice, and corruption, this promise brings profound comfort. Everything around us may be unstable or imperfect, but what God has prepared for His children remains pure and untouched. Finally: “Unfading.” That is, it is not like the flowers that wither. In short, our inheritance does not deteriorate, it cannot be touched by evil and it does not fade.
This eternal perspective changes the way we endure trials. When believers understand that their future is secure in Christ, they are empowered to remain faithful even when circumstances are difficult. The early Christians clung to this hope as an anchor for their souls, and the same promise is available to us today.
Beloved believer in Christ, I want you to know that your struggle is not in vain. Every prayer, every act of obedience, and every moment of perseverance has eternal value. Have faith, continue to persist in the Scriptures, remembering each of the things that have been promised to us and that this light affliction only works for us a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). May this living hope strengthen your heart and renew your courage as you continue walking faithfully with the Lord.