The Word That Endures

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, writes to chosen people scattered across Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. He calls them foreigners. They belong to God, so they are not fully at home in this world. He opens with praise: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Their inheritance is reserved in heaven, and they themselves are guarded by the power of God through faith.

This hope gives joy in trials. Peter says they rejoice, though now for a little while they have been grieved in various trials. Trials prove faith the way fire tests gold, and genuine faith will result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Peter adds that the prophets searched diligently concerning this salvation, and that angels desire to look into these things.

Hope must shape life. Prepare your minds for action, Peter says, and set your hope fully on the grace to come. As obedient children, they should be holy, because it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy. They were redeemed from an empty way of life, not with corruptible things like silver or gold, but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish or spot, the blood of Christ. Born again of incorruptible seed through the word of God, which lives and remains forever, they should love one another from the heart fervently. Peter ends with a contrast: all flesh is like grass, but the Lord’s word endures forever.