Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Peter 1:3

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,

3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ] Here again we note the close correspondence with the opening words of two of St Paul’s Epistles (2Co 1:3, Eph 1:3). It is, of course, possible that both have adopted what was a common inheritance from Jewish devout feeling, modified by the new faith in Christ; but looking to the reproduction of Pauline phrases in other instances, the idea of derivation seems on the whole the most probable.

which according to his abundant mercy ] Literally, as in the margin, “his much or great mercy.” The thought, though here not the phraseology, is identical with St Paul’s “being rich in mercy” (Eph 2:4). In the prominence thus given to the “mercy” of God, as shewn in His redeeming and sanctifying work, we recognise the conviction that those who were the objects of His favour were at once wretched, and unworthy of it through their guilt, and that His pity for that wretchedness was the source of the “grace” or “favour” which He had thus shewn to them.

hath begotten us again unto a lively hope ] Better perhaps “a living hope,” a hope not destined, as human hopes proverbially were, to be frail and perishable, but having in it the elements of a perennial life. And this was brought about by God’s regenerating work on and in the soul. The word which St Peter uses is peculiar to him among the writers of the New Testament, and meets us again in 1Pe 1:23. The thought, however, is common to him with St James (“of His own will begat He us,” Jas 1:18), with St Paul (“the washing of regeneration,” Tit 3:5), and with our Lord’s teaching (“except a man be born again”) as recorded by St John (Joh 3:5). It is noticeable that St Peter, who elsewhere (chap. 1Pe 3:21) lays so much stress on baptism, does not here refer to it as the instrument of the new birth, but goes further back to the Resurrection of Christ as that without which baptism and faith would have been alike ineffectual. In this also his teaching is substantially at one with St Paul’s, who sees in baptism that in which we are at once “buried with Christ,” and raised by and with Him to “newness of life” (Rom 6:3-4).

Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ – See the notes at 2Co 1:3.

Which according to His abundant mercy – Margin, as in the Greek, much. The idea is, that there was great mercy shown them in the fact that they were renewed. They had no claim to the favor, and the favor was great. People are not begotten to the hope of heaven because they have any claim on God, or because it would not be right for him to withhold the favor. See the notes at Eph 2:4.

Hath begotten us again – The meaning is, that as God is the Author of our life in a natural sense, so he is the Author of our second life by regeneration. The Saviour said, Joh 3:3 that except a man be born again, or begotten again, ( gennethe anothen,) he cannot see the kingdom of God. Peter here affirms that that change had occurred in regard to himself and those whom he was addressing. The word used here as a compound ( anagennao) does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament, though it corresponds entirely with the words used by the Saviour in Joh 3:3, Joh 3:5,Joh 3:7. Perhaps the phrase begotten again would be better in each instance where the word occurs, the sense being rather that of being begotten again, than of being born again.

Unto a lively hope – The word lively we now use commonly in the sense of active, animated, quick; the word used here, however, means living, in contradistinction from that which is dead. The hope which they had, had living power. It was not cold, inoperative, dead. It was not a mere form – or a mere speculation – or a mere sentiment; it was that which was vital to their welfare, and which was active and powerful. On the nature of hope, see the notes at Rom 8:24. Compare Eph 2:12.

By the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead – The resurrection of the Lord Jesus is the foundation of our hope. It was a confirmation of what he declared as truth when he lived; it was a proof of the doctrine of the immortality of the soul; it was a pledge that all who are united to him will be raised up. See the 1Co. 15:1-20; 2Ti 1:10 note; 1Th 4:14 note. On this verse we may remark, that the fact that Christians are chosen to salvation should be a subject of gratitude and praise. Every man should rejoice that any of the race may be saved, and the world should be thankful for every new instance of divine favor in granting to anyone a hope of eternal life. Especially should this be a source of joy to true Christians. Well do they know that if God had not chosen them to salvation, they would have remained as thoughtless as others; if he had had no purpose of mercy toward them, they would never have been saved. Assuredly, if there is anything for which a man should be grateful, it is that God has so loved him as to give him the hope of eternal life; and if he has had an eternal purpose to do this, our gratitude should be proportionably increased.

Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible

1Pe 1:3-5

Blessed be the God and Father.

Man blessing God

I. Man blesseth God three ways.

1. In his heart, when, refreshed with Gods favour and inflamed with the joys of His presence, he doth lift up his heart with affection, striving to laud God and acknowledge His mercy.

2. In his tongue, when he taketh to him words, and openeth his lips to confess and praise God either in secret or openly.

3. In his works, and that-

(1) When he sets up memorials of Gods great works or deliverances.

(2) When he receives the sacrament, setting himself apart to celebrate the memory of Christs death.

(3) By the obedience of his life, striving to glorify God in a holy conversation.

(4) And lastly, by showing mercy, and thereby causing others to bless God.

II. Great reason hath man to bless God.

1. For God is blessedness itself, and whither should the water run but into the sea, from whence it is originally taken.

2. Besides, the Lord hath required our praise, as the chief means of glorifying Him.

3. And He hath blessed us, and therefore we have great reason to bless Him. He hath blessed us in the creatures, in His Son, by His angels, by His ministers; blessed us in the blessings of the gospel, blessed us in His house, and in our own houses, in our sabbaths, sacraments, the Word, prayer, etc., blessed us in our souls, bodies, states, names, etc. (N. Byfield.)

An ascription of praise

I. The spirit of devotional thankfulness. Blessed be the God and Father of Jesus Christ. A living Christian cannot receive Divine mercies like a dumb animal, but rejoices in the sunshine of thanksgiving.

1. It should be the ruling principle of our lives. How much happiness is lost by forgetting the privileges we enjoy! Thankfulness in our lives would enable us to appreciate what we already possess.

2. It should be the keynote of our prayers. It is discouraging to bestow favour on a hard and unthankful recipient.

3. It should permeate all our religion. There is something in praise that softens the heart and ennobles the mind.

II. The grand reason which demands this spirit. It is the regeneration which is in Christ Jesus. This regeneration is represented as introducing us to three grand privileges, which may well excite our praise.

1. A prospect of eternal life-To a lively hope.

2. A prospect of unchanging possession-To an inheritance incorruptible, etc.

3. A possession of perfect protection-Who are guarded by the power of God.

4. A prospect of perfect victory-Unto salvation. (J. J. S. Bird, B. A.)

The apostolic benediction

The Epistle at this point where it begins to flow is Like one of those infant rivers which burst full bodied at their birth from a great inland sea in which their waters have been gathered. Unlike the waters of Ezekiels vision, that gathered volume as they flowed, this is a river to swim in the moment that it breaks away from the fountainhead,

1. Who is this of whom the prophet speaks?-God.

2. In what aspect does the Supreme present Himself?-As the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

3. What has He done?-Begotten us again; made us new creatures.

4. From what motive has He acted?-According to His abundant mercy.

5. By what means has He accomplished this great change?-By the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

6. To what end in the experience of His people does He thus work?-To a living hope burning in their hearts here, and an inheritance incorruptible beyond the grave. (W. Arnot.)

An outburst of praise

I. Praise to God.

1. Reverent.

2. Loving.

3. Intelligent.

4. Grateful.

II. Praise to God, for a bright hope of a glorious future.

1. It is praise to God for a hope.

(1) Expectant desire.

(2) Living hope. In contrast with dead hopes; lying hopes; weak hopes.

2. It is praise to God for a future.

(1) In contrast with the present lot.

(2) A completion of what inheritance in Palestine might have been.

III. Praise to God, for His wonderful methods of ensuring the future and inspiring that hope.

1. The future is ensured.

(1) God has reserved it in safe keeping.

(2) God will, in due time, let it be revealed.

(3) God has ensured it as an inheritance.

2. How is the hope of the future inspired and preserved?

(1) It is a hope that is born with mans new birth.

(2) It is a hope that is continued by God in connection with mans character. Guarded by the power of God through faith. (U. R. Thomas.)

A seven-fold hymn praise

1. Abundant mercy. Everything must start from that. Our first cry must be, God be merciful to me, a sinner. Gods mercy is abundant wherever you see it. You see mercy in nature and in providence, but in Christ it seems to overflow its banks.

2. The new birth. If we are to enjoy heaven we must be born again, have new tastes.

3. A living hope. This irradiates all the future. Earthly hopes are dying hopes. The most that the worldly man can say is, while I breathe I hope. But the Christians hope is not crushed by death; it is a living hope in that He gives me life. See yonder swimmer tossed about by the waves; he is sinking, but at last they see him; a boat puts off; the cry is raised from the pier head; the rescuers are on their way; he lifts himself once more, he sees the boat sweeping towards him; he has a living hope; he struggles a little longer, until the rescuers are able to pull him into the boat. So it is with our hope; living hope inspires us with courage.

4. Then he comes to the blessing, which is like the central shaft of the candlestick-the blessing upon which all the rest depends-the risen Christ. By the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. We worship no dead hero, but a living, loving Lord.

5. An incorruptible inheritance. I once received a letter asking me to preach a sermon about heaven. I cannot preach about heaven. St. Peter could not. He could only tell us what it was not.

6. The guaranteed preservation. Kept by the power of God.

7. Salvation to be revealed. (E. A. Stuart, M. A.)

Benedictus Deus

The sum of this text, and the name of it too, is set down in the very first word of it. A Benedictus it is from us to God, for something coming from God to or for us. Something? Nay, many. And many they are; we reduce them to three: Our regeneration which is past, our hope which is present, and our inheritance which is to come.

1. Regenerating, or begetting, is of itself a benefit; we get life by it if nothing else.

2. But to beget to an inheritance is more than simply to beget.

3. And yet more than that, to beget to such an inheritance as this, of which so many things are here spoken.

For the order we will put the words in no other, for we can put them in no better than they stand.

1. God first, and the true God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Then His mercy, the cause moving.

3. Then Christs resurrection, the means working.

4. Then our regeneration, the act producing.

Producing hope of the inheritance, then after the inheritance we hope for. Of which two points there are: How it is qualified, uncorrupt, undefiled, not fading. Then, how seated, even in heaven there it is, there kept it is. Now then for these. For His mercy first: for our regenerating by His mercy; for the hope of this inheritance, but more for the inheritance itself, specially such a one so conditioned as here is set down; for keeping it for us in heaven; for keeping us for it on earth. For these all, but above all for the means of all, the rising of Christ, the gate of this hope, the pledge of this inheritance; for these owe we this Benedictus to God. To God the Father and to Christ our Lord, by whom and by whose rising, lose this life when we will, we have hope of a better; betide our inheritance on earth what shall, we have another kept for us in heaven. Thus every one naturally ariseth out of other. Blessed be God. Yea, blessed and thanked and praised; but here blessed suits best, that the most proper return for a blessing that we inherit is the blessing (1Pe 3:9). The hope is a blessed hope (Tit 2:13). But the inheritance is the state of blessedness itself. Therefore Benedictus is said well. But thereby hangs a scruple; for what are we that we should take upon us to bless God? Yes, He us, and we Him too, as if they were reciprocal, one the echo, the reflection of the other. Equal they are not. It were fond to imagine the Father gives the child no other blessing but the child can give him as good again. What then? He that wisheth heartily would do more than wish if his power were according. What say we, then, when we say Benedictus? It is a word compound; take it in sunder, and dicere is, to say somewhat, to speak; and that we can; and bene is (speaking), to speak well; and that we ought. To speak, is confession; to speak well, is praise; and praise becometh Him, and us to give it Him. And what good can we wish Him that He hath not? Say we it, say we it not, He is blessed alike. True to Him we cannot wish; not to His person; but to His name we can, and to His Word we can; we can wish it more devoutly heard. God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the style of the New Testament, ye read it not in the Old. The sun was yet under the horizon, but now up, and of a good height.

(1) Blessed be God; say that, and no more, and never a Jew, Turk, or Pagan but will say as much. We would not bestow our Benedictus upon any but the true God, so settle our Benedictus upon the right God.

(2) For this cause, but not for this alone, when we bless Him I daresay we would bless Him with His best title. So hath it ever been. You shall observe in titles ever upon the coming of a greater, the less is laid down. For if this be to be God, to be bounteous, beneficial. In nothing was God ever so beneficial as in sending His only begotten Son into the world. This shall be His title forever. Forever to have a chief place in our Benedictus. And yet there is another on Christs behalf, our Lord; even to bring Him in too. For, seeing all that which follows comes not but by the rising of Christ, we cannot leave Him out. All the good that comes to us, as it comes to us from God, so it comes to us by Christ. This is most plain; first, that did generate Christ; before that did regenerate us. If He not generate, we not regenerate; then no children, then no inheritance. For in Him this text, and all other texts, are yea and amen. By this time we see why this addition, it is His title of severance, it is the highest title of His honour; it takes in Christ, who would not be left out in our Benedictus. From the party whom we pass to the cause, why. For we say not this Benedictus, as we say many a one here, without any cause; Benedictus for nothing; nay, for God is ever aforehand with us. For generation is the proper act of a Father. But before we come to it let us not stride over that which stands before it. God did this, did all that follows, but upon what motive? According to His mercy. And mercy accords well with a Father; no compassion like His. But the benefits ensuing are too great to run in the common current of mercy. Great, therefore according to His great mercy. Mercy, the thing; great, the measure; a word of number rather than magnitude. The meaning is, no single mercy would do it; no, though great, there must be many. For many the defects to be removed, many the sins to be forgiven, many the perfections to be attained, therefore, according to His manifold mercy. According is well said. For that indeed is the chord, to which this and all our Benedictuses are to be tuned. Yea, many times blessed for His manifold mercies. Mercy, then, first; regeneration second, the act of this mercy. Verily, even for our natural generation, we owe Him a Benedictus. No man by his first birth, be it never so high or noble, is a whir the nearer this inheritance. Now re hath in it two powers. Re is again the second time. For two there be, that old creation, and the new creature in Christ. But re is not only again, but again upon a loss. Not a second only, but a second upon the failing of the first. So doth redemption, a buying again, upon a former aliening. Reconciliation, upon a former falling out. Restitution, upon a former attainder. Resurrection, upon a fall taken formerly. Regeneration, upon a former degenerating, from our first estate. Our first would not serve; it was corrupt, it was defiled, it did degenerate. There was more then need of a new, a second, a regeneration, to make us children of grace again, and so of life. This act of regenerating is determined doubly, is twice repeated. To hope first, then to the inheritance; ye may put them together, to the hope of an inheritance. But because an inheritance is no present matter; it is to come, and to be coming to. From begetting, we step not straight to entering upon our inheritance. There needs no great Benedictus for hope. For what is hope? What, but a waking mans dream? And such hopes there be many in the world. But this is none such. To show it is none such it is severed by two terms: regeneravit and vivam. They are worth the marking both.

(a) Regeneravit, first; that it is spes generata. So this a substantial hope, called therefore by St. Paul the helmet of hope (1Th 5:1-28), the anchor of hope (Heb 6:1-20), things of substance, that will hold, that have metal in them.

(b) Then mark vivam. And vivam follows well of regeneravit. For they that are begotten are so to live, to have life. Vivam also imports there is a dead or a dying hope, but this is not such but a living.

Nay, viva is more than vivens, lively, then living. Where viva is said of ought the meaning is they spring, they grow, they have life in themselves. And, indeed, regeneravit is a good verb to join with hope. There is in hope a kind of regendering power; it begets men anew. And viva is a good epithet for it. When one droops give him hope, his spirits will come to him afresh, it will make him alive again. And for such a hope blessed be God. And whence hath it this life? The next word shows it, vivam, per resurrectionem. The vigour it hath from Christ rising, and by His rising opening to us the gate of life at large. Life by the resurrection, the true life indeed. Not to live here still, but to rise again and live as Christ did. We for the most part put it wrong, for we put it in them that must die, and then must our hope die with them, and so prove a dying hope. But put it in one that dies not, that shall never die, and then it will be spes viva indeed. No reed, no cobweb-hope then; but helmet, anchor hope-hope that will never confound you. And who is that, or where is He, that we might hope in Him? That is Jesus Christ, our hope; so calls Him St. Paul (1Ti 1:1). Yet not Christ every way considered; not as yesterday, in the grave, nor as the day before, giving up the ghost upon the Cross, dead, and buried, yields but dead hope. But in Jesus Christ rising again. We pass now to the inheritance. But as we pass will ye observe the situation first? It is well worth your observing that the resurrection is placed in the midst, between our hope and our inheritance. To hope before it, before the resurrection, hope; but after to the inheritance itself, to the full possession and fruition of it. An inheritance accords well with according to His mercy. We have it not of ourselves or by our merits, but of Him and by His mercies. Else were it a purchase and no inheritance. It comes to us freely, as the inheritance to children. Well with mercy, and well with regeneravit. For the inheritance is of children. Nor shall we need to doubt any prejudice to God, from whom it comes, by our coming to this inheritance. Here the inheritance comes not but by the death of the party in possession, but there no prejudice to the ancestor; he dies not for the heir to succeed. Nor no prejudice to the heir neither; to us by Him, not to Him by us. It is not as here, one carries it from all, and all the rest go without; or if they come in his part is the less. So say we again now, one thing to be born to an inheritance, another to such an inheritance as this here. For in inheritances there is great odds, one much better than another even here with us. St. Peter writes to the dispersed Jews, and by in caelo, he gives them an item, this inheritance is no new Canaan here on earth, nor Christ any earthly Messiahs to settle them in a new land of promise. In heaven, then. There it is first, and there it is kept; the being there one, the keeping another. For that there it is kept is happy for us. Earth would not keep it, here it would be in hazard. It would go the same way Paradise went. Since it would be lost in earth it is kept in heaven. And a Benedictus for that too, as for the regenerating us to it here on earth, so for the keeping, the preserving of it there in heaven. Kept, and for us kept, else all were nothing, that makes up all that it is not only preserved, but reserved for us there. But reserved yet under the veil. But time shall come when the veil shall be taken off, and of that which is now within it there shall be a reveiling. Only it stayeth till the work of regeneration be accomplished. For these come we now to our Benedictus. For if God, according to His manifold mercy, have done all this for us, we also, according to our duty, are to do somewhat again. First, then, dictus, somewhat would be said by way of recognition; this hath God done for us, and more also. But to say Benedictus anyway is not to content us, but to say it solemnly. How is that? Benedictus in our mouth and the holy Eucharist in our hands. And yet this is not all; we are not to stay here, but to aspire farther, even to strive to be like to God, and be like God we shall not unless our dicere be facere as His is, unless somewhat be done withal. In very deed there is no blessing, but with the hand stretched out. (Bp. Andrewes.)

According to His abundant mercy.

Gods abundant mercy

A little mercy, such as is in man, or some reasonable store, as in angels, would not serve the turn.

1. Was it a small matter that moved God to choose thee to salvation, rather than thousands of others, or was it a small mercy to give us His only Son, to deliver us by suffering all the wrath due to us?

2. Is it a small measure of mercy to call us to the hope of salvation from our wretched estate when we went on in sin, and minded no good, nay, all evil?

3. They that have had their part in this abundant mercy must be stirred up to abundant thanksgiving (Psa 116:12-14). We must testify our love in zealous obedience all the days of our life, showing forth the virtues of Him that hath called us out of darkness into His marvellous light.

4. It teaches us also to show mercy to one another: in giving, forgiving, and the like.

5. It shows also the miserableness of our estate, that without abundant mercy we can never be saved. (John Rogers.)

A string of pearls

I might almost entitle these three verses a New Testament psalm. They are stanzas of a majestic song. You have here a delightful hymn; it scarce needs to be turned into verse; it is in itself essential poetry. To lead the mind to praise God is one of the surest ways of uplifting it from depression. The wild beasts of anxiety and discontent which surround our bivouac in the wilderness will be driven away by the fire of our gratitude and the song of our praise. In these three verses we have a string of pearls, a necklace of diamonds, a cabinet of jewels.

I. I see in the text, as the source of all the rest, abundant mercy. No other attribute could have helped us had mercy refused. As we are by nature, justice condemns us, holiness frowns upon us, power crushes us, truth confirms the threatening of the law, and wrath fulfils it. It is from the mercy of God that all our hopes begin. Mercy is needed for the miserable, and yet more for the sinful. Misery and sin are fully united in the human race, and mercy here performs her noblest deeds. God has vouchsafed His mercy to us, and we must thankfully acknowledge that in our case His mercy has been abundant mercy. Where sin hath abounded, grace hath much more abounded. Contemplate the abundant mercy of our blessed God. A river deep and broad is before you. Track it to its fountainhead; see it welling up in the covenant of grace, in the eternal purposes of infinite wisdom. The secret source is no small spring, no mere bubbling fount, it is a very Geyser, leaping aloft in fulness of power; the springs of the sea are not comparable therewith. Not even an angel could fathom the springs of eternal love or measure the depths of infinite grace. Follow now the stream; mark it in all its course. See how it widens and deepens, how at the Cross it expands into a measureless river! Mark how the filthy come and wash; see how each polluted one comes up milk-white from the washing!

1. It is Gods great mercy that is spoken of herein. You must measure His Godhead before you shall compute His mercy.

2. But note again, it is the mercy of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. When I see Jesus descending from heaven to earth, paying all the debts of His people, I can well understand that the mercy of God in Christ must be abundant mercy.

3. Note carefully another word, it is the mercy of the Father. The Father of Him who is the perfect and the ever blessed is also your Father, and all His mercy belongs to you. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name.

II. The next great blessing in the text is that of incorruptible life. Mark that, O believer. One of the first displays of Divine mercy which we experience is being begotten again. Our first birth gave us the image of the first Adam-earthly; our second birth, and that alone, gives us the image of the second Adam, which is heavenly.

1. The new life of a Christian is Divine in its origin-God hath begotten us. The new life cometh not from man, it is wrought by the operation of the Holy Ghost. As certainly as God spake, and it was done, in the creation of the world, so He speaks in the heart of man, and it is done, and the new creature is born.

2. The new life in us, as it has a Divine origin, has also a Divine nature. Ye are made partakers of the Divine nature. The Holy Spirit Himself enters the believer and abides in him, and makes him a living man. What a great mystery is this, but at the same time what a blessing! Observe, to be begotten again is a very marvellous thing. Suppose a man born into this world with a predisposition to some sad hereditary disease. There he is, filled with disease, and medicine cannot eject the unwelcome tenant from his body. Suppose that mans body could be altogether new born, and he could receive a new body pure from all taint, it would be a great mercy. But it does not approach to regeneration, because our supposition only deals with the body, while the new birth renews the soul, and even implants a higher nature. Regeneration overcomes not a mere material disease, not an infliction in the flesh, but the natural depravity of the heart, the deadly disorder of the soul.

III. A third blessing, strictly connected with this new life, is a lively hope. He hath begotten us again unto a lively hope. Could a man live without hope? Men manage to survive the worst condition of distress when they are encouraged by a hope, but is not suicide the natural result of the death of hope? Yes, we must have a hope, and the Christian is not left without one.

1. He has a lively hope, that is to say, first, he has a hope within him, real, true, and operative. A Christians hope purifies him, excites him to diligence, makes him seek after that which he expects to obtain.

2. It is a lively hope in another sense, namely, that it cheers and enlivens.

3. It is also called a living hope, because it is imperishable. Other hopes fade like withering flowers. The only imperishable hope is that which climbs above the stars, and fixes itself upon the throne of God and the person of Jesus Christ.

4. The hope which God has given to His truly quickened people is a lively hope, however, mainly because it deals with life. Charles Borromeo, the famous bishop of Milan, ordered a painter who was about to draw a skeleton with a scythe over a sepulchre to substitute for it the golden key of Paradise. Truly this is a most fitting emblem for a believers tomb, for what is death but the key of heaven to the Christian? We notice frequently over cemetery gates, as an emblematic device, a torch turned over ready to be quenched. Ah, it is not so, the torch of our life burns the better, and blazes the brighter for the change of death.

IV. We notice another delightful possession which ought effectually to chasten away from all of us the glooms of this life, and that is a risen Saviour. Jesus Christ died, not in appearance, but in reality; in proof whereof His heart was pierced by the soldiers spear. He was laid in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, truly a corpse. He really and literally rose from the dead,-the selfsame Christ who was born of the Virgin Mary, who suffered under Pontius Pilate, and afterwards ascended into heaven. Now, note ye well the comfort which arises out of this fact, since it proves that we possess a living advocate, mediator, and high priest, who has passed into the heavens. Moreover, since all believers, being partakers of the incorruptible life of God, are one with Jesus Christ, that which happens to Him virtually happens to them. They died in His death, they live in His life, they reign in His glory.

V. The fifth is as incorruptible inheritance. A heavenly nature requires a heavenly inheritance, heaven-born children must have a heavenly portion.

1. First, as this substance-it is incorruptible.

2. Next, for purity-it is undefiled.

3. And then it is added for its beauty,-it fadeth not away.

4. And then for possession, it is secure reserved in heaven for you.

VI. The sixth blessing is inviolable security. The inheritance is kept for you, and you are kept for the inheritance. The word is a military one, it signifies a city garrisoned and defended. Each believer is kept by that same power which bears the earths huge pillars up, and sustains the arches of heaven. VII. Out of the seven treasures of the Christian the last comprehends all, is better than all-it is a blessed God. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is joy to have heaven, it is joy to possess a new life to fit me for heaven, but the greatest of all is to have my God, my own Saviours God, my Father, my own Saviours Father, to be all my own. God Himself has said, I will be their God, and they shall be My people. (C. H. Spurgeon.)

The anthem of the redeemed

Gratitude is happiness, and happiness speaks in poetry, and delights in song. Music is the language of a jubilant heart.

I. We have here the abundant mercy of God in producing a living hope in the breast of rebels against his authority. This expression implies three things:

1. That humanity once had a living hope. The breast of man, in the short but bright period of innocence, was indeed inspired with a living hope.

2. That mankind have somehow or Other lost this living hope. We know how they lost it. It was sin that quenched this glorious lamp.

3. That the reproduction of this living hope is a wonderful display of Divine mercy. Justice overwhelms the sinner with terror and midnight despair.

II. We have here the abundant mercy of God, in the transcendent value of the object on which this living hope is fastened. An inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, etc. Hope always implies an object. The value of the hope depends upon the nature of the object.

III. We have here the abundant mercy of God, in the wonderful instrumentality by which this living hope is reproduced. It is begotten again by the resurrection of Christ from the dead. How does the resurrection of Christ appear necessary for the reproduction in man of this living hope?

1. Christ taught the existence both of the desirable and the obtainable in connection with the future state. In the nature of the case hope implies both of these things. This something Christ presented in His teaching. He revealed to men heaven in all its glories, and He revealed too the manner in which that heaven could be obtained. Hence His teaching was in every way adapted to generate this living hope in the minds of men.

2. His resurrection from the dead was an incontrovertible proof of the truth of what He taught.

IV. We have here the abundant mercy of God, in the almighty agency he employs, to secure the ultimate realisation of this living hope.

1. The implied necessity of Gods preserving agency Who are kept. No power but that of God can keep us.

2. The expressed method of Gods preserving agency. Through faith. He always works by means.

3. The glorious designs of Gods preserving agency. Unto eternal salvation. And in this constant agency what abundant mercy! Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for His mercy endureth forever. (Homilist.)

Gods mercy manifold

As John Bunyan says, all the flowers in Gods garden are double; there is no single mercy; nay, they are not only double flowers, but they are manifold flowers. There are many flowers upon one stalk, and many flowers in one flower. You shall think you have but one mercy, but you shall find it to be a whole, flock of mercies. Manifold mercies! Like the drops of a lustre, which reflect a rainbow of colours when the sun is glittering upon them, and each one, when turned in different ways from its prismatic form, shows all the varieties of colour, so the mercy of God is one and yet many, the same, yet ever changing, a combination of all the beauties of love blended harmoniously together. (C. H. Spurgeon.)

Begotten us again unto a lively hope.-

The Christians living hope and incorruptible inheritance

If I had to say in a word what the Christians hope is, I should say it is the hope of an unfading inheritance, the hope of being made meet for it, the hope of what is condensed into that all-comprehensive word salvation! And can you make mention of any other hope that does not pale when placed beside this?

I. It is a living hope.

1. The living hope of a living man. A man spiritually dead cannot possess this hope. It is not a phantasy. It is not an effeminate wish, or a masculine wish for that matter; it is not a mere sentiment or a fond desire. It is a living hope! It is an indivisible, inalienable part of his new life, and it cannot exist in any other heart than that of the spiritually transformed man-the man who is begotten again.

2. It is a living hope because it centres in a living Christ. Begotten to it, how? By the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The life of Christ, so full of goodness, and love, and purity, and self-sacrifice, and His death, so awful, the culminating sacrifice of all, were not enough. He must come back into life, or no sinner can be forgiven. Blessed be God! He did come back!

3. The Christians hope is a living one as contrasted with and opposed to hopes that perish. God hath pledged its realisation under the seal of His own oath.

II. God is the author of this hope. He hath begotten us again to it. It is all of His abundant mercy. Therefore let us bless Him for it. And let us show our gratitude to Him by letting the light of our hope shine on others.

III. The inheritance to which the Christians hope points. (E. D. Solomon.)

Shadows of the future

To the Christian the future life is not merely a subject of anticipation, but of confident and well-grounded assurance. Our Saviour seemed specially anxious to impress this fact on the minds of His disciples. He said to them, Because I live, ye shall live also. Well, now we know that Christ lives. The existence of the Church of Christ today is an unmistakable evidence of the existence and continued activity of Christ. And if Christ lives, then we shall live also. What ought to be the influence of these anticipations on our life as Christian men and women here?

I. These anticipations ought to have a place in our thoughts, in our conversations, in our prayers, in our affections, and in the activities of our lives. It is the fashion of some preachers to decry this other world religion, as they call it. They say, We have nothing whatever to do with the other world; the present life demands all our care, and they would severely repress all interest in the future life. The human heart rebels against all such unnatural restriction. You may just as well say to the mariner, Because there are rocks and quicksands in the course which you have to take you must never lift up your eyes to the stars, but keep them steadily fixed on the waters you have to cross. Why, he would say, I guide my way across the waters of this world by the light of other worlds. And so the Christian mariner can say, I guide my course through this world by the light and the hope and the influence of the other world.

II. Our thoughts of the future life should be characterised by moderation, reverence, and spirituality. Let us be content with the beautiful simplicity and lofty spirituality of the New Testament representations as a life of glorious spiritual progress, of freedom from sin, holy love, honourable service, delightful fellowship, and a growing likeness to Christ; We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is, We shall be with Him, and we shall do Him service. (F. Binns.)

Great expectations

I. Christian hope in the excellency of its nature. Lifes pathway strewn with withered hopes. Gold, pleasure, fame, etc., disappoint.

II. Christian hope in the divinity of its source.

III. Christian hope in the medium of its production. Jesus, by His resurrection, the proof, pledge, and pattern of our future heavenly happiness.

IV. Christian hope in the glory of its object.

1. Vast inheritance.

2. Righteous-gotten rightly and enjoyed rightly.

3. Everlasting.

V. Christian hope in the certainty of its realisation. (B. D. Johns.)

The lively hope

I. The true character of the Christians hope.

1. It is lively in the sense of living. It is not delusive. It is no self-excited sentiment-the fruit of ignorance and presumption. It has a real, a well-defined, and well-ascertained existence in the heart.

2. It is a lively hope in the sense of activity. It produces courage, patience, holiness.

II. The object of the Christians hope. An inheritance, etc.

III. The method of attaining this hope.

1. Its author is God. It is a Divine creation in the heart.

2. This gift of God is prompted by His abundant mercy.

3. Yet the mercy which restores hope to man is not indiscriminate-it is the mercy of righteousness.

4. The medium through which this blessing reaches us-the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This was pre eminently the Divine attestation of the truth of the Saviours Messianic mission.

IV. The security or the possessors of this hope. (Thos. Brookes.)

The Christian salvation described and acknowledged

I. The blessings acknowledged.

1. Divine sonship. We become the children of God-both in reference to state and character, to condition and disposition-through the belief of the truth; and this belief of the truth is produced and maintained by the influence of the Holy Spirit.

2. The inheritance provided for them.

3. The living hope of the inheritance, through the resurrection of Christ Jesus from the dead. This hope rests entirely on Gods free sovereign kindness, manifested in harmony with His righteousness; but it is only in the belief of the truth that this sovereign kindness can be apprehended as a ground of hope.

II. The acknowledgment of these blessings.

1. God is the author of these blessings.

2. It is as the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ that God bestows these blessings. In the riches of His sovereign mercy He determined to save an innumerable multitude of sinful men, and in the depth of His wisdom He formed a plan for realising the determination of His mercy, not merely in consistency with, but in glorious illustration of, His holiness and justice.

3. These blessings originate in the abundant mercy of God.

(1) Think on the character of Him who bestows these blessings-the absolute, independent Jehovah, perfectly, infinitely, unchangeably, happy in Himself.

(2) Think on the nature of the blessings,-the very highest that can be conferred on creatures, and in their measure limited by nothing but the capacity of the recipient.

(3) Think on the character of those on whom they are bestowed-sinners, guilty, depraved, condemned; deserving everlasting destruction.

(4) Think of the number of those on whom these blessings are bestowed (Rev 21:24; Rev 7:9).

(5) Think of the means through which the blessings are communicated-the Incarnation, the sacrifice of Gods own son (1Jn 4:10; Joh 3:16).

4. These blessings are of vast magnitude and incalculable value. They include deliverance from guilt, depravity, degradation, death, everlasting misery; the enjoyment of the favour of God, tranquillity of conscience, ever-growing conformity to the Divine image, and happiness throughout eternity.

5. The proper method of acknowledging these benefits is to bless their munificent giver. This is one of the purposes for which we are begotten again (Isa 43:21; 1Pe 2:9). Our whole life should be a hymn of praise to the God of our salvation (Psa 103:1-4; Psa 86:12-13; Rom 12:1; Heb 13:15-16; Rev 5:13). (J. Brown, D. D.)

Begotten unto a living hope

We are not surprised that Peter attached special importance to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The most significant fact about the crucifixion was that it culminated in the resurrection. If Christ had not risen from the dead, there would have been no adequate message for the world. Now, though the story of the resurrection was to all the apostles specially inspiring, it was that which brought hope to Peter above all others. After his three-fold denial of Christ, he had gone out, weeping bitterly. Hence the special emphasis with which our Lord mentioned Peter in His message to His disciples: Tell My disciples, and Peter, that I am risen from the dead, etc. Thus the resurrection of Jesus Christ was everything to Peter. It was that which brought; with it hope to the man who, of all the apostles-excepting Judas-had lost most hope.

I. Peters high conception here of Gods mercy. Peter does not undertake to measure or to describe it. It is a mercy that has filled him with wonderment and with boundless gratitude. Peter speaks these words out of the exuberance of his own joy. That word us has a me at the heart of it. The powerful preacher is the man who preaches out of his own experience; and thus the greatest sinner forgiven must always be the greatest witness, if he is only true to his privilege. No other disciple had experienced the intense grief which Peter had felt. Hence the special significance of these words upon his lips. This word again further emphasises the testimony. All hope had practically died out of Peter. He thought everything had ended in darkness; hence the thanks he gives to Him who had begotten him and his brethren unto a lively hope.

II. Peters high conception of the hope unto which he and others had been begotten. It was a hope full of life. Peter had no patience with anything that did not abound with life. He himself was all alive, whether he confessed or denied his Lord. His was an intense nature. And when hope was rekindled in him, it was a living hope. Peter, on the day of Pentecost, had that living hope. Then he spoke in the face of the mightiest opposition, spoke only as a man with a flaming heart and a fiery tongue could have spoken. He attributed all this hope to Gods mercy. It was the gift of another, said Peter, practically; I never could work myself up into this enthusiasm. All my energy was gone, and my enthusiasm had died out of me; but He who gave His Son has given me again this lively hope.

III. Peters high conception of the inheritance in store for us-an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, etc. This assurance, if you possess it, ought to make a difference to all your life. Here is a man who believes that this life of fifty, sixty, or seventy years, as the case may be, embraces everything: that there is nothing beyond it for him. What noble heroism can you expect of that man? But here is another man who feels that, after all, this life is but the preparatory period, the time of schooling for an inheritance in which life shall show its full meaning, and every capacity of our being shall be ennobled and find full exercise. I will tell you what such a man ought to be. I do not say what those who profess to believe this often are, but what each of them ought to be. (D. Davies.)

A right to hope

My father said once, Harriet, I have been reviewing my evidences. I have been putting the question to myself, just as I would press it on a sinner, or a person newly converted; and I have come to the conclusion that I have a right to hope. That kind of mechanical or conventional test used to prevail in churches as now; and here was this old saint, that had been for fifty or sixty years working almost beyond human strength in the midst of the world, as sweet as honey in the honeycomb in his disposition, putting himself on the rack of self examination, and coming, with great hesitation and modesty, at last, to the conclusion that he had a right to hope! Hope! When a man has any conception of Jesus Christ, how can he have anything else? Hope! When the heart of Christ is pouring forth salvation, and is made manifest, as the shining of the sun, and has enough and to spare, how can one do otherwise than hope? And yet there are a great many persons who cannot do it. There are a great many who do not realise the blessing which is vouchsafed to them, sometimes from their bodily condition, and sometimes from their mental training; sometimes from one reason, and sometimes from another. (H. W. Beecher.)

The Christians hope

Dr. Arnolds whole countenance would be lit up at his favourite verse in the Te Deum: When Thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death, Thou didst open the kingdom of heaven to all believers. (Stanleys Life of Arnold.)

Christian hope well founded

God would never show us a thing He did not mean to give us. This is the way one boy teases another. (Geo. MacDonald.)

The death test

A few hours before Bishop Joness death (Methodist Episcopal Church), his son-in-law, anxious for some dying testimony, bent over him and asked, Bishop, say something to us, some parting words. The brief, emphatic reply was, I am not disappointed.

Christianity provides a future

A converted Japanese artist said recently to a missionary, I suppose the reason why English artists put so much perspective into their drawings is because Christianity has given them a future; and the reason why Oriental artists fail to do so, is because Buddha and Confucius do not raise their eyes above the present.

By the resurrection of Jesus Christ.-

Easter hopes

I. To say that we cannot get on without hope is a truism. Hope is not the salt, it is the sinew of mans moral life. His capacity for excellence is exactly proportioned to his power of throwing himself onward into a future, which is as yet beyond his reach, and which may even be always beyond it. This truth holds good whether we look at man as an individual or as a member of society. The great object of a wise educator is to set before the boy whom he is teaching some future to which he may aspire, and which may fire his best enthusiasms; some future which may supply him with a strong motive for making the most of his present opportunities; some future upon which, during the drudgery and toil of his earlier tasks, his eye may rest, as upon the prize which will reward| him, the object of his hope. And does not the same rule hold in later life? The boy becomes a man, the father of a family, and he transfers to his children some of the hope which he cherished for himself. He thinks less of what they are than of what it is probable that they will be a few years hence. So strong and penetrating is his sympathy, that in them he lives his own boyhood over again, only with the larger experience and wider horizon of his manhood. Nor is this less true of a professional work in life: hope is ever the motive principle of the exertions which command success. Minds of a lower type look forward to the reputation which will be won by success; minds of a higher order look forward to the happiness of doing work for God by rendering some real service to their generation or to posterity. And it is this hope which sustains them under all discouragements. Nor is hope less essential to associations of men than to man in his individual capacity. An army is never thoroughly demoralised until the hope of victory is gone. A nation is not ruined until it, has reached a point at which it remarks that it can make out for itself no prospect of expansion in coming years. And as hope is thus necessary to the temporary well-being of societies of men, and of individual men, so is it essential to the highest well-being of man as man. The hope upon which states, institutions, artists, painters, military men, politicians rest, is directed to objects within the sphere of sense and time. But man, as man, must look beyond sense and time. The man who has no clear belief in a future life may undoubtedly have, within some very restricted limits, a strong sense of duty. He may even persuade himself that this sense of duty is all the better and purer from not being bribed by the prospect of a future reward or stimulated, as he would say, unhealthily, by the dread of future punishment. But, for all that, his moral life is fatally impoverished. It is not merely that he has fewer and feebler motives to right action; it is that he has a false estimate of his real place in the universe. He has forfeited, in the legitimate sense of the term, his true title to self-respect. He has divested himself of the bearing, the instincts, the sense of noble birth and high destiny which properly belong to him.

II. Man then needs a hope, resting on something beyond this scene of sense and time. And God has given him one, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Our Lord indeed taught, in the plainest language, the reality of a future life (Joh 14:2; Mat 25:46; Mat 6:20; Luk 20:38). He contributed to the establishment of this truth in the deepest convictions of men, not merely many lessons taught in words, but a fact, palpable to the senses. His resurrection converted hopes, surmises, speculations, trains of inference, into strong certainties. Not that the fact of Christs resurrection could force itself upon reluctant minds, or rather upon reluctant wills, in the earliest ages, as now, there were expedients for evading its force. The evangelical narrative, the convictions of the earliest Church, the moral strength of the Church, advancing through blood and suffering to the heights of a worldwide empire, resist these expedients, as inconsistent with fact, inconsistent with reason. There are at least three forms of interest which might be accorded to such a fact as the resurrection. The first, the interest of curiosity in a wonder, altogether at variance with the observed course of nature. This interest may exist in a high degree; observing and registering the fact, yet never for one moment getting beyond it. The second, the interest of active reason, which is satisfied that such a fact must have consequences and is anxious to trace them. This interest may lead a man to see that the resurrection does prove the truth of Christianity, even though he may know nothing of the power of Christs blood and of Christs life as a matter of experience. A third kind of interest is practical and moral. It is an effort to answer the question, What does the resurrection of Christ say to me, mean for me? If it is true, if Christianity is true, what ought to be the effect on my thoughts, my feelings, my life? Now St. Peter answers that all should be invigorated by a living hope. Burthen this absorbing moral interest does not come of ordinary powers of observation and reason, like the two earlier forms of interest. We are, says St. Peter, begotten unto it. Of this birth, the Father of souls is the Author, and His Eternal Spirit the instrument, and union with Christ the essence or effect. It does much else for us; but it does this among other things, and not least among them: it endows us with a living hope.

III. St. Peter calls this hope a lively, or living, one. What does he mean by this? There are within many a soul trances of powers, ideas, feelings, which once lived, but which have died away. We investigate them from time to time, like the buried ruins of Pompeii or Herculaneum. But a Christians hops endures. Earthly disappointments do but force us to make more of it. The lapse of time does but bring us nearer to its object. Surely we can ask ourselves few questions so important as Have I this hope? Not to have this hope is to be living at random; it is to be drifting on towards eternity without a chart in hand, or a harbour in view. And if we humbly trust that we have this hope, what are the tests of our possessing it?

1. A first test is that earthly things sit easily upon us. We are not uninterested in them: far from it. We know how much depends on our way of dealing with them. But, also, we are not enslaved by them. To have caught a real glimpse of the eternal is to have lost heart and relish for the things of time.

2. A second test of our having this hope is a willingness to make sacrifices for it. What difference do my hopes of another world make in my daily life? What am I doing, what do I leave undone, that I should not leave undone or do, if I believed that all really ended at death? What changes would be made in my habits, occupations, daily modes of thought and feeling, if-to put a horrible supposition-I could awake tomorrow morning and find that Christs conquest of the eternal world for me was a fable?

3. A third test is progressive efforts to prepare for the future life (1Jn 3:3). (Canon Liddon.)

The risen Lord the Christians hope

I. The ground of this hope.

II. The power of this hope.

III. The destiny of this hope. (J. E. H. Meier.)

The right view of Christs resurrection

I. The different effects produced upon the minds of many, who have only an outward belief of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave. Of all the wonderful events which marked the Saviours abode upon earth, there does not appear one for which so much was done to make it clearly proved by its evidence as His resurrection. It was proved by the angels, by the confession of the Roman soldiers who guarded the sepulchre. It was proved by the single testimony of some of the apostles. It was proved by the testimony of the eye, the ear, and the hand (1Jn 1:1). The consequence has been, that all who profess to believe Christianity believe the fact of Christs resurrection. But with many it goes no further than to convince their reason. It brings no personal conviction of the deep interest which the soul now has, and the soul and body hereafter shall have, in this great truth. Then, again, many believe the resurrection of Christ, not only as an established fact, but as a certain pledge of the general resurrection in the last day. But here they also stop. The belief of their own resurrection has no effect upon their will. They cannot look forward with the certain hope of holy Job (Job 19:25-27). How different a view does St. Paul give us of what the belief of the resurrection of Christ, as the pledge of our own, ought to produce upon the soul (Rom 6:4). St. Paul shows that there must be a conformity of the soul to Christ while it is in the fleshly body, if we would be partakers of the glorified body at the resurrection of the just (Col 3:1). I will name one other class of persons, who, in a certain way, believe in the resurrection of Christ. Many believe it because it stands as an article in the creed. But here they also stop. The fact of the resurrection of our Lord produces no soul-stirring feelings of wonder, gratitude, and love towards this triumphant Conqueror of Satan, sin, and death; neither does it beget in them any holy desires to be conformed to His image in the converting power of the Holy Ghost. Beware of this deadening view of any of the great doctrines of the gospel of our salvation.

II. The only right view of this great and most important fact of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the grave. The text shows us what effect true faith in this great fact had produced upon the first Christians: by it they were begotten again unto a lively hope. It was in them a practical truth-it touched their hearts. Through the power of it, in the presence and influence of the Holy Ghost, they were anew created, new born unto God. It was a hope which was embodied in their whole character, gave strength and substance to all they did, and was to them that hope which was laid up for them in heaven (Col 1:5). Hence we see that a real and justifying belief of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ acts immediately upon the will and the affections. (H. Marriott.)

A lively hope generated by Christs resurrection

By speaking of our being begotten again to a lively hope, the apostle would simply indicate something of a universal change having passed, through Christs resurrection, over this earth and its inhabitants. And such a change did actually pass. There was substituted a living hope for a dead throughout every department of this creation, amongst its irrational as well as its rational tenants. It was not that heretofore there had been no hope whatsoever; for man is so constructed that he cannot live without hope; he must follow a meteor where there is no star on the firmament. There was hope amongst men, even when truth had almost departed, and ignorance of God pressed heavily on all countries and classes. There was hope that Deity might be propitiated; that in some better world the disorders of the present might be rectified. Reason did something, in the midst of ponderous night, to keep men from quite parting with the expectation of immortality; and, combining the teachings of conscience with the lingerings of tradition, it caused a spectre of hope to flit to and fro amid the cloud and the darkness. Yes, a spectre of hope!-a dead thing, though, at times, it appeared amongst the living, and wore something of the hues which had belonged to the fresh and beautiful visitant that had gladdened the earth, whilst yet untainted by sin. A living hope! a hope that is not merely performing some of the actions, but possessing all the energies, of life-that should not merely beckon onward, but waited to be examined and handled-this never sprang from the reveries of philosophers, but eluded the searchings of those who laboured most gravely at the opening a path to happiness hereafter (H. Melvill, B. D.)

To an inheritance incorruptible.-

The heavenly inheritance

The greatness of Gods mercy is to be seen-

I. In the great number of the saved.

II. In the greatness of the change which takes place in this great multitude. The very life of God is transmitted to the soul of the believer in regeneration.

III. In the greatness of the inheritance.

1. Incorruptible. Heaven has in it the power of endless rejuvenation.

2. Undefiled. Its worth is intrinsic; it does not sometimes go up and sometimes come down; its value is the same the centuries through; it was worth the blood of Christ two thousand years ago, and it is worth the blood today again.

3. That fadeth not away-amaranthine, evergreen, always fruitful, always beautiful. No autumn winds strip the trees of their foliage, no winter blasts rob the fields of their verdure. A pamphlet was being lately circulated in this country to persuade English men to emigrate to Texas, and one reason adduced was that the soil being so rich and the climate so equably soft, two harvests could be gathered in one year. A very cogent reason, doubtless, if true. But my text speaks of a better country than Texas-a country which will yield not two crops, but twelve crops in the twelve months (Rev 22:2).

IV. In the greatness of the expense to which He went to be able to confer this great inheritance.

V. In the greatness of the power that is pledged to bring the great multitude to the possession of the inheritance. (J. C. Jones, D. D.)

The inheritance of moral manhood

I. The inheritance of the good is distinguished by every species of excellence.

1. Incorruptible. The principle of decay is not in it. The pyramid crumbles at the touch of time, and the long-during mountains shake under the footstep of ages; but eternal cycles roll over the plains of heaven without impairing the beauty or paling the brilliance of the incorruptible inheritance.

2. Undefiled. Inherently and essentially pure.

3. Fadeth not away.

II. The inheritance of the good is in safe keeping-reserved in heaven. This inheritance could not be on earth. Its vitality would perish. Its purity would be sullied. Its brightness would be dimmed. It is necessary that it should be reserved or kept back for a season. You may have seen a parent reach down from an eminence some valuable article and show it to the child; the child has lifted his tiny hands to grasp the prize, but the parent has interposed, saying, No, my son, this is for you when you are a man. Precisely so with us; wait until you are made meet to be partakers of the inheritance with the saints in light. In what does this meetness consist? Undoubtedly in moral manhood. The soul is to become of age by growth in moral purity and moral power.

1. A recognition of God in everything. In battle, and storm, and plague, the clear eye of moral man looks up, knowing that Omnipotence guides that storm, and guards the childs inheritance.

2. Power over every combination of circumstances. The man is perfectly calm in positions which alarm the child. The heir knows that even if circumstances should press so heavily upon him that his earthly house of this tabernacle should be dissolved, he has a building of God-a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens (2Co 5:5).

3. An intelligent decisiveness of character. Is your conviction strong and intelligent? Is your purpose high and determined? Never was fixedness of moral view more essential to progress than in the present day. Every breeze seems laden with refined error and mystic heresy. Know well your doctrines; fix your eye earnestly on the beacon lights of immutable truth.

III. The inheritance is the portion of a special class. Kept.

1. By the supreme love of their omnipotent Saviour (Joh 10:28-29). The Lord Jesus not only redeemed His people, He is at this hour interceding for them; and His intercession keeps the saints. Peter was kept (Luk 22:31) by the Saviours mediation.

2. By the ministry of angels. This reflection is illustrative not only of the goodness of the Lord, but also of the dignity of the saved. No guardian band keeps watch over the sun in his glorious palace, no eyes glitter upon the stars as upon an appointed charge; but spirits, pure and strong, hover around the humble child of God. They constitute the military guard of the minor heir, and when he attains his majority they cease to be his protectors only that they may become his companions.

3. By the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

IV. The inheritance of the good can be entered upon only in Gods own time. Ready to be revealed in the last time. The Bible does not hold out heaven as an inducement to cease from earthwork, nor as a prize to be seized unconditionally. Is it your highest wish to enter heaven yourself, and leave your fellow creatures to do the best they can for themselves? Is there no moral work to be done before you enter on your promised rest? Is there no prodigal to reclaim, no aching heart to comfort? We must add labour to hope, and patience to faith. It is in this fashion that we prove the practical value of Christianity. Lessons:

1. Seek to be assured of your heirship.

2. Remember that you are under age.

3. Rise superior to your troubles. (J. Parker, D. D.)

Begotten to the heavenly inheritance

These two terms, begotten again and the incorruptible inheritance, are made for each other, like the two halves of a seashell. They shut accurately upon each other, but upon nothing else. Our inheritance by the first birth is neither undefiled nor unfading. To escape the curse of the first birthright we must have another birth. The new creature in Christ is joint heir with Him- heir of all things. The inheritance is-

(1) Incorruptible. It is not liable to complete dissolution, like a dead body that returns to dust. It is-

(2) Undefiled. It is not liable to have all its beauty dimmed by some unclean spot falling on its form. Often an earthly inheritance, while its substance abides the same, loses all its attraction for the owner. The eldest son, perhaps, for whom it was fondly cherished, has thrown away his good name. Henceforth the father cannot look with complacency on his green fields and waving woods. A glance at the landscape makes him shudder. His inheritance is defiled. Not so the heritage to which the children of God have, in the regeneration, been served heirs. The inheritance is-

(3) Unfading; its bloom will never wither. The Lamb is the light thereof, and there shall be no night there. The silence of Scripture, especially in contrast with the coarseness of earth born systems, is sometimes as emphatic a testimony to its Divine origin as its positive revelations. Lights on the shore flash far over the ocean, and conduct the voyager to the land; but they do not reveal to him while at sea the particular features of the landscape; it is thus that the Bible exhibits lights sufficient to guide inquirers safe to heaven, but not sufficient to reveal its interior beauties. Those who reach the better land will discover its glories after they arrive. (W. Arnot.)

The security of the inheritance

Some are born to a great inheritance, and yet miss it. In our days thrones are frequently shaken, and their occupants cast off. Princes who were born to a royal heritage wander as exiles in a foreign land. But there are no revolutions in the kingdom of heaven. Every one gets his own there. The laws of nature give a token of the certainty that prevails in the region where the Lord reigns. Although a globule of air were imprisoned for a thousand years within a shell at the bottom of the ocean, the moment its prison house decayed it would rise sheer through the water, though it were miles in depth, and never halt till it emerged with a bound into its native element, the sky. Behold a specimen of His power, who has promised none of them shall be lost. (W. Arnot.)

Who are kept by the power of God.-

Divine power and human faith

It is not Divine power alone, which would make man a mere passive creature; not human faith alone, which were to risk salvation on human strength. Were heaven reserved for man, and man left to himself to fight his way there, even with all the grand revelation of the Gospel, who would ever enter there? The Divine power is the efficient cause, faith the instrumental cause, in salvation. All worlds that revolve in space are upheld by Omnipotence: but the God of All-might upholds them by means of the grand law of gravitation. A flower is the work of Divine wisdom and beneficence, the forthputting of the Divine power of life; but it is by means of root and soil, and moisture and warmth, and light, that the flower shoots and blossoms into beauty. Such, however, are illustrations of means in the lower sphere of nature. We are sustained in life by the will and power of God. But He has given us instinct and reason, so that in the use of food, air, exercise, sleep, our bodily powers are maintained. There are two keepings: heaven for us, us for heaven. How does God guard His own? A large question, which admits of two main answers, the second of which will bring us to speak of the grace of faith. God guards His people by outward defence and by inward help. By outward defence, that is, by providence. No man ever can know in this life how much he owes to the restraining and overruling providence of God. He may be able to mark some things, but who can fully trace the all-guiding hand of God? Two ways there are in war to relieve a beleaguered city. One is by force from without to compel the enemy to raise the siege and abandon the attack; the other, to throw in succours-troops, provisions. We may know that God by His power can do either. For wise reasons He does not drive off the assaulting hosts. He throws into the city of Mansoul, succours. This is grace. Supplies of grace make the Christian strong. And he rejoices in not only the incoming of new life, but in the mortifying of inbred sin. Observe Gods method. He saves no man against his will or without his will. Salvation is of God. How then? God deals with man as a reasonable being. Faith is really the movement of the whole soul. There is in all this no force, no compulsion, no violation of the laws of mind. All is natural, while supernatural. (D. S. Brunton.)

Of perseverance

I. By what means no Christians come to persevere?

1. By the help of ordinances; prayer, word, sacraments.

2. By the sacred influence and concurrence of the Spirit.

3. By Christs daily intercession.

II. By what arguments may we prove the saints perseverance?

1. From the truth of God. God hath both asserted and promised it (1Jn 2:9; 1Jn 2:27; Joh 10:28; Jer 32:40; Mal 2:16).

2. From the power of God.

3. From Gods electing love.

4. From believers union with Christ.

5. From the nature of a purchase. Would Christ, think ye, have shed His blood that we might believe in Him for a while, and then fall away?

6. From a believers victory over the world.

III. What motives and incentives are there to make Christians persevere?

1. It is the crown and glory of a Christian to persevere. The excellency of a building is not in having the first stone laid, but when it is finished. The excellency of a Christian is, when he hath finished the work of faith.

2. You are within a few days march of heaven.

3. How sad not to persevere in holiness! You expose yourselves to the reproaches of men and the rebukes of God.

4. The promises of mercy are annexed only to perseverance (Rev 3:5; Luk 22:28).

IV. What expedients or means may be used for a Christians perseverance?

1. Take heed of those things which will make you fall away.

(1) Presumption.

(2) Hypocrisy.

(3) An evil heart of unbelief.

2. If you would persevere in sanctity-

(1) Look that you enter into religion upon a right ground; be well grounded in the distinct knowledge of God; you must know the love of the Father, the merit of the Son, and the efficacy of the Holy Ghost.

(2) Get a real work of grace in your heart. Nothing will hold out but grace; paint will fall off.

(3) Be very sincere.

(4) Be humble.

(5) Cherish the grace of faith.

(6) Seek Gods power to help.

(7) Set before your eyes the noble examples of those who have persevered in religion. (T. Watson.)

By, through, for

We have in this verse and the preceding one a grand picture of the double operation of the Divine power on the two sides of the veil. God works amidst the unseen realities, preserving the inheritance for us; and God works here, keeping us for the inheritance. It were vain to prepare the house unless He prepared its occupants. It were vain to nourish in human hearts desires and fitnesses for that supernal bliss, unless He were preparing the fruition of our desires. These two processes go on side by side, and at last the results of the two shall fit together like the two halves of a tally, and neither shall the saints be wanting for the inheritance, nor the inheritance for the saints.

I. What are we kept by? The Divine strength is as a fortress, protecting our weakness, and we lie safe in the hollow of that great sphere like some weaponless creature in its shell. We are imbedded, surrounded, over-arched above, and under-propped, and guarded on either side, and therefore we lie secure. The weakest of us can get behind that great shelter of the power of God. The fortress defends us, if we abide in it, from sin that would wreck our souls, but it does not shelter us, though we abide in it, from sorrows and all the ills and wearinesses and toils that flesh has to encounter, not because it is flesh, but because God is good. We are kept from the evil that is in the evil. The very exposure to the one often becomes the defence from the other. Then let us remember, too, that this power in which we are kept is a power which keeps us by itself being in us. So Paul speaks about being strengthened within with a Divine might. We are kept in God when God is kept in us.

II. What are we kept through? Faith is the condition, but it is no more than the condition. The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. And so one of the Hebrew words which expresses trust or faith, literally rendered, means to flee to a refuge. That figure sets forth picturesquely the nature and effects of faith. We are in the shelter of the enclosing walls, when by faith we enter into them. When we trust in the Lord we have a strong city, and salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Faith is conscious need. Faith is humble dependence. Faith is brave confidence. And if we go into our daily conflicts with the world and the flesh and the devil, wanting either of these three things, we want an indispensable link between our weakness and Gods strength, and therefore want a necessary condition for the influx of His power which brings the victory.

III. What are we kept rob? It is salvation in its rudimentary state here, it is salvation in its loftiest development yonder. All the crystals of one mineral have precisely the same angles and the same facets and planes, whether they be so small that it takes a strong microscope to see them, or large as basalt pillars of a Giants Causeway. The little salvation here and the giant salvation of the heavens are one and the same thing, and the difference is wholly one of degree. (A. Maclaren, D. D.)

The security of the faithful

Two persons may be in a lifeboat, and both being in the boat are therefore equally safe; yet one may be full of fear, because he understands neither the qualities of the boat nor the principles upon which it is constructed: he sees the waves rolling, and he fears he shall be drowned; while the other man, well acquainted with the principles of construction, and knowing also those laws by which it is governed, has peace because he is confident. So it is with regard to the character of the Lord Jesus. If you have been taught by the Spirit of God to know what Christ is-to know the preciousness of His blood-to know its saving power-to know its superiority even to Satan, then you may sit under His shadow with great delight, and perfect confidence and comfort. But, at the same time, if you are really trusting in Christ, although your faith be feeble, you are not less secure. The timid man is as safe in the boat as the courageous man, because they depend, not upon their frames and feelings, but their safety consists in the fact of their being in the boat. So all that are really trusting in the Lord Jesus are equally secure, although there may be great differences in the power of faith. (J. W. Reeve, M. A.)

Kept

I. We are kept safe.

1. God hides His people (Psa 27:5; Col 3:3).

2. God guards His people.

II. We are kept up. A corpse might be kept safe, but it would only be preserved corruption. Let us remember that He who keeps our spiritual life secure from outward attack, also keeps it from internal decay. With perpetual preservation there is continual renovation.

III. We are kept back. He who knows anything of the tendencies of his heart praises God as much for restraining as sustaining grace.

IV. We are kept on. If ye are found still running with patience give glory to Him unto whom alone it belongs.

V. We are kept through. There is as much need for us to be taught how to bear with equanimity, as how to serve with unceasing zeal. We are kept through faiths trial as well as in faiths service.

VI. We are kept clean. We who are kept safe in our title are kept meet in our persons for the coming glory.

VII. We are kept in order. The grace that saves places us in Christs school house for instruction.

VIII. We are kept always. The keeping of the text extends unto the last time. We are kept unto the end. What is there before us? Well, there is sickness for sure. But the promise is, He, that is the Lord, will make his bed in his sickness. Beyond sickness stands grim death, but that has lost all power to sting. Beyond death there yawns an open grave. But here the Lords keeping shines forth most magnificently. Yes, kept for the resurrection morning. Kept by invincible might for reunion with the glorified spirit. Nothing short of eternal keeping becomes the ever-living God, or meets the requirements of our immortal souls.

IX. We are kept for a public exhibition (Eph 2:7). (A. G. Brown.)

The Divine keeping

When God promises that we shall be kept by the power of God, He does not mean that we shall be kept from temptation, struggle, and trial. You know that in times of war a commander would throw his strong garrisons into those towns which would be attacked. We have not many soldiers in Islington, but at seaport towns like Dover and Portsmouth you will find large numbers, because they are towns more likely to be attacked. And so when I read in Gods Word that the Christian is garrisoned by the power of God, I learn that the Christian must expect to be attacked, must expect temptation, must expect to be in the midst of the battlefield. But it also implies this, that the commander considers that a most important point, and He throws a garrison into it, And not only because He expects it to be attacked, but because He means to keep it. (E. A. Stuart, M. A.)

How God keeps His saints

Those who wish to see the Scottish regalia, kept in Edinburgh, have to climb the hill to the castle, then pass guard after guard, and through room after room, until they come to a narrow, steep, winding stair. Ascending it they enter a room, and there before their eyes are the Scottish crown jewels. They are openly displayed, in full view; but while they are where every eye can see them, they are where no hand can touch them. Strong iron guards cover them, so close that, while they do not interfere with sight, no hand could go through. That is how God keeps His precious ones, His crown jewels, so that every eye can see them, but without His permission no hand can touch them. God fences them round so that no one may approach them to do them evil.

Gods protecting agencies

The traveller on the Highland railway can hardly fail to be struck, as he journeys north, with the unusual sight of a picturesque and well-kept flower garden blooming in the angle of ground formed at the junction of two rail way lines. The helpless flowers thrive there in spite of the terrible forces that come so near them on every side. If you were to put an untaught savage inside the garden hedge, and let him hear the screaming engines, and see the files of carriages, or the trucks laden with coal, timber, and iron, converging toward this fairy oasis, he would be ready to say, These beautiful things will be torn to shreds in a moment. But behind the garden fences there are lines of strong, faithful steel, keeping each engine and carriage and truck in its appointed place; and though the air vibrates with destructive forces, the pansy, primrose, and geranium live in a world of tremors, not a silken filament is snapped, and not a petal falls untimely to the earth. In the very angle of these forces the frailest life is unharmed. To all these possibilities of destruction the steel puts its bound. So with the fine spiritual husbandries that foster faith in the souls around us. That faith some times seems a thing of hair-spun filaments, a bundle of frailties, a fairy fabric of soft-hued gossamers trembling at every breath. The avalanche of nineteenth century atheism is poised over it. The air hurtles with fiery hostilities. The mechanisms of diabolic temptation encroach on every side upon our work. Public house, gaming club, ill-ordered home, threaten disasters, of which we do not like to think. The air quivers with the anger of demons. Yet the work is Gods, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. In the very angle of these demoniac forces the work shall thrive, for the hidden lines of His protecting power are round about it. (T. G. Selby.)

Salvation ready to be revealed.-

Salvation remedy

I. A delightful theme.

II. An interesting fact. Ready to be revealed. What is implied here?

1. Concealment partial or entire for the present.

2. Preparation.

3. Completeness.

III. An important crisis. The last time. (Essex Remembrancer.)

Salvation ready for revelation

The complete future salvation is both negative and positive. There is a grand indefiniteness which means comprehensiveness in the word. In its narrowest literal sense it means being made whole; in its wider signification it means being delivered from threatening perils, discomforts, and the like. On the positive side the word implies the bestowal of all true good. So what is ready to be revealed is, on the one hand, absolute emancipation from everything, be it sorrow, be it sin, be it ignorance, which is of the nature of darkness, and is to any part of the human sensibility a pain or evil. And on the other side, what waits to be revealed in us is the absolute fulness of all good of every sort which fits any part of a mans nature, and makes it feel blessed and at rest. For heart, and mind, and will, and taste, and intellect, and imagination, and the desire for society, and the desire for love, and the desire for progress, and the desire for change, and the desire for enterprise, and the desire for service, and all else that makes up human nature, the full salvation of the heavens has a corresponding gift. And, says Peter, it is all lying just on the other side of the curtain there. A curtain is a very thin thing, very easy to push aside; a fingers touch and it goes. And, as at some great civic pageant the preparations for tomorrows show are carried on behind some interposing thin veil of canvas or the like, where we can hear the hammers at work, and catch a light now and then that tells of preparing glories, so, on the other side of the thin partition, through which there come furtive gleams and sounds that tell what is going on, the inheritance is being prepared for the great unveiling. It is ready to be revealed, but the universe is not ready for the revelation. That unseen order of things has present existence. All that is future about it is its manifestation. Unseen, it lies around this little visible life. A touch, a crumb of bread in your windpipe, a clot of blood as big as a pins head on your brain, and the future, as we call it foolishly, proves itself the present, the all-encircling. There is but a thin veil between us and it. It is ready to be revealed when He puts out His hand and draws back the curtain for us one by one, as He will at the last for a universe. (A. Maclaren, D. D.)

The end of salvation ready to be revealed

But is salvation not already revealed? No; the way of salvation is revealed, but the salvation itself is hid out of sight. If the road that leads to the city of God fills us with such wonderment and praise, what ecstasies will possess us once we find our feet on the golden pavements! Imagine not that you will have to spend eternity in mental indolence. No; when you shall have exhausted the revelation of the way, the revelation of the end will still remain; when you shall have gone through this Bible which teaches us how to attain salvation there will be another Bible, the Bible of eternity, to disclose to your wondering gaze the contents of that salvation. (J. C. Jones, D. D.)

The last revelation of salvation

The finished work of Christ, the prepared home in heaven and the peace of God within a believers heart-these are both alike hidden, secret things. But these things are although they are not seen. They are all ready underneath the covering veil, and when that veil is removed every eye shall see them. When the Lord shall come again His coming will be like the morning. As the daylight reveals the green herbs and growing flowers which the veil of night had concealed, the coming of the Lord will expose to view a new heaven and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. The flowers and forests, the hills and streams, were all there in the night though they were not seen. They needed not to be made in the morning. They were ready to be revealed. Suppose a creature with the intelligence of a man, but with the term of life allotted to some of the insects-a day. Suppose that creatures life begins after sunset. At midnight and in the early morning watches he looks around, but sees nothing. He reasons, and loses himself in dark speculation. A voice from the abyss above reaches his ear, and tells him that a beautiful furnished world is ready to be revealed, and will be revealed in the morning. He believes and waits; the promise is fulfilled. The glory of the world when the sun is up surpasses all his expectation. Such a creature is redeemed man. All is ready. The inheritance needs only to be unveiled. The unveiling only remains for the last time. Now is the time for seeking and obtaining it; then it only remains that it should be fully displayed. (W. Arnot.)

In the last time.-

The last time

I. Gods last works are his best works, which should teach us to imitate God, and never fear the forbearance of God; time cannot change Him, He will be never the worse for delay.

II. If we mark what days these last days are we may also note that God doth His best works when men do their worst. For of these last days it is that the apostle speaks, that they should be wicked and perilous days, and this we should learn of God also, to let our piety and patience then shine most.

III. There is a time when God will at once fully deliver and save His servants, and judge for them, and therefore we should no be weary of well-doing.

IV. Gods servants must not think to be fully delivered till these last times, and therefore they must walk circumspectly, and always stand upon their guard.

V. It is the will of God that the day of judgment should not be known to any man or angel for the moment of it, and therefore it is here described by ages, not by days and hours, which may confute curiosity, and teach us to watch at all times.

VI. The world shall have an end, there is a last time, and therefore woe is to them that so greedily mind transitory things, and that place all their happiness in the things of this life. (N. Byfield.)

Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell

Verse 3. Blessed be the God and Father] Blessed be God even the Father, or blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The , and, is omitted by the Syriac, Erpen’s Arabic, and the AEthiopic. But if we translate , even, a meaning which it frequently has in the New Testament, then we have a very good sense: Let that God have praise who is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and who deserves the praise of every human being for his infinite mercy to the world, in its redemption by Christ Jesus.

Begotten us again unto a lively hope] I think the apostle has a reference here to his own case, and that of his fellow apostles, at the time that Christ was taken by the Jews and put to death. Previously to this time they had strong confidence that he was the Messiah, and that it was he who should redeem Israel; but when they found that he actually expired upon the cross, and was buried, they appear to have lost all hope of the great things which before they had in prospect. This is feelingly expressed by the two disciples whom our Lord, after his resurrection, overtook on the road going to Emmaus, see Lu 24:13-24. And the hope, that with them, died with their Master, and seemed to be buried in his grave, was restored by the certainty of his resurrection. From Christ’s preaching, miracles, c., they had a hope of eternal life, and all other blessings promised by him by his death and burial this hope became nearly, if not altogether, extinct; but by his resurrection the hope was revived. This is very properly expressed here by being begotten again to a living hope, , as some MSS. and versions have it, , to the hope of life; which one copy of the Itala, with Augustine, Gildas, Vigilius of Tapsum, and Cassiodorus, have considered as meaning eternal life, agreeably to the context; and therefore they read vitae aeternae.

The expressions, however, may include more particulars than what are above specified; as none can inherit eternal life except those who are children in the heavenly family, and none are children but those who are born again: then St. Peter may be considered as laying here the foundation of the hope of eternal life in the regeneration of the soul; for none can legally inherit but the children, and none are children of God till they are spiritually begotten and born again.

It is the Gospel alone that gives the well grounded hope of eternal life; and the ground on which this hope rests is the resurrection of Christ himself. The certainty of our Lord’s resurrection is the great seal of the Gospel. Without this what is vision, what is prophecy, what is promise, what are even miracles, to that unbelief which is natural to man on such a subject as this? But the resurrection of the human nature of Christ, the incontestable proofs of this resurrection, and the ascension of our nature to heaven in his person, are such evidences of the possibility and certainty of the thing, as for ever to preclude all doubt from the hearts of those who believe in him.

Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; either the conjunction and is here but an explicative particle, and so we render it, 2Co 1:3, God, even the Father, & c.; or if we take it for a copulative, as Eph 1:3; God is called the God of Jesus Christ, according to Christs human nature, and his Father according to his Divine.

Which according to his abundant mercy; this shows the fountain from whence regeneration and all other spiritual blessings flow, and excludes all merit and dignity in us, as the cause of so great benefits.

Abundant mercy is the same with riches of mercy, Eph 2:4.

Hath begotten us again; translated us out of a state of sin and misery into a state of grace and life; and so begotten again here, is the same as sanctifying in the former verse.

Unto a lively hope; either a lively hope, for hope of life; or rather, a lively hope is a true and effectual hope, such as proceeds from a lively faith, and is itself productive of peace and purity, Rom 5:2; 1Jo 3:3, in opposition to the vain hope of worldly men, which neither comes from faith nor tends to holiness.

By the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead: this may be referred either:

1. To Gods begetting us again, and then it implies the resurrection of Christ to be the cause of our regeneration, we being raised to a spiritual life by the power of Christs resurrection, and our vivification being often ascribed to it, 1Pe 3:21; Rom 4:25; 6:4,5; see Eph 2:5. Or:

2. To the lively hope to which he begets us, which depends upon, and ariseth from, the faith of Christs resurrection, Rom 8:11; 1Co 15:17,19; 1Th 4:13,14. Christs resurrection being the cause and pledge of ours, as the certainty of ours depends upon his, so the liveliness of our hope follows upon the faith of it. Possibly the apostle may have in these words some respect to the languishing condition of the hope of him, and the other disciples, Luk 24:21, which was then ready to expire, but was again revived by their being well assured of his resurrection, Luk 24:33,34.

Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole

3. He begins, like Paul, inopening his Epistles with giving thanks to God for the greatness ofthe salvation; herein he looks forward (1) into the future (1Pe1:3-9); (2) backward into the past (1Pe1:10-12) [ALFORD].

BlessedA distinctGreek word (eulogetos, “Blessed BE”)is used of God, from that used of man (eulogemenos, “BlessedIS”).

FatherThis wholeEpistle accords with the Lord’s prayer; “Father,” 1Pe 1:3;1Pe 1:14; 1Pe 1:17;1Pe 1:23; 1Pe 2:2;”Our,” 1Pe 1:4, end;”In heaven,” 1Pe 1:4;”Hallowed be Thy name,” 1Pe 1:15;1Pe 1:16; 1Pe 3:15;”Thy kingdom come,” 1Pe2:9; “Thy will be done,” 1Pe 2:15;1Pe 3:17; 1Pe 4:2;1Pe 4:19; “daily bread,”1Pe 5:7; “forgiveness ofsins,” 1Pe 4:8; 1Pe 4:1;”temptation,” 1Pe 4:12;”deliverance,” 1Pe 4:18[BENGEL]; Compare 1Pe 3:7;1Pe 4:7, for allusions to prayer.“Barak,” Hebrew “bless,” isliterally “kneel.” God, as the original source of blessing,must be blessed through all His works.

abundantGreek,“much,” “full.” That God’s “mercy”should reach us, guilty and enemies, proves its fulness.”Mercy” met our misery; “grace,” ourguilt.

begotten us againofthe Spirit by the word (1Pe1:23); whereas we were children of wrath naturally, and deadin sins.

untoso that we have.

livelyGreek,“living.” It has life in itself, gives life, and looks forlife as its object [DEWETTE]. Living is afavorite expression of Peter (1Pe 1:23;1Pe 2:4; 1Pe 2:5).He delights in contemplating life overcoming death in thebeliever. Faith and love follow hope (1Pe 1:8;1Pe 1:21; 1Pe 1:22).”(Unto) a lively hope” is further explained by “(To)an inheritance incorruptible . . . fadeth not away,” and “(unto)salvation . . . ready to be revealed in the last time.” I preferwith BENGEL and STEIGERto join as in Greek, “Unto a hope living(possessing life and vitality) through the resurrection ofJesus Christ.” Faith, the subjective means of the spiritualresurrection of the soul, is wrought by the same power whereby Christwas raised from the dead. Baptism is an objective means (1Pe3:21). Its moral fruit is a new life. The connection of oursonship with the resurrection appears also in Luk 20:36;Act 13:33. Christ’s resurrectionis the cause of ours, (1) as an efficient cause (1Co15:22); (2) as an exemplary cause, all the saints being about torise after the similitude of His resurrection. Our “hope”is, Christ rising from the dead hath ordained the power, and isbecome the pattern of the believer’s resurrection. The soul, bornagain from its natural state into the life of grace, is after thatborn again unto the life of glory. Mt19:28, “regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit in thethrone of His glory”; the resurrection of our bodies is a kindof coming out of the womb of the earth and entering upon immortality,a nativity into another life [BISHOPPEARSON]. The four causesof our salvation are; (1) the primary cause, God’s mercy; (2) theproximate cause, Christ’s death and resurrection; (3) the formalcause, our regeneration; (4) the final cause, our eternal bliss. AsJohn is the disciple of love, so Paul of faith, andPeter of hope. Hence, Peter, most of all the apostles, urgesthe resurrection of Christ; an undesigned coincidence between thehistory and the Epistle, and so a proof of genuineness. Christ’sresurrection was the occasion of his own restoration by Christ afterhis fall.

Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,…. The epistle begins here with thanksgiving to God, or an ascription of blessing, praise, and glory to him; for this does not mean an invoking or conferring a blessing on him; neither of which can be, for there is not a greater than he to be invoked, nor can anything be added to his blessedness: but God may be blessed by his creatures when they speak well of him, and his wonderful works of creation, providence, and grace; when they ascribe all their mercies, spiritual and temporal, to him; give him the glory of them, and express their thanks for them in heart, lip, and life; and such a blessing of God for a special and spiritual favour, the grace of regeneration, is intended here: by “God” is meant, not God essentially, but personally considered, even God the Father, as is clearly expressed: the words are rendered in the Arabic and Ethiopic versions without the copulative “and”, thus, “blessed be God the Father”; and if that is retained, they, may be rendered thus, “blessed be God, even the Father”; as in 2Co 1:3 and so the latter be exegetical of the former; though both are true of Christ, in different senses; God is the God of Christ, as Christ is man; and he is the Father of Christ, as Christ is God; for, as man, he had no father, nor is he a son by office, but by nature;

[See comments on Eph 1:3].

which, according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again: regeneration is the blessing thanks are given for; and if we are to be thankful to God, and bless his name, because he hath made us creatures, and hath given us a natural being; much more should we praise him for making us new creatures, and giving us a spiritual being. To be “begotten again”, and so to be born again, is opposed unto, and distinguished from our first birth, when we were conceived, and shapen in sin; and designs a birth, spiritual, holy, and heavenly; it is signified by a being quickened, or made alive; so as in a spiritual sense, to see, and hear, and breathe after divine things, and to live a life of faith and holiness; by Christ being formed in the heart; by a partaking of the divine nature, and by being made new men, or new creatures: God, and not man, is the efficient cause of this, which is sometimes ascribed to the Spirit, and sometimes to the Son, and here to the Father; and it is not men’s works, but his own good will and pleasure, his great love and free favour, his rich grace and abundant mercy, are the impulsive, or moving cause of it; and abundance of grace and mercy indeed is displayed in the regeneration and conversion of sinners: what they are regenerated to is,

unto a lively hope; meaning either the grace of hope, which is implanted in regeneration, and not before; for then, and then only, is a good hope through grace given; and it may be said to be “lively”, or “living”, inasmuch as it is fixed, not on dead works, but on a living Christ, on his person, blood, and righteousness; and is not the hope of a dead sinner, of a lifeless hypocrite, and formal professor, that has a name to live, and is dead, but of a living believer, one made truly alive by the spirit of life, from Christ; and is what is sometimes, at least, in lively exercise, and makes the heart of a believer cheerful, brisk, and lively; and is what is lasting and durable, and will never be lost, but will be held fast unto the end: or else the thing hoped for is intended, the hope laid up in heaven; the blessed hope regenerate ones are born unto, and are looking for, even eternal life and happiness; and the Syriac version renders it, “unto hope of life”: that is, or eternal life; and so reads one of Stephens’s copies. Saints are both begotten again to the grace of hope, and to the glory which that grace is waiting for: the means is,

by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead; which may be connected either with the act of begetting again; for Christ’s resurrection is the virtual cause of regeneration, or regeneration is in virtue of Christ’s resurrection; had he not risen from the dead, none would have been quickened, or made to live, or have been raised to newness of life: his resurrection is the exemplar of regeneration; there is a likeness between them; as his resurrection was a declaration of his sonship, so regeneration is a manifestation of adoption; and as Christ’s resurrection was his first step to glory, so is regeneration to eternal life; and both are wrought by the same almighty power: or the clause may be connected with the foregoing, “unto a lively hope”; for the resurrection of Christ is what is the means of, and lays a solid foundation of hope, both of the saints’ resurrection from the dead, of which Christ is the meritorious cause, pledge, and pattern, and of eternal glory and happiness, since he rose for our justification, with which glorification is inseparably connected.

Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible

Privileges of Christians.

A. D. 66.

      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,   5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

      We come now to the body of the epistle, which begins with,

      I. A congratulation of the dignity and happiness of the state of these believers, brought in under the form of a thanksgiving to God. Other epistles begin in like manner, 2Co 1:3; Eph 1:3. Here we have,

      1. The duty performed, which is blessing God. A man blesses God by a just acknowledgment of his excellency and blessedness.

      2. The object of this blessing described by his relation to Jesus Christ: The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here are three names of one person, denoting his threefold office. (1.) He is Lord, a universal king or sovereign. (2.) Jesus, a priest or Saviour. (3.) Christ, a prophet, anointed with the Spirit and furnished with all gifts necessary for the instruction, guidance, and salvation of his church. This God, so blessed, is the God of Christ according to his human nature, and his Father according to his divine nature.

      3. The reasons that oblige us to this duty of blessing God, which are comprised in his abundant mercy. All our blessings are owing to God’s mercy, not to man’s merit, particularly regeneration. He hath begotten us again, and this deserves our thanksgiving to God, especially if we consider the fruit it produces in us, which is that excellent grace of hope, and that not such a vain, dead, perishing hope as that of worldlings and hypocrites, but a lively hope, a living, strong, quickening, and durable hope, as that hope must needs be that has such a solid foundation as the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Learn, (1.) A good Christian’s condition is never so bad but he has great reason still to bless God. As a sinner has always reason to mourn, notwithstanding his present prosperity, so good people, in the midst of their manifold difficulties, have reason still to rejoice and bless God. (2.) In our prayers and praises we should address God as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; it is only through him that we and our services are accepted. (3.) The best of men owe their best blessings to the abundant mercy of God. All the evil in the world is from man’s sin, but all the good in it is from God’s mercy. Regeneration is expressly ascribed to the abundant mercy of God, and so are all the rest; we subsist entirely upon divine mercy. Of the nature of regeneration, see on John iii. 3. (4.) Regeneration produces a lively hope of eternal life. Every unconverted person is a hopeless creature; whatever he pretends to of that kind is all confidence and presumption. The right Christian hope is what a man is begotten again unto by the Spirit of God; it is not from nature, but free grace. Those who are begotten to a new and spiritual life are begotten to a new and spiritual hope. (5.) The hope of a Christian has this excellency, it is a living hope. The hope of eternal life in a true Christian is a hope that keeps him alive, quickens him, supports him, and conducts him to heaven. Hope invigorates and spirits up the soul to action, to patience, to fortitude, and perseverance to the end. The delusive hopes of the unregenerate are vain and perishing; the hypocrite and his hope expire and die both together, Job xxvii. 8. (6.) The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the ground or foundation of a Christian’s hope. The resurrection of Christ is the act of the Father as a Judge, of the Son as a conqueror. His resurrection demonstrates that the Father accepts his death in full discharge for our ransom, that he is victorious over death, the grave, and all our spiritual enemies; and it is also an assurance of our own resurrection. There being an inseparable union between Christ and his flock, they rise by virtue of his resurrection as a head, rather than by virtue of his power as a Judge. We have risen with Christ, Col. iii. 1. From all this taken together, Christians have two firm and solid foundations whereon to build their hope of eternal life.

      II. Having congratulated these people on their new birth, and the hope of everlasting life, the apostle goes on to describe that life under the notion of an inheritance, a most proper way of speaking to these people; for they were poor and persecuted, perhaps turned out of their inheritances to which they were born; to allay this grievance, he tells them they were new-born to a new inheritance, infinitely better than what they had lost. Besides, they were most of them Jews, and so had a great affection to the land of Canaan, as the land of their inheritance, settled upon them by God himself; and to be driven out from abiding in the inheritance of the Lord was looked upon as a sore judgment, 1 Sam. xxvi. 19. To comfort them under this they are put in mind of a noble inheritance reserved in heaven for them, such a one that the land of Canaan was but a mere shadow in comparison with it. Here note,

      1. Heaven is the undoubted inheritance of all the children of God; all that are born again are born to an inheritance, as a man makes his child his heir; the apostle argues, If children, then heirs, Rom. viii. 17. God giveth his gifts unto all, but the inheritance to none but his children; those that are his sons and daughters by regeneration and adoption receive the promise of eternal inheritance, Heb. ix. 15. This inheritance is not our purchase, but our Father’s gift; not wages that we merit, but the effect of grace, which first makes us children and then settles this inheritance upon us by a firm unalterable covenant.

      2. The incomparable excellencies of this inheritance, which are four:– (1.) It is incorruptible, in which respect it is like its Maker, who is called the incorruptible God, Rom. i. 23. All corruption is a change from better to worse, but heaven is without change and without end; the house is eternal in the heavens, and the possessors must subsist for ever, for their corruptible must put on incorruption, 1 Cor. xv. 53. (2.) This inheritance is undefiled, like the great high priest that is now in possession of it, who is holy, harmless, and undefiled, Heb. vii. 26. Sin and misery, the two grand defilements that spoil this world, and mar its beauty, have no place there. (3.) It fadeth not away, but always retains its vigour and beauty, and remains immarcescible, ever entertaining and pleasing the saints who possess it, without the least weariness or distaste. (4.) “Reserved in heaven for you,” which expression teaches us, [1.] That it is a glorious inheritance, for it is in heaven, and all that is there is glorious, Eph. i. 18. [2.] It is certain, a reversion in another world, safely kept and preserved till we come to the possession of it. [3.] The persons for whom it is reserved are described, not by their names, but by their character: for you, or us, or every one that is begotten again to a lively hope. This inheritance is preserved for them, and none but them; all the rest will be shut out for ever.

      III. This inheritance being described as future, and distant both in time and place, the apostle supposes some doubt or uneasiness yet to remain upon the minds of these people, whether they might not possibly fall short by the way. “Though the happiness be safe in heaven, yet we are still upon earth, liable to abundance of temptations, miseries, and infirmities. Are we in such a safe state that we shall certainly come thither?” To this he answers that they should be safely guarded and conducted thither; they should be kept and preserved from all such destructive temptations and injuries as would prevent their safe arrival at eternal life. The heir to an earthly estate has no assurance that he shall live to enjoy it, but the heirs of heaven shall certainly be conducted safely to the possession of it. The blessing here promised is preservation: You are kept; the author of it is God; the means in us made use of for that end are our own faith and care; the end to which we are preserved is salvation; and the time when we shall see the safe end and issue of all is the last time. Note, 1. Such is the tender care of God over his people that he not only gives them grace, but preserves them unto glory. Their being kept implies both danger and deliverance; they may be attacked, but shall not be overcome. 2. The preservation of the regenerate to eternal life is the effect of God’s power. The greatness of the work, the number of enemies, and our own infirmities, are such that no power but what is almighty can preserve the soul through all unto salvation; therefore the scripture often represents man’s salvation as the effect of divine power, 2Co 12:9; Rom 14:4. 3. Preservation by God’s power does not supersede man’s endeavour and care for his own salvation; here are God’s power and man’s faith, which implies an earnest desire of salvation, a reliance upon Christ according to his invitations and promises, a vigilant care to do every thing pleasing to God and avoid whatever is offensive, an abhorrence of temptations, a respect to the recompence of reward, and persevering diligence in prayer. By such a patient, operating, conquering faith, we are kept under the assistance of divine grace, unto salvation; faith is a sovereign preservative of the soul through a state of grace unto a state of glory. 4. This salvation is ready to be revealed in the last time. Here are three things asserted about the salvation of the saints:– (1.) That it is now prepared, and made ready, and reserved in heaven for them. (2.) Though it be made ready now, yet it is in a great measure hidden and unrevealed at present, not only to the ignorant, blind world, that never enquire after it, but even to the heirs of salvation themselves. It does not yet appear what we shall be, 1 John iii. 2. (3.) That it shall be fully and completely revealed in the last time, or at the last day of judgment. Life and immortality are now brought to light by the gospel, but this life will be revealed more gloriously at death, when the soul shall be admitted into the presence of Christ, and behold his glory; and even beyond this there will be a further and a final revelation of the amplitude and transcendency of the saints’ felicity at the last day, when their bodies shall be raised and re-united to their souls, and judgment shall pass upon angels and men, and Christ shall publicly honour and applaud his servants in the face of all the world.

Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary

Blessed be (). No copula in the Greek (, let be, or , is, or , may be). The verbal adjective (from ) occurs in the N.T. only of God, as in the LXX (Lu 1:68). See also 2Cor 1:3; Eph 1:3.

The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ( ). This precise language in 2Cor 1:3; 2Cor 1:3; and part of it in 2Cor 11:31; Rom 15:6. See Joh 20:17 for similar language by Jesus.

Great (). Much.

Begat us again ( ). First aorist active articular (, who) participle of , late, and rare word to beget again, in Aleph for Sirach (Prol. 20), in Philo, in Hermetic writings, in N.T. only here and verse 23. “It was probably borrowed by the New Paganism from Christianity” (Bigg). The Stoics used for (Tit 3:5). If in Joh 3:3 be taken to mean “again,” the same idea of regeneration is there, and if “from above” it is the new birth, anyhow.

Unto a living hope ( ). Peter is fond of the word “living” (present active participle of ) as in 1Pet 1:23; 1Pet 2:4; 1Pet 2:5; 1Pet 2:24; 1Pet 4:5; 1Pet 4:6. The Pharisees cherished the hope of the resurrection (Ac 23:6), but the resurrection of Jesus gave it proof and permanence (1Cor 15:14; 1Cor 15:17). It is no longer a dead hope like dead faith (Jas 2:17; Jas 2:26). This revival of hope was wrought “by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” ( ). Hope rose up with Christ from the dead, though the disciples (Peter included) were slow at first to believe it.

Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament

Blessed [] . eu, well, logov, a word. Well – spoken – of; praised; honored. Used in the New Testament of God only. The kindred verb is applied to human beings, as to Mary (Luk 1:28) : “Blessed [] art thou.” Compare the different word for blessed in Mt 5:3, etc. [] , and see notes there. The style of this doxological phrase is Pauline. Compare 2Co 1:3; Eph 1:3. Hath begotten us again [ ] . The verb is used by Peter only, and by him only here and ver. 23. It is in the aorist tense, and should be rendered, as Rev., begat; because regeneration is regarded as a definite historical act accomplished once for all, or possibly because Peter regards the historical act of Christ ‘s resurrection as virtually effecting the regeneration. The latter sentiment would be Pauline, since Paul is wont to speak of Christians as dying and rising with Christ. Rom 7:4; Rom 6:8 – 11. Lively [] . Better, as Rev., literally rendering the participle, living : a favorite word with Peter. See 1Pe 1:23; 1Pe 2:4, 5, 24; 1Pe 4:5, 6; and compare Act 9:41, where Peter is the prominent actor; and Act 10:42, where he is the speaker.

Hope [] . Peter is fond of this word also (see 1Pe 1:13, 21; 1Pe 3:5, 15), which, in classical Greek, has the general signification of expectancy, relating to evil as well as to good. Thus Plato speaks of living in evil hope (” Republic, ” 1, 330); i e., in the apprehension of evil; and Thucydides, of the hope of evils to come; i e., the expectation or apprehension. In the New Testament the word always relates to a future good.

Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament

1) “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Greek – eulogetos) blessed or well spoken of be the God. — “kai (even) the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ affirms Peter’s belief in the Virgin birth of Jesus as the only begotten of the Father. Joh 1:14.

2) “Which according to his abundant mercy” Which (which one) or who according to or in keeping with His (Greek polu) much, plenty, or abounding mercy, to sinners, saints, and angels.

3) “Hath begotten us again unto a lively hope.” (Greek anagenesas) “has regenerated us from above.” Our first generation or begetting was from below -fleshly, earthly, but the new birth, of the Spirit, is from above and gives us an ever-living (Greek elpida) hope Heb 6:19.

4) “By the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” (Gk. di’) through the (anastaseos) upstanding or resurrection of Jesus Christ. We live, because He lives. This is our assurance, Joh 14:19.

5) “From the dead.” (Gk. ek nekron) means “out of” or “from’ among” dead corpses. He came from among dead corpses, alive, Rev 1:18 to give His children assurance of being begotten from among dead corpses, 1Co 15:20-23; Rom 8:11; Rev 1:5.

6) “And peace be multiplied.” The aged apostle desires that both Grace and peace be effusively bestowed on brethren of the faith of the dispersion now residing in the five provinces of Asia Minor, and in each church where the circular letter should go.

Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

3 Blessed be God We have said that the main object of this epistle is to raise us above the world, in order that we may be prepared and encouraged to sustain the spiritual contests of our warfare. For this end, the knowledge of God’s benefits avails much; for, when their value appears to us, all other things will be deemed worthless, especially when we consider what Christ and his blessings are; for everything without him is but dross. For this reason he highly extols the wonderful grace of God in Christ, that is, that we may not deem it much to give up the world in order that we may enjoy the invaluable treasure of a future life; and also that we may not be broken down by present troubles, but patiently endure them, being satisfied with eternal happiness.

Further, when he gives thanks to God, he invites the faithful to spiritual joy, which can swallow up all the opposite feelings of the flesh.

And Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Understand the words thus, — “Blessed be God who is the Father of Jesus Christ.” For, as formerly, by calling himself the God of Abraham, he designed to mark the difference between him and all fictitious gods; so after he has manifested himself in his own Son, his will is, not to be known otherwise than in him. Hence they who form their ideas of God in his naked majesty apart from Christ, have an idol instead of the true God, as the case is with the Jews and the Turks. Whosoever, then, seeks really to know the only true God, must regard him as the Father of Christ; for, whenever our mind seeks God, except Christ be thought of, it will wander and be confused, until it be wholly lost. Peter meant at the same time to intimate how God is so bountiful and kind towards us; for, except Christ stood as the middle person, his goodness could never be really known by us.

Who hath begotten us again He shews that supernatural life is a gift, because we are born the children of wrath; for had we been born to the hope of life according to the flesh, there would have been no necessity of being begotten again by God. Therefore Peter teaches us, that we who are by nature destined to eternal death, are restored to life by God’s mercy. And this is, as it were, our second creation, as it is said in the first chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians. Lively or living hope, means the hope of life. (7) At the same time there seems to be an implied contrast between the hope fixed on the incorruptible kingdom of God, and the fading and transient hopes of man.

According to his abundant mercy He first mentions the efficient cause, and then he points out the mediating cause, as they say. He shews that God was induced by no merits of ours to regenerate us unto a living hope, because he assigns this wholly to his mercy. But that he might more completely reduce the merits of works to nothing, he says, great ( multam ) mercy. All, indeed, confess that God is the only author of our salvation, but they afterwards invent extraneous causes, which take away so much from his mercy. But Peter commends mercy alone; and he immediately connects the way or manner, by the resurrection of Christ; for God does not in any other way discover his mercy; hence Scripture ever directs our attention to this point. And that Christ’s death is not mentioned, but his resurrection, involves no inconsistency, for it is included; because a thing cannot be completed without having a beginning; and he especially brought forward the resurrection, because he was speaking of a new life.

(7) ”This is a Hebraism,” says Macknight, “for a hope of life. Accordingly, the Syriac version hath here, in spem vitae — to a hope of life.” The begetting again seems not to refer to inward renovation, but to what God did by raising Christ from the dead. To beget, sometimes means to put one in a new state or condition; as the expression, “This day have I begotten thee,” means, that God had then constituted his Son a king, publicly invested him, as it were, with that office. Similar is the meaning here: God through the resurrection of Christ restored to the hope of life his desponding followers: hence the import of the word “again;” though Macknight thinks the reference to be to the covenant of grace made with our first parents after the fall, and that believers were begotten the second time to the same hope by the resurrection of Christ. The word for “begetting again,” is only found here, and in a passive sense in 1Pe 1:23, where it has a different meaning, as it evidently refers to the renovation of the heart. — Ed.

Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary

THE BELIEVERS HOPE AN EASTER SERMON

1Pe 1:3-5.

THERE are not a few men among us, who, seriously and with some reason, object to the growing custom of Easter sermons and services. We can hardly blame them when we remember the origin of the name that will figure most largely in the worlds religious round today. Easter is not a term of Biblical birth, nor indeed of Biblical use. It is doubtful if any inspired man ever employed it, much less indorsed it. In the King James Version of the Scriptures we read of Peters imprisonment, that Herod intended after Easter to bring him forth to the people. But in our Revised Version the word Easter is displaced by its better substitute, the Passover.

Easter is a word of heathen origin, and came to us from Saxons, whose custom it was to make annual offerings to the goddess Estera, about the same time in the year that the Jews commemorated the Feast of the Passover night. In the progress of events, the dates were claimed as identical, and the religious services celebrating the death and resurrection of Christ were continued, but the heathen term, rather than the Jewish word, came to be employed as its description.

According to Binghams Church History, the early Church kept the seventh day of Passion Week, with fasting and prayer. Religious worship was celebrated by night, and the vigils continued until cock-crowing, the hour at which it was supposed our Lord arose. At this hour the stillness of these midnight vigils was broken by the joyful acclamation, The Lord is risen indeed. The day of Easter was celebrated with every demonstration of joy as a second jubilee. The Lords Supper was celebrated; baptisms were administered; charities were dispensed; prisoners were set free and slaves were given their liberty. If a comparison between the then and the now was made, it might prove indeed that though the earlier Christians suffered the heathen name to fasten itself upon this feast, they yet celebrated with more Christ-like service than now engages many who make the most of the sacred hour.

Before Dr. Howard Crosbys death he expressed his sadness at the sight of Christians doing those things that degraded our holy religion to a level with the deeds of the world, and then trying to make reparation for months of worldliness by emphasizing the ideas of Lent, Easter, Good Friday, and other church ornamentations. He sounded for us the needed alarm when of such business he said, It is the old trick of Satan. The Jewish Church struck on that rock; the Roman Church was wrecked on the same; and the Protestant Church is coming to imminent danger of a kindred doom.

If there was no other reason, then, why I should preach an Easter sermon, I would do it to show that this heathen term can be compelled to honor our Lord, by becoming the occasion to set forth the fundamental faith that Christ is risen indeed, and in Christ alone is the believers hope.

What text could more perfectly express this fact? In this text we discover, first of all,

The Ground of the Believers Hope.

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.

In searching for a subject and text for this hour and this sermon, I came upon this suggestion given as one Easter theme: What Christianity Would Be Without the Risen Lord. I halted over that topic only a moment, because I found myself saying, Nothing! Take the fact of Christs victory over the grave out of our system of faith, and the bottom is gone from the believers hope; and a hopeless religion is dead; yes, worse than dead; it is festering with doom.

But this text goes back of the hope itself to its Author, and that Author is God. No wonder Peter said, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for indeed it was God with whom our salvation from sin originally rested. I have often thought that in our gratitude to the Son, we forget our obligations to the Father; and while we can never magnify the love of Christ too greatly, we can fail to appreciate the sacrifice that God made when, in the gift of Jesus, He laid the basal stone of our eternal hope. For do we not read that:

We were children; were in bondage under the elements of the world:

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a Woman, made under the Law,

To redeem them that were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons (Gal 4:3-5).

How can we read that; how can we read, God so loved the world, that He gave His only Begotten Son, and yet fail to join with Peter in exclaiming, Blessed be the God and Father?

Before faith can come in fulness to the soul, that soul must understand something of Gods love as expressed in His priceless gift.

It is related that years ago, two gentlemen, who had been riding together, came to the point where their roads separated. The one was a joyful Christian, the other a cold and despondent one. The happier believer said to his brother as they were about to part, Do you ever read your Bible? Oh, yes, but I must confess I get little benefit from it because, to be frank, I feel I do not love God. Neither did I, replied his friend, but when I read it, I find that God loves me. He then turned his horse and rode away. That sentence was a revelation of the most gracious fact. The despondent man said it seemed to lift him out of his saddle into the skies. It opened up to his soul the great truth that faith depends, not so much upon the measure of the souls love for God, as it does upon the Fathers love for His poor, erring child. After all, it is that fact that we need most to understand. In delivering the farewell words to the graduating class at Morgan Park in 1892, Dr. Northrup said: Young men! Seek to know God! If you can understand Him, and your obligation to Him, it will help you to love His Son, and serve your fellows. How true! Peter was right when, in contemplating the ground of the believers hope, he saw it resting in the very nature of God, and seeing that, felt constrained to bless or praise the Infinite Father of our Lord.

But our hope seems the more secure when we remember that mercy is the largest element in the Divine life. 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. I dont know how great that mercy is. In reading after one who drank deep at its fountains, we hear him singing:

Theres a wideness in Gods mercy Like the wideness of the sea,

and the inspired man of God finds the rolling oceans too small to employ in this comparison, and so he leaves the earth, and surveying the very heavens, stretching away as they do to infinite distance, he says, as he thinks on this attribute of God, Thy mercy is great above the heavens (Psa 108:4), and again, The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting (Psa 103:1),infinite in stretch, eternal in duration! How secure are those who make it the ground of hope! All availing pleas are made in mercys name, and no plea that cries for that manifestation of God shall go unheard. The Publican prevailed because he pled for mercy. Such a prayer makes the vilest of sinners into the noblest of saints. Someone has correctly said, We are shocked when men talk of dealing with God on the basis of personal merit. To so speak is to manifest either ignorance or self-deception.

It is related that when Napoleon was first Consul of France, a well-dressed girl of about fourteen summers, made her way into his presence. Falling at his feet she cried between great sobs, Pardon, Sire! Pardon for my father! And who is your father, asked Napoleon, and who are you? My name is Lajolia, she said, and with tears added, but Sire, my father is doomed to die. Ah, young lady, replied Napoleon, I can do nothing for you; it is the second time your father has been found guilty of treason against the state. Alas I exclaimed the poor girl, I know it, Sire; but I do not ask for justice; I implore mercy. I beseech you, forgive, ah, forgive my father! Napoleon was a man of heart. His lips trembled; his eyes caught the misty light in hers and grew moist; he struggled a moment between duty to state and mercy toward the child, and then taking her hand tenderly he said, For your sake I will pardon your father. Ah, it was Christ that asked mercy for us, but it was God who showed it when we were saved, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy.

In what way could the great God ever have manifested His mercy and love than by lifting up Christ from the grave?

When Paul was writing that wonderful fifteenth chapter of I Corinthians, in which he draws the sting of death and robs the grave of her supposed victory, he gives us what might seem a commentary on our text:

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christs at His Coming (1Co 15:20-23).

It is that thought that emboldens the Apostle to enter the very haunts of our enemy and inquire of him, O death, where is thy sting? to enter the shades of the deep, to defy its chill with the question, O grave, where is thy victory? Paul had no fear of either. The first he looked upon as his transporting angel; the other as the darkly curtained toilet room in which he would dress to enter Heaven.

Arthur Garrison was right when he objected to the custom of speaking of the Christians departure as having been hastened by the dread and awful monster. Truly, as he said, if on the graves of our loved ones we must write, All is at an end, then death is dark and monstrous. But if we are enabled by the mercy of God and the power of His Son, to carve on the monuments, He is risen, then the dark angel is dark no more, but is resplendent with the glory and light of immortality. Death, for the Christian, is a translation from earth to Heaven, from darkness to light. It is passing from the fleeting pleasures of time to the endless and certain bliss of eternity; it is a journey from a foreign land back to the Fatherland. The fact is as Whittier said,

Alas for him who never sees The stars shine through the cypress trees.

Those stars; aye, that star, the Star of Bethlehem, is the living and the dying hope of them that believe; for, How shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (Rom 8:32).

But let us see what we shall have beside the victory over death and the grave. Our text sets forth in the second place:

The Character of the Christians Inheritance. It is an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time, I am glad our coming possessions are so perfectly described.

Incorruptible! One of the difficulties about all worldly possessions is the fact that they are easily corrupted. Jesus warned His followers against laying up treasures in the earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt; but encouraged them to lay up treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt. We wonder how it all can be! We stop before that verse in the fifteenth chapter of I Corinthians, wherein the Apostle speaks of the believers resurrection, and says, So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: it is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: and we ask, How can it be? Perhaps the whole answer is not given in this life. But some things we know; some things we can understand. Paul, in Romans, speaks of the glory of the incorruptible God, and we wonder how glory will come to us. By natural law in the spiritual world, perhaps!

When the tendrils of faith take hold on the everlasting God, why should not that man begin to draw some life from Him who is Divine, and as he feeds on Him, become himself transformed.

We cannot lift ourselves up to the rose, but the Rose of Sharon comes to us, and we are lifted up.

Undefiled! The Christian has, as one distinguishing trait, a longing for Christlikeness. John exulted in the thought that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is (1Jn 3:2).

It is doubtful if any phase of the Christian life was so attractive to John as its sinlessness. It was to be undefiled. Lorimer likens Christs life to the Gulf Stream. As the Gulf Stream passes immediately from its home into the waters of the stormful Atlantic, and, while flowing through them, never mingles with them, but preserves its own course, its own density and color, compressed, inclosed, yet never penetratedso the Son of Man enters the more treacherous and tempestuous ocean-wastes of life; and though touched on every side, never takes on the moral hue of His surroundings, nor in the least is swerved from the direct line of duty by their variations. Who can tell by what mystery of attraction the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico are so closely bound, or who explain why the emerald walls through which their way is channeled should never be able to invade their sanctity, every effort to do so only pressing them into a ridge, rising high and sloping both to right and left? and who can account for the fact that this peasant-preacher not only preserves unstained His righteous character in an evil world like this, but even develops a loftier and grander righteousness the more closely He is hemmed in by wickedness and environed by temptation?

How John must have admired that! The Christian is not delighting in mud baths! They may be good for physical health, but ruinous to spiritual. They drown the brightest hope. Christs glory is to be ours, undefiled. For such an High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens (Heb 7:26).

Undefiled! For a long time the mud baths of Germany have been famous. Indiana also has its mud baths of national note. Twenty miles out of Minnesota we have a hotel, famed for the mud baths associated with the same. These baths may be good for the body. On the testimony of people who have enjoyed them, we are disposed to believe that they are. But the mud baths for the soul are all about us, and unfortunately men and women plunge into them daily and come out of them unclean defiled, spiritually enervated, and in sore need of the Blood bath which can alone make them clean; in sore need of the cleansing in the Water of the Word. Undefiled! But we have another word

Eternal! After all, how poor our inheritance but for that! Houses have been rich for generations, and yet when poverty came, it pinched hardest. But our inheritance is eternal; eternal as the Heavens where it awaits us. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Eph 1:18). Eternal as Christ who hath prepared it! He is the Everlasting One. He was from the beginning, is now and ever shall be. So our possessions in Him are imperishable and eternal. Though the heavens and the earth pass away, God abides, and not a jot or tittle of all that He has spoken shall fail. His Word is His will for us. His precious promises are destined to be our possessions. Eternal as God, whose power keeps it and us.

Fuente: The Bible of the Expositor and the Evangelist by Riley

CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES

1Pe. 1:3. Blessed be.A characteristic Jewish recognition of Gods mercy. Compare with 2Co. 1:3; Eph. 1:3. Abundant., much. Begotten us.The choice of the nation is thought of as its first Divine birth; the call into gospel privileges is thought of as a new and second Divine birth (see Joh. 3:5; Tit. 3:5; Jas. 1:18). Lively hope.Living hope. A life in which hope is the energising principle (Alford). Macknights note is suggestive: Believers of all nations are begotten to the hope of a new life after death, through the covenant of grace made with our first parents after the Fall. In the same hope they are begotten a second time, through the resurrection of Christ from the dead. By the resurrection.Here St. Peter speaks from his own personal experiences. The great revealing time, which brought to him the consciousness of a new life, was the resurrection of Jesus. Then he believed in Him with a belief that brought to him a new life. Archbishop Leighton makes the resurrection the efficient cause of our new birth.

1Pe. 1:4. To an inheritance.Still the Jewish national figure is in the mind of St. Peter. That nation was begotten to the inheritance of Canaan; we are begotten to a spiritual inheritance, figured for us as a heavenly Canaan. Incorruptible, etc.Exuberant description of the excellencies of the new Canaan. In heaven.The heavenly spiritual spheres. Reserved until you were quickened with the new life that could appreciate it. Not future heaven, but present heavenliness.

1Pe. 1:5. Kept.Who, by virtue of Gods power, are under guard. As the inheritance hath been preserved, so are the heirs guarded; neither shall it fail them, nor they it (Bengel). Through faith.Not intellectual belief, but daily trust, which keeps us in spiritual union with God, and secures the Divine defence. Unto salvation.Full salvation from all the frailties and consequent sorrows of this life; full development of the new life begun in us. Ready to be revealed.A heaven actually prepared. A future that even now may be a spiritual presence. The idea of an inheritance gives the character to St. Peters figures. But heaven must be in man before he can be in heaven.

1Pe. 1:6. Greatly rejoice.The prospect brings all the joy of a present possession. Salvation is realised by faith as a thing so actually present as to cause exulting joy, in spite of existing afflictions. The rejoicing is in the whole complex sense of the preceding verses, concerning the hope of glory. In heaviness.Or ye were grieved, burdened, distressed. Temptations.Troubles, persecutions, regarded as trials or testings of faith (see Jas. 1:2).

1Pe. 1:7. Trial of your faith.Faith is not known to be what it is until it is tested by suffering. More precious.The faith is meant, not the trial of it. Illustration from the severe processes found necessary for the refining of gold. More valuable than the trial of gold, which is perishable, and that is a fiery trial. Appearing.Better, revelation. The Early Churchs expectation of Christs coming is very difficult to understand, but it explains many apostolic expressions.

1Pe. 1:8. Not seen.Some MSS. read, Whom not knowing, ye love. Love.The word of calm and Divinely-given attachment, not the word of warm human friendship. Compare our Lords commendation of those who have not seen, yet have believed.

1Pe. 1:9. Receiving the end.Getting now, up to measures of capacity, all the blessings of the salvation. Their joy and peace in believing constituted a present salvation, the pledge and earnest of final and complete deliverance.

1Pe. 1:10. Read prophets without the article. Plumptre thinks St. Peter is speaking mainly, though perhaps not exclusively, of the prophets of the Apostolic Church. It is, however, usual to see reference to the prophets of the Old Testament. All the prophets looked forward with envy to the prize now in their hands. Have enquired.Calvin says: When he states that the prophets inquired and examined, this refers not to their writings or teaching, but to the private longing with which each was fired. (Compare, however, Act. 1:6-7.)

1Pe. 1:11. Spirit of Christ.If this does not mean the Messianic Spirit, it would seem to support Plumptres limitation to New Testament prophets. Sufferings of Christ. : the sufferings for Christ, or which pass on unto Christ. The sufferings spoken of are those which the disciples were enduring for Christ, and which he thinks of as shared by Him, flowing over to Him (Plumptre).

1Pe. 1:12. Unto us.The better MSS. give unto you. Now reported.By the Christian teachers and preachers. Application is direct to the Christian Jews of Asia Minor, who were late in receiving the good tidings, but entered into the full heritage of all the good things. Angels.Read without the article.

MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.1Pe. 1:3-12

Present and Future Salvation.The similarity between the blessings of 1Pe. 1:3 and the blessings of 2Co. 1:3; Eph. 1:3, attracts attention, and requires explanation. It is quite possible that the expression, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, had become fixed in the Early Church as a formula familiarly used; and, if so, we can readily recognise its value as a succinct statement of the primary Christian truths. It affirms that the Christian God is the one and only God, the same God whose unity and spirituality were the sacred trust of the Jewish nation; that this God, having been manifested to men in a Son, and in Sonship, may now be apprehended as the Divine Father; and that what He is to us we may learn from what He is to Christ: that Jesus is the Saviour from sin which His name expresses; and that, as Christ, or Messiah, He is sent of God to do that saving work; that He who saves from sin gains the right to rule the saved ones as Lord; and that the relation in which they stand to Him is a distinctly personal one, so that they can call Him our Lord. It is the Christian truth epitomised in the Christian name for God. And it fittingly introduces the references to the salvation which the Father God works by the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I. The life which the Father quickens.Who according to His great mercy begat us again unto a living hope. A life in which hope is the energising principle (Alford). St. Peter is not here referring, generally, to the new birth, and the new life of the soul, but specifically to that new life which comes to men in the resurrection of Christ from the dead. St. Pauls expression helps to explain St. Peters. He says, If ye then be risen with Christ; as if for the believer in Christ there was as truly a fresh life, as there was for Christ after His resurrection. St. Peter is writing to new-born souls, to those who have the life in Christ, and purposes to set before them their Christian privileges and responsibilities. The new life which the Father quickens is a double life; it is a present life of privilege, and it is the hope of a future life of blessedness. It is a living life, in the holy cheer of a living hope. It has the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. It is the life of hope which the Father quickens, through the resurrection of Christ, that is St. Peters great point. That was the truth to cheer persecuted Christians who were driven from their homes, perhaps with the loss of all things. What had they for their comfort, save their Christian hope? If we would understand how this new life of hope comes to us through the resurrection of Jesus, we may consider St. Peters own experience. That resurrection made him a new man. If St. James was our Lords real brother, as is assumed, his belief in Jesus as the Messiah came as the persuasion of His resurrection, and St. James was begotten again through the resurrection. Mystically speaking, the moment of our emergence into this new glow of expectation was that when the Messiah Jesus, who had been cut off, emerged from among the dead. The believer is born again to this lively hope when the fact of the resurrection is acknowledged, and its significance realised.

II. The future for which the Father quickens.Unto an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven. Children are begotten, not only to life, but to the fathers property, that is their inheritance; it is theirs in reversion. Those who had been called to suffer the loss of all things might well remember that it was but a present and temporary lossa loss of their banking account, not of their title deedsit in no way affected their inheritance. If a mans future is well secured, he can with comparative ease bear present disaster. The future as an inheritance is suggestively presented to us as our Heavenly Fathers home and estate; but instead of indications of the wealth and extent of it, our minds are occupied with the differences between it and the inheritances of earth. It is unchangeable, holy, permanent. Earthly properties are ever changing their values; sometimes consist of things of a low and degrading character, and are always uncertain; riches have a way of spreading wings. The Pontine dispersion had lost their inheritance in Palestine, but they have in no sense lost their title to their Fathers heavenly inheritance.

III. The keeping until the future is ready.Who by the power of God are guarded through faith. It were but to lift a part of the load to assure the persecuted believers that an inheritance for them was held in reserve. What would ensure their preservation through their present struggles; and what could be done for them in the long waiting-time? They were to think of themselves as now being kept, being guarded. That includes the supply of every present need, if only they can realise that it is their God and Father who is keeping His sons until the time of their entering on their inheritance. His keeping is fulness of blessing. But the keeping of God implies the watching and effort of the believer. The keeping is done through, or in connection with, the believers faith. He must keep up his faith if God is to keep him. The term that is used and translated in R.V., guarding, is a military term. As the heir of a royal house is never allowed to be without a watchful attendant, so for every heir of salvation there are Gods attendant ministering spirits. We are safe, we may be satisfied, till our day of possession comes round.

IV. The discipline of the keeping time.Though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold temptations; trials. A most sympathetic and wise reference to the calamities and afflictions which these Christians had to endure. St. Peter would have them thought of as only the school-boy discipline of the heir to an estate, who must be duly prepared for his coming responsibilities and privileges. Moral character can only be moulded through a discipline of severe experiences; and when we have entered on our inheritance, our surprise will be that God has been enabled to accomplish in us such fitness for it through so few earthly trials. Observe the suggestive relation of the many and various trials and the little while for which we have to be disciplined by them. There is always this great consolation connected with our earthly trials: they never do stay long. There is no element of permanency in human troubles. They would not be disciplinary if there were. They cannot stay one moment after Gods purpose in them is fully wrought. And so we can always truthfully speak of our light affliction, which is but for a moment. And there is always this consolation: Gods discipline now is the guarantee that He is preparing us for something by-and-bye.

V. The present possession of that future.Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Faith is the substancethe actual, present realisationof things hoped for. It is in one sense true that the heir to an estate, while he is only the heir, has nothing; but it is also true that in the feeling that all is coming to him, he has a present possession of everything; and, moreover, he has the use, up to present needs, of all that belongs to the estate. So the believer has all the comfort of knowing heaven is coming, and for the supply of all his present needs he has the full use of all the heavenly things. The attention of these persecuted men is turned away from the loss of their worldly goods, to the untouched, ever abundant supplies of spiritual good, which really are some of their future inheritance come to them now. Poor in this world, rich in faith, heirs of the kingdom.

VI. The advantage which Christians have over Jews in this present spiritual possession.The Jews advantages were all in the material, earthly sphere. A land of Canaan; a formal and ceremonial religion; an obedience of works. According to their ideas, a Messiah as an earthly conqueror and King. So outward was the entire Jewish range, that the more devout souls, the prophets, anxiously looked forward to the spiritual time, which the Christians had now entered upon (1Pe. 1:10-12). So far from Christian Jews wanting to go back to formal Judaism, the best Jews of the ages had always wanted to get on to Christianity; and even the angels were profoundly interested in this spiritual dispensation. There is nothing to envy in the past. It has had its day; it fitted to the needs of its day. But it only fitted to the average needs of men. In the old times the better, the more spiritual, men could not rest in it, could not be satisfied with it. Abraham rejoiced to see Christs day. And so did every man of faith, every man of spiritual insight and spiritual feeling, all down through the ages. If they anticipated the spiritual dispensation, how foolish those actually in the spiritual dispensation must be if they hankered after, and thought of returning upon, the old and formal and preparatory one.

SUGGESTIVE NOTES AND SERMON SKETCHES

1Pe. 1:3. Hope as a Power in Moulding Character.Three great gracesfaith, hope, and loveare the abiding graces, vital in their influence on character, and central in their relations to Christianity; combining, they produce all the fruits of the Spirit. Faith, taking hold on the unseen, prevents us from giving too much heed to that which is visible; Hope, taking hold on the future, prevents us from giving undue attention to that which is temporal and present; Love, taking hold on the unselfish and the Divine, prevents us from being absorbed in carnal and idolatrous self-interest. In the original the emphasis grammatically falls on the word hope, for while the other words are participles, this is in the imperative. Literally translated, it would read thus: Wherefore, girding up the loins of your mind, being sober, hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. The text suggests the power of hope as an inspiration in character and conduct, and indicates the objects of Christian hope, and the time when those objects shall be most gloriously and fully revealed.

I. Look at the power of hope in human character.What makes the difference between human beings and beasts? Very largely, the presence of hope as a factor in character. Hope is one of the foremost elements in human character; distinguishing man as man, giving him a higher rank than all the rest of the animal creation. And as it is a necessary factor in character, so it is in human progress. Any conditions in human society which tend to repress or suppress hope are abnormal and unnatural, and hostile to mans well-being. We glory in our American civilisation because, more than in any other country on the face of the earth, men may here rise, give scope to hope, foster aspirations, and encourage all rational expectations. Hope presents a perpetual incentive to progress; not an ignis fatuus, a will-o-the-wisp, beguiling us into marsh and mire, but impelling us continually onward to things higher and better. If we could reach our own ideal, further progress would be impossible. And hope helps us to bear trials. It surrounds us with a kind of elastic medium, so that when the terrible afflictions of this life beat against us, they rebound from us. There is a power in hope that prevents the severity of their blows from crushing us.

II. What are the objects set before the Christian hope?The grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Few of us ever think of this. When we speak of the grace that is revealed, we think of what is already manifested, of Golgotha with its cross, of Gethsemane with its agony, of the Garden with its rent tomb, of the ascending Christ and the descending Spirit. But in the third verse of this chapter the apostle says God hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. Peter is speaking of something future, not grace already manifested, but an inheritance reserved in heaven, ready to be revealed in the last time. And so here, The grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christs incarnation was not a revelation. His Divinity was rather hidden within the veil of His humanity: only now and then the glory of that Divinity shone forth, and then His disciples saw that He was the Son of God, and realised for a moment the greatness and the grandeur of His personality. When Jesus was here He was in disguise. God was only feebly and faintly manifested in the flesh, which obscured the glory. But when Christ comes a second time, no longer to make a sin-offering, but to bring full salvation unto His people, then will be the revelation of Jesus Christ. He will come like the King in His glory, and with Him all the holy angels and saints; not to pursue a weary way from the manger to the cross, but as a King to reveal and unfold Himself; and that will be the revelation of Christ. All the grace that comes to you, from the hour of your regeneration to the hour of your complete sanctification, is nothing in comparison with the grace that is to be revealed to you by Christ in the day when you are presented, faultless, before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. When Christ shall come to receive His saints to Himself there will be a revelation of grace in comparison with which all the grace that you now have, or have previously known, will be but as a drop in comparison to the ocean.

III. The contrast between the objects of Christian hope and worldly hope.What God promises stands firma verity, a reality; there is an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading. You do not see that inheritance yet. You are like a minor who has not yet entered on his estate, but who receives the revenue of it as the payments of interest come in: and so we have a foretaste of our future inheritance; the Spirit of God gives us an earnest of our possession until the day of redemption. There is nothing illusive in the Divine promise. And consider, once more, the permanence and reliability of the Christian objects of desire and expectation. We come to a limit in this world. You may have all the treasure of the world, and yet when death comes, from your relaxing grasp all these things disappear. You may have been applauded and admired by the world, but the applause of men will fade and faint on your ear as you reach the gates of the tomb. The glory of your possessions and your achievements will all pale and grow dim when you face the last great destroyer. But, blessed be God, the point at which human hopes are utterly blasted is the point at which Christian expectations only arrive at their consummation.A. T. Pierson, D.D.

The Resurrection the Chief Doctrine of Christian Faith.If Christ had not risen from the dead there would be no Christianity; our faith would be in vain, and our hope void, the whole gospel a farce, and there would be no forgiveness of sin. The resurrection of Christ is the basis of all that we have and hope and love in Christ, but especially have we in it the surety of the hope of eternal life, because thereby all fear of death has been banished, and future blessedness and life have become a reality in Christ Jesus. He is our Head, and we through faith are members of His body. And since our Head has overcome sin and death and Satan, we partake of the triumph and the victory. For He has conquered our enemies for us and not for Himself. The victory is ours, as is also the triumph. When a ruler or a general conquers the enemies of a kingdom, he indeed triumphs, but the fruits and glories of the victory belong to the whole country and to all the citizens. Therefore all Christians triumph with Christ in His glorious resurrection.Gossners Schatz-Kstlein.

The Resurrection Mystically Treated.St. Peter is speaking, so far as himself is concerned, not mystically but literally, as his history before and after the resurrection shows. To him and to the other apostles the resurrection was a regeneration, and they became new beings. To subsequent Christians precisely the same effect takes place when (suddenly or gradually) the fact of the resurrection is acknowledged and its significance realised (Php. 3:10). Yet we must not confine the meaning of the words to the effects of this conscious realisation. St. Peter is reviewing the transaction theologicallyi.e., from Gods point of view, not phenomenally, from mans. He speaks of the begetting, not of the being bornof the resurrection itself, not of the preaching of the resurrection. To God, with whom, according to St. Peter, time does not exist (2Pe. 3:8), there is no interval between His begetting of Christ again from the dead (Act. 13:33; Rev. 1:5) and His begetting of us again thereby. In the mystery of our union with the Incarnate Word, historical resurrection did, through baptism, in some ineffable manner, infuse into us the grace which makes new creatures of us. Archbishop Leighton well says, Not only is it [the resurrection] the exemplar, but the efficient cause of our new birth.A. J. Mason, M.A.

The Resurrection.

I. In these words our attention is directed to Jesus Christ.Jesus Christ is a name above all other names on earth. Many great names of heroes, military conquerors, philosophers, poets, scholars, artists, musical composers, scientific investigators, and discoverers, and great religious reformers, are dear to the heart of this country, and of the whole civilised world. But the name of Jesus is above all other names. Every Sabbath is the weekly memorial of His triumphant resurrection.

II. Jesus Christ is considered in His human nature.Seed of David. See Matthews Genealogy. He was also Son of God. Thou art My Son. In the beginning was the Word. As God, He could make an atonement for human sins. Yet He was human; a real man, with all our liabilities and limitations, experiencing our infirmities, and having a fellow-feeling with us.

III. The emphasis given to our Lords resurrection.Remember. The resurrection is more than a fact. Many facts are secret or private. But the resurrection of Jesus was a public, and thus a historical fact.

IV. The entire Christian Churcheast and west, north and south, is founded on the fact.Every individual church, of every name and denomination, is founded on the fact. The church in Antioch, the apostolic churches in Europe, and all other churches, are built up on the same foundation. The observance of the Lords day bears testimony to the fact of His resurrection.

V. The disciples of our Lord proclaimed far and wide the fact of the Lords resurrection.They had seen the Lord, and they went into details. They preached everywhere, Christ the Crucified, and Christ the Risen. For their testimony they braved opposition, odium, and obloquy. Jesus also foretold His resurrection. Consider three theories.

1. Some person or persons had taken His body and hidden it. They could have had no motive for such theft.

2. His enemies took it and hid it, It was in their interest, as His enemies, to produce His body after the third day.

3. The disciples themselves stole the body and hid it. How could they dare martyrdom for a fable?

VI. The Resurrection is a joyful fact.According to My gospel. It was part of the glad tidings of great joy which it was His pride and delight to proclaim. The apostle appropriated it with rapture. My gospel. Remember. We are apt, in the daily jostle of daily business and engagements, to push aside and to forget this fact. Hence the importance of the anniversary of Easter Day, and of every successive Sabbath Day.James Morison, D.D.

1Pe. 1:3-9. The Living Hope of the Christian.

I. What gives us this hope? (1Pe. 1:3).It is God who docs this, according to His great mercy. Without this love of God there is fear of Him, and a lack of trust in Him on the part of man, and an endeavour to base and build upon other foundations. Yet all of these prove to be dead hopes, and end in self-deception, or even despair. The living God, through the resurrection of His Son, has given a firm foundation for a living hope; the resurrection being the sure evidence that Christs atonement for our sins has been accepted, and that in Him and Him alone we can hope.

II. Who can entertain this hope? (1Pe. 1:5).It is those who are guarded through faith unto salvation. The only assurance and certainty in this living hope springs from the faith in Gods mercy, and Christs life and work. And reasons to believe we have now, as many as had the early Christians. To them, indeed, the Lord appeared visibly, even to Paul; but we have His sure Word and testimony, and the Holy Spirit working through that Word, convincing and convicting the heart.

III. What does this hope bring? (1Pe. 1:4).It is an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled which this living hope guarantees. All this, however, is only possible under the presupposition that those who are to receive this realisation of their hopes are also alive, and have been raised from the tomb. Christs resurrection is thus to us also a sure sign that we too shall rise and live in and with Him eternally.Wilhelm Bauer.

1Pe. 1:4-5. The Inheritance.Most of the salutations in the epistles refer to the privileges of believers. We often dwell on the things which we do not possess, but in these introductions we are reminded of the things which we do possess. Our names are down in the old registerthe election book. See 1Pe. 1:2. We trace back our lineage. Every step of the inquiry delights us, as we move from one number of the pedigree to anothermartyr, apostle, prophet, priest, king, to the father of the faithful, yea, to Enoch, Enos, and Abel. But the last step is the grandestto see our name in the old book of election by grace. The new birth,see 1Pe. 1:3. We have a new heart of love and tenderness. We are bidden to look forward to the inheritance of the saints in light.

I. That by the promise of the gospel we are entitled to an inheritance.Begotten again, we are children, and as such, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. The words which the apostle uses in the text appear synonymous, and yet they are not. (See the original.)

1. Immortal in its nature.Incorruptible. The final state of godliness will be of such a spiritual nature that corruption will be impossible. In other words, it will be a state without sin, and, consequently, without its destructive effects. Present experience has its moments of foretaste of that state. Let us examine this matter. Returning on Wednesday evening from Box Hill, the heavens were generally covered with clouds, but in the west the setting sun had riven the clouds, and there was a streak of beautiful blue sky. So is Christian experienceclouds generally, but here and there beautiful light. I will look towards the heaven of your soul. Before the cross and the end of the ninth hour, the light returned. So when conviction made way for conversion; on the mount of transfiguration, overshadowed by the cloud of glory. So communion with God. The disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Look to 1Pe. 1:18-19; 1Pe. 1:23, of this chapter. The life of Jesus is immortalinvulnerable. Strike the light, but you cannot wound it: so is the truth. Touches of these speak of the state when all shall be undyingthought, praise, purity, joy, etc.all undying.

2. Pure in its administration.Undefiled. It will be a state the enjoyment of which will preclude the possibility of abuse. The most perfect and delicate flower is the most susceptible of being tarnished or destroyed; the touch of the finger will do this. So with the Christian virtues. When we would do good, evil is present. There are interruptions. Let us name one or two. Interruption to continuous religious thought. The astronomer making observations, and the cloud coming between. Some gloomy thought. There are also circumstances outside ourselves that do this. Like the withering blast of the east wind, our prospects are often blighted. But the state of heaven will be such that no clouds will darken the mind, and no trials will harass the heart. The touch will be pureeven if we touch the throne itself there will be no dark Mark 3. Perpetual in its beauty. That fadeth not away. The beauty that was, has faded; the beauty that is, is fading; and the beauty that is to come must fade hereNatures beauty, human beauty, and fortune itself. Moral beauty. The fair and promising young man has gone wrong. Look at yonder garden. Body like unto His glorious body. The soul without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing. Virtue eternal as its Author.

4. Distant in its location.Reserved in heaven. You must remove to a new scene, where the wicked cease from troubling, and where the weary are at rest. No battlefields there; no hospitals; no graveyards. No, not even a trace of sin. Reserved. Some lovely spot. Behold, I go and prepare a place for you,crowns, thrones, etc.

II. That believers are now kept under guard and discipline in order to the future enjoyment of that blessed state.

1. Faith is the medium of power.The power of resistance, and the power of perseverance. To reign with Christ in life is full of inspiration. We lay hold of eternal life.

2. Salvation is the end of faith. What is the voice of faith but a cry for a better state? We cannot rest till we reach the goal. We press forward.

3. Time is the revealer of salvation. You will see. The ages have rolled onwonderful things. Times last effort. Bring in the inheritance. What is our title?Anon.

1Pe. 1:5. Kept by the Power of God.Believers, as a class, are thus described: Kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. The words bring before us the doctrine commonly known as that of final perseverance, as opposed to that of possible defection and perdition on the part of true believers and regenerated sinners. Look at the objections to this doctrine, as they seem to weigh upon the minds, not of speculative theologians, but of practical experimental Christians, whose belief is, in purpose and profession, founded on the word of God and the experience of His people. The objections are twofold:

(1) The doctrine is unscriptural;
(2) it is of evil tendency. These are virtually one; for the objection to the doctrine as unscriptural has no substantive existence or foundation apart from its imputed or alleged pernicious tendencies in practice. It must be admitted that in Scripture there is no categorical denial of this doctrine, or any statement absolutely inconsistent with it. If it is rejected it must be because it is believed to be pernicious. What, then, is the evil tendency imputed to this doctrine?
1. It is said to assume the final perseverance of the saints to be secured by a power inherent in themselves, or by something in the very nature of a saving change, precluding all defection as a sheer impossibility, entirely irrespective of the subjects own religious state or dispositions, or of any influence exterior to him, over and above the impulse given at conversion, or the vis inerti of his new-born naturea belief which may be justly charged with tending to indulge a proud reliance upon self, and an habitual security, alike dishonouring to God and dangerous to man.

2. The only proof which it requires of the saving clause, from which it draws its proud security and absolute immunity from danger, is the consciousness or memory of inward exercises, not susceptible of formal proof, and wholly independent of the actual condition of the subject at the time when he asserts his claim to this prerogative or privilege of absolute exemption from the risk or possibility of a fall from grace. The rejection of the doctrine is always based on the assumption of an inherent independent power of self-preservation, or the sufficiency of mere subjective states and exercises, to demonstrate the possession of that power. But no such assumptions are imputed in the word of God. As in our text, the preservation is explicitly described as the effect of a power exterior and superior to themselves, as effected by a sovereign, a Divine, an almighty agency. If all depend upon the action of Omnipotence (the power of God), where is the pernicious tendency? If we can no more, in and of ourselves, secure our own continuance in this state than we could create it, or create ourselves, or than we could create a World, where is boasting then? It is excluded. It may, however, be said that if we look upon the exercise of the power of God as absolutely and irrevocably pledged for our protection, the tendency of this belief to generate security and licence is as evident and strong as if the power were inherent in ourselves; nay, more so, since the power, instead of being finite, is now infinite; instead of being human, is Divine; instead of being ours is Gods, and yet completely under our control. This specious representation quietly assumes that we ascribe the perseverance of believers to an absolute, immediate act of power, without the use of means or the prescription of conditions. But this aspersion on the doctrine is wiped off by the simple but authoritative language of the text, which, so far from representing this conservative agency of Gods grace and omnipotence as acting independently of faith in the preserved and persevering subject, holds up faith itself as in a certain sense the means by which the perseverance is secured, by which the preservation is effected. Faith is not a thing to be assumed at pleasure, but to be established as conclusive evidence; not that of consciousness, or memory, or fancy, but of actual experience and practice. Where the fruits of faith are not, there is no evidence of faith. Where faith is not, there is no pledge of Gods omnipotence to save from falling. It is only those who have this faith and bear this fruit that have a right to claim a place among the happy souls who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.J. A. Alexander, D.D.

Kept unto Salvation.Many of Gods people are at times full of fears concerning their personal interest in Christ. Perhaps it ought not to be so. We have to face the fact that it often is so. The work of sanctification is a quiet, gradual, unseen work, of which we cannot accurately trace all the stages. It may be likened to the currents that run below the surface of the ocean, and secretly bear the vessel on its way, or out of its way. Or it may be likened to the steady march of time, which changes all earthly things, wears away the framework of the Pyramids, and crumbles down the everlasting hills, though, watch as we may, we can hardly follow the process. In our times of fear, we more often doubt our right to the Divine promises than doubt the general fulfilment of the promises. At our darkest times we are assured that the promises are yea and amen for those, to whom they are given. Our difficulty is that they are not given to us. Sometimes these feelings follow on the encouragement of some loved sin. Keep that sin; call it by some milder name though you may, it will stand between you and God. Like the host of Israel that went forth against the city of Ai, you will return from your toil defeated and disgraced if some accursed thing be kept within your camp. Sometimes they follow on neglected means of grace. Only as the soul maintains a constant intercourse with God can it maintain a constant assurance of His love. Sometimes they follow on watching too minutely our own thoughts, and frames, and feelings. We may soon come to put our trust in those feelings, and then every change in our feeling will fling a shadow over us, and feeble feeling will fill us with despair. In our text may be found a threefold description of the true child of God, by the help of which we may scatter the doubts and fears that loom over us. He is one

(1) on whom the preserving power of God rests;
(2) one in whom the spirit of faith is working;
(3) one for whom salvation is prepared.

I. The child of God is one on whom the preserving power of God rests.This is a description which links the believer with the king-psalmist of Israel, whose poetically recorded experiences we so greatly enjoy. Perhaps there was no thought brought so much peace to the psalmist as the thought that he was kept by God. To his thought, God was a sun and a shield; the Lord would give grace and glory. His prayer was, Hold Thou me up, and I shall be safe. God was to him the shadow of a great rock in a weary land: the Keeper of Israel, who never slumbered nor slept. He could say of God, I flee unto Thee to hide me. Christian experience ever deepens our conviction of our own weakness; our inability to protect and keep ourselves. We feel more and more every day that we need a guarding as well as a guiding hand. The promises Christ gave to His disciples show that this need was recognised. They shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. Those disciples are the sheep and lambs of Christs flock. They may be quite sure that the Shepherd is ever near to protect, defend, and keep. Our Lord, in His great intercessory prayer, said, I kept them in Thy name, and none of them is lost. Discipleship to Christ involves Divine keeping; and the Saviour prayed as though He were bound to give an account to God of each believers safety. We may realise this preserving power of God in several ways.

1. In the guidance and help of the Holy Spirit. No doubt the operations of the Spirit are mysterious. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh and whither it goeth. But He does take up His abode in the believing soul. His presence pledges the fact of the change wrought in us. His operation is designed to preserve the soul from all evil, and to guide it into all truth. Source whence all Divine blessings for the soul flow, whence all the food of the spiritual life comes, whence all developments of the spiritual life receive their furtherance, that Spirit is no less the Great Heart guide, by whom the pilgrim is defended and preserved, the champion by whom his foes are defeated and his difficulties overcome. His presence is our seal unto the day of redemption; His work to keep the soul unto the full salvation that is prepared. The presence of the Holy Spirit is the fulfilment of all the promises of the Divine Presence. When Moses stood before the burning bush, and received the Divine command for the deliverance of Israel, he was overwhelmed by the responsibilities of the charge, and received this comforting and strengthening assurance: Certainly I will be with thee. That promise was fulfilled in the presence with him of Gods Holy Spirit. When Jeremiah pleaded his incapacity for the prophetic office, so earnestly saying, Ah, Lord God; behold, I cannot speak! for I am a child, Gods promise came, comforting him: Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee. That also was fulfilled in the presence of God the Spirit. And how much to us all is that promise and assurance of our ascending Saviour, Lo, I am with you all the days, even unto the end of the world. However else we may think that promise to have been fulfilled, it was certainly fulfilled in the abiding presence with us of the Holy Spirit. We imagine a sort of threefold Divine presence that we enjoy. A presence of God the Fathera Divine eye watching our every step, searching our every thought and purpose; a presence of God the Son, the living Friend to whom our thoughts may be made known, whose companionship we may daily enjoy; and a presence of God the Spirit, working within us, checking, inspiring, guiding, keeping. But, if we think a little closely, shall we not find that these three are one? If we have the presence of the Spirit, have we not each person of the blessed Trinitythe loving Father, the only-begotten Son, and the all presiding Spirit. Surely the whole promise of a present God is fulfilled for you, if you know that the Spirit of God is with you. If you know His power in your heart, rejoice; it is the power of God, a power efficient to keep you unto the salvation ready to be revealed.

2. In the strength we derive from the exercise of prayer. The spirit of prayer is illustrated in the wrestling of Jacob with the angel at the Brook Jabbok. Intense earnestness is expressed in that determination, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. Prayer is a laying hold of the Divine arm, a reliance on the Divine strength. The very terms of Christian prayer indicate our sense of Gods interest in us, and concern for us. Abba, Father, gathers about us fatherly love, fatherly watchfulness, and fatherly preservations. Thankfulness in prayer is the recognition of the hand of goodness ever over us. And the substance of all prayer is, that in all the forms of our spiritual toil and struggle we may have the help of God; we may not be left to our own weakness; we may be upheld and kept. And so of all the answers we receive to our prayer. They may be summed up in one thing: the realisation of Gods presence with us, and power resting on us. The sense of Divine aid, Divine inspiration, Divine keeping, which we may bear about with us day by day, is the answer to our prayer.

3. In the actual experience of the believer. In their temple service the Jewish people might well sing, The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge, because their entire history was lit up with continual signs of His presence and power. Delivered from the house of bondage with a high hand, the sea saw the majesty of their leader, and fled, leaving a highway for Gods people; waste deserts became lands of plenty, and foes failed when Israels God marched before them. Manifested in burning bush and fiery pillar, ruling as Theocratic King, raising up one and setting down another, delivering and redeeming again and again, no truth was brought home to the Jew like this one, The Lord of hosts is with us. And we are the Israel of God. The power of God is witnessed in all our past history. Looking at the way in which the Lord hath led us, we say, again and again, There God guided; there God preserved; there God conquered for us; there foes gathered thickly, but God put His hedge of mercy round us; there we made mistakes, and wandered into by-paths that might have led us to destruction, but God in mercy restored our wandering feet. Over all our past may well be written, Kept by the power of God. We have been like that servant of the prophet. We could see that the house was surrounded with foes, and there was no way of escape. We could not see what, nevertheless, we might have seen, that the mountains all round about were full of the chariots and horsemen of the Lord. Far greater were those with us than all that could be against us.

II. One in whom the spirit of faith is working.Faith is often dealt with as connected with our first approach to God; as the gate at the head of the way of life. But we need to see that this same faith is called for throughout the whole course of the Christian life. We live day by day, spiritually, only as we believe; our strength, our comfort, our success, are in direct proportions to our faith. The work being carried on in your hearts is a spiritual work; you cannot watch it with your bodily eyes. The Being working is a spiritual Being; you can never see Him by your side. His way of working is a spiritual way; you may not always discover it: only faith brings the comfort of the Divine strength and nearness. That is true for us which was but fabled of an ancient prince. He had lost his father, and when setting out to endeavour to gain tidings of him, one of the divinities came down, took the form of an aged counsellor, and accompanied him in all his journeyings. That is true for us, but we only feel it, only get the joy of it, only know the impulses of it, only walk strongly and safely, as faith realises the fact. There is a great difference between knowing things with the mind, and believing them with the heart. The doctrines, commands, and promises of God lie within this sacred book like dry bones in the valley. They are mere forms of truth; mere declarations of Divine wisdom; beautiful enough, but cold and dead. Faith comes, the faith which says, This is the Word of God, and the Word of God to meand then the dry bones live; a creative breath seems to have passed over them all. Without faith the Word of God is as a harp fully strung, but silent. Even in its silence one feels there are within it the possibilities of beauteous song. But let faith come, and touch the chords; then music is drawn forth, which seems like earth-echoes of the angels songs above. Now it may be warlike tones, wild and clear, that nerve the Christians arm, and send him boldly forth to fight the good fight of faith; now gentle, soothing strains that calm the troubled breast, and whisper to the torn and tried, Gods eternal peace. Have faith in God. Lay hold thereby of the power of God. Let that be the spirit in you which grasps the Divine energy that would rest upon you. With the power on you, and the faith in you, you shall be kept unto the salvation prepared. Learn from that great chapter of Hebrews how faith can work in daily life. Faith marked the acceptable worship Abel offered. Faith gave the triumph in the hour of Enochs translation. Faith kept Noah when the judgments of God were in the earth. Faith guided Abraham in his journeyings. Faith saved Moses in the moments of danger. Faith discomfited the foes of Gods Israel. And what shall we more say? Time would fail to tell the triumphs of daily faith, the toil it helps us to perform; the sorrow it helps us to bear; the wisdom it helps us to gain; the evils it helps us to fight; the glory it helps us to win.

III. One for whom salvation is prepared.Our salvation begins when we begin to live for God. Peter speaks of receiving now the end of your faith, even the salvation of your soul. But that salvation has another stage. It is really as yet undeveloped. Now are we the sons of God, but it doth not yet appear what we shall be. The salvation now is salvation in the world, that shall be salvation from the world. This is salvation going on amid dangers, temptations, and evils: that shall be salvation perfected in scenes of holy rest, and triumph, and peace. And that fuller salvation is ready, prepared, waiting to be revealed. This further salvation is Gods purpose in the work of His Son. However much the work of Christ accomplishes for us here on earth; however Gods grace beautifies character, conquers evil, gladdens the home, gilds life with brightness, and crowds it with blessing, we cannot limit the great salvation to that which is earthly and fleeting. The purpose of God in redemption is wide and broad and deep as the everlasting life, and long as the everlasting ages. It may find you a poor sinful soul, low down in degradation; it will cleanse all stains, heal all wounds, and bless you now; but it will not rest satisfied until you are placed as a polished jewel in the crown of the Redeeming King. This is the design of the preserving power that rests upon you. For what does He keep you I Why does an eye that never slumbers nor sleeps watch Israel? Why does the Almighty Friend ever abide with us? Why? It is this: that we are being kept to the salvation that is ready to be revealed. This is the end of our faith. Faith grasps much for this life; but it is like the foreign bird, brought from sunnier climesit ever seems to be stretching its wings and striking the bars of its cage, as though it would be away to the home it loves. Faith, a heavenly thing, born of God, in sympathy with the high and heavenly, will press beyond the struggling and darkness of time, and strive to gain the light and peace of eternity. And all is to be revealed in the last time. We know when that is. When the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they be few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened; when the silver cord shall be loosed, and the golden bowl be broken; when the dust shall return to the earth as it was, and the spirit return unto God who gave it;then shall the full salvation be revealed, and we shall enter the New Jerusalem, from whence they go out no more, and where God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes. Kept now for sanctifying, one day we shall be glorified.

1Pe. 1:6. Rejoicing and Heaviness.This verse seems to gather up the thought of the first nine verses. The tone of this epistle reveals the sanctifying influence of a Christian experience upon St. Peter. What strikes attention is the recognition of the twofoldness of religious life. If it breathes the air of heaven, it treads the soil of earth. We are often surprised to find the life is a constant struggle, and the soul is calm with a Divine peace. St. Peter intimates that this is the very thing we should expect. The best men cannot always live in the sunshine of hope. A Christian life on earth can hardly fail to be a mingling of rejoicing and heaviness.

I. The spirit of the Christian should usually be a spirit of rejoicing.

1. The rejoicing of love (1Pe. 1:8). Love to Christ. The love that comes with faith in the unseen. Accepted love is our deepest source of earthly joy. We feel a holy pride when we can say of the Lord Jesus, This is my beloved, and this is my friend.

2. The rejoicing of the promised future (1Pe. 1:4). But the future finds nothing for the soul apart from Christ. Heaven is everything if the Lamb be the light thereof.

II. The spirit of the Christian may be for a time a spirit of heaviness.The rejoicing is without limit. The sadness is for a season, and if needs be. The heaviness comes from the trying, testing, of the very faith whence the rejoicing comes. The struggle of life may be expressed in this form: Under how thick darkness can you cling to Christ? Beaten how ever severely by foes, can you still keep hold on Christ, refusing to be beaten off! Whatever your earth-trials may be, remember they are but passing things. The souls restful joy in God should be deep, abiding, eternal.

Note by Archbishop Leighton.His scope is to stir up and strengthen spiritual joy in his afflicted brethren. In this thing ye rejoice, that ye are begotten again; that there is such an inheritance, and that you are made heirs of it; that it is kept for you, and you for it; that nothing can come betwixt you and it, and disappoint you of possessing and enjoying it. Though there be many deserts and mountains and seas in the way, yet you are ascertained that you shall come safely thither.

The Christian State.

1. The Christian state is properly one of deep and abiding joy. See this in St. Paul.
(1) Joy in the salvation wrought by God.
(2) Joy in the salvation resting on God. A deep-sea calm. An above-clouds calm.
2. Apparently, the Christian state is one of agitation, anxiety, and heaviness. Observe, however, the qualifications of thisfor a season, if needs be. Still, even with these qualifications, the Christian state is often one of heaviness. How is this? The souls joy is the sign of a life of faith, and this must be tested, as in the case of Abraham, David, Peter. Can anything keep up the souls joy under the heaviness.

(1) Assurance that it is testing, not destruction, not punishment.

(2) Assurance that God is watching the process, regarding it as a precious work of refining.
(3) Seeing that the designed issue is a simpler hold of Christ; a clearer spiritual sight of Him. And so, through the experience, the joy really becomes unspeakable and full of glory. And so we receive now the end of our faith, the salvation of our souls (a) from fear, (b) from sin, (c) from corruption. And thus we are made ready for Christs appearing. We see what we ought to regard as our great Christian treasureour souls joy in the great salvation. We are sure to have the joy if only we have, and can keep, holy admirations of Christ.

The Future in the Present.St. Peter here states a fact of common human experience, which takes its highest form in the Christian spheres. The future we anticipate does exert a present influence on us. What is to be is everywhere helping men to bear what is. The castles in the air of the boy or girl at school help them over present tasks and discipline. The future of business success strengthens men to bear with and to overcome present perplexities and difficulties. The good time coming, the golden age, are not altogether things in the by-and-bye. They are actually with us now, in the cheer and strength they give.

1Pe. 1:8. Things Unseen.It takes a very strenuous effort to bring the unseen Christ before the mind habitually, and so as to produce effects in the life. You have to shut out a great deal besides, in order to do that; as a man will shade his eyes with his hand in order to see some distant thing the more clearly. Keep out the cross lights, that you may look forward. You cannot see the stars when you are walking down a town street and the gas lamps are lit. All those violet depths, and calm abysses, and blazing worlds, are concealed from you by the glare at your side. So, if you want to see into the depths and the heights, to see the great white throne and the Christ on it, who helps you to fight, you have to go out unto Him beyond the camp, and leave all its dazzling lights behind you.A. Maclaren, D.D.

The Love of One Unseen.In Peter we have not a highly intellectual, cultured man, so it was not given to him to set the first forms and shapes to the expression of Christian doctrine. For that work the Apostle Paul was specially called, endowed, and educated, and the fitness of the Divine choice of instruments has never been more fully demonstrated than in the selection of Paul for that particular work. Peter evidently had a larger heart than head; his great feature was impulsiveness: sometimes it led him astray into forwardness, presumption, and over-positiveness; but sometimes it enabled him to make noble testimonies, and even sometimes to force an entrance into mysteries whose doors refused to yield at the bidding of sanctified intellect. It may be said, in a comprehensive way, that we are indebted to Paul for Christian truths that may be thought out. Paul, in his most enthusiastic moments, is a man of mind and culture, and he abundantly proves that the intellectual man need not be a cold, hard, dry, or unloving man. Again and again we find his soul catching fire of the truth with which he deals, all aglow with the fervour and enthusiasm which the truth he studies enkindles; bursting out in intense utterances of adoration, as if the emotions of his heart must force the bonds of silence, and send forth at least a cry. Peter adds to the circle of Christian truth and doctrine almost wholly those forms which bring satisfaction to the heart, which are found out by the sensitiveness of Christian emotion; and so his words come to us like fresh revelations in particular moods of our feeling. In our times of meditation, of quickened emotion, of sacramental preparation, we shall find words of Peter frequently suggested, and largely helpful; by their aid our souls may often gain wing, and fly into the innermost recesses of communion with Christ, and with His truth. Peters words have often proved, through the Divine Spirit, live coals from off the altar, which have reillumined the smouldering love of our souls, and set the flame rising high again, and burning bright for consuming the dross of self and sin. Our text is one of his most characteristic and best-remembered words. I envy no man who is so unsusceptible to its tenderness, its thrill of emotion, and its hallowed suggestiveness, that he can coldly study it, take it to pieces, criticise it, and set out the precise meaning of its parts. I cannot. I shall not try to. I shall not satisfy anybody to-day who asks exactly what it means, what it teaches and what it involves. I have wanted it to be to me a live coal, setting fire to holy feelings of love and truth within me. And now I want it to be a live coal to you, kindling such fires of thankfulness, faith, and love in you, that we may have an unusual time of refreshing and hallowed joy in presence of the emblems of our suffering, dying Saviour to-day. I want to lead you along this line of thought, staying a little while at each point for the needful unfolding and illustration. Salvation comes by love to a Person; that love may be sight-quickened, that love may be faith-quickened; the love quickened by faith will be altogether nobler, mightier, more satisfying than the love quickened by sight.

I. Salvation comes by love to a Person.I am always trying to make you see what a large, comprehensive thing our salvation is. With its varied forms of beginning, with its many-sided applications as it continues its working, and with its many endings of relation to soul-life, body-life, and social life, the salvation of a man may well be called so great salvation. Looking in some directions towards God and conditions of reconciliation and acceptance with Him; in others, towards ourselves and the effectual removal of the very love of sinning; and in yet others, towards our fellowmen, and perfecting the harmony of our intercourse with them;verily a mans salvation does grow to our thought as a very wide, rich, comprehensive thing. I cannot get all the fulness of the idea of a mans salvation into the word conversion; that is but a point of it, a stage in it, a portion of it. Nor will it all go into the word sanctification; that, too, expresses a part only. The Bible words are regeneration and salvationwide words, that arch over a mans life, from the moment of spiritual awakening right through to the moment of presenting faultless before the glory, even as the arched dome of heaven spans our earth from utmost east to utmost west. Can we get any worthier impression of what God intends, and what he prophetically sees realised, when he begins to save a man? Surely He anticipates the poor half-burnt brand, not only plucked from the fire, but the fire-marks taken away; the brand quickened with new life, grafted into the true vine, filled in every duct and vessel with the rich vine sap, and bringing forth abundant fruit. The brand is not fully saved until the grape clusters hang thickly upon it. Surely when God touches the heart of the poor, weary, homeless, despised, and despairing prodigal with the thought of love and home, it is in the hope of finding him one day settled in the old sons place, and filled with the old child-spirit of obedience and trust. The prodigal is not saved by being put back into the home, he is only saved when he gets again the spirit of the home. What does God see as the final issue when He begins to save a man? Surely a sight that must fill with rejoicing that heavenly Fathers heart. He sees one clothed in white robes, all stainless, which are the emblem of one at last made all pure and glorious within. He sees one crowned with a crown which is the seal of final victory in the life-battle with sin. He sees one tuning a right noble song from a heaven-harp; a song so sweet, so loud, it shall for ever tell what joys fill that soul with rapture which has reached the perfect righteousness and the full salvation. Let us but get this large idea of what it is for a man to be saved, and then we shall see the truth of the statement that salvation comes by love to a Person. No merely intellectual grasp of any truth, even the sublimest ever revealed to man, can work out this great and mighty change. The force that alters man for better or for worse is the force of His love. Tell me, it has been said, the companions a man keeps, or the friends he has, and I will tell you what he is. The great renewing, changing, saving power is our love to the Lord Jesus Christ, the infinitely excellent and loving One; or, as I like to think of it, it is our heart-grasp of Him; because all heart-grasps must be blended faith-holdings and love-holdings; and when faith and love hold together, love is sure to swallow up and absorb the faith: and when our love just opens our whole soul and life to Christ, and bids Him welcome to come right in, then all the saving power He has in His Divine right, and has won by His life, experience, and sacrifice, can be exerted in us; He can save us wholly; save us with His full salvation from the past, from our sins, from sinfulness, from death, from hell; save us by changing us into the likeness of His own obedience, trust, and love; and so prepare us to shine for ever in the light of God, the monuments of a great salvation. We may believe a thing, we cannot love a thing: we may like it, admire it, value it, cherish it. It is of necessity to love that its object must be able to respond, returning love for love. So you see I believe in the work of Christ; believe in the Atonement; and the Redemption; and the Sacrifice; and the Resurrection. But since my higher life, my full salvation, comes by that love, which is a swallowing-up of faith in something higher, I must get beyond things: I shall never be able to love the work, and the Atonement, and the Redemption,they must pass into lights which shine down upon, and all around, the Saviour, the Redeemer, the Atoner, the Propitiator, Him who gave Himself for usglorifying Him, making Him so beautiful that our heart is wholly won to Him, our love fully set upon Him, and body, soul, and spirit, are yielded in a sacrifice of affection unto Him. Sometimes you feel a little difference between the mode in which I present Divine truth to you, and the modes of your previous apprehension; and possibly you may sometimes think the difference far greater than it is. Really it lies in this: you think so much of the redemption; I try to lift up your eyes, and get them fixed on the Redeemer. You dwell on the work of salvation; I try to point out the person of the Saviour, and show you what glorious power to deliver He has gained through His work. You try to formulate a doctrine of the Atonement; I long to make you see the infinite fitness and fulness of the Divine Atoner and Reconciler. You say, It is Christ that died. I try to repeat after Paul, and say, Yes, that is true, but there is more. Oh! to see and feel that something more: Yea, rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. It is impossible to do more than suggest to you how much the apostles made of the person of Christ, and how constant is their demand of loyal attachment to Him, trust and love to Him. A little roll of passages may suffice to set this upon your thoughts. Christ required personal relations to Himself. Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden. He that hath the Son hath life. I give unto them eternal life. Him that cometh unto Me I will in no wise cast out. By faith that is in Me. Whosoever believeth in Him might not perish, but have everlasting life. This do in remembrance of Me. The apostles preach, saying: Him hath God exalted, a Prince and a Saviour. God hath made that same Jesus whom ye crucified, both Lord and Christ. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Unto you that believe He is precious. Paul shows us his loving relations to a personal living Saviour, when he says, The life I live in the flesh is a life of faith on the Son of God; and our text is in fullest accord with the whole New Testament when it says, whom, not whichwhom having not seen, we love; in whom though now we see Him not yet believing, we rejoice, etc. And surely He is the true minister of the Word who, as an ambassador of the living Christ, beseeches men in Christs stead to be reconciled unto God. This, then, is a most true and worthy way in which to think about Divine things. Our full salvation comes by love to a Person. In presence of these sacramental emblems, how true that must seem to every one of us! Just what we gather round them for is, that, seeing Christ afresh by their help, we may set our love afresh upon Him; and often we have found that nothing so mightily helps us in our godly living as these sacramental quickenings of our love to the personal and living Christ. We do not see Him in a vision of dazzling brightness, clothed in white garments down to the foot. His head and hairs white, like wool, as white as snow, His eyes like flames of fire, His feet like fine brass, burning to white heat in a furnace? His voice does not come to us like the sound of many waters; but we still hear Him say the words which quicken adoring, thankful, trustful love: Fear not; I am the first and the last, I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore. Amen. The old test of discipleship remains: Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? Well for us all, and for the progress of the work of redemption in us, if we can respond, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee.

II. That love maybe sight-quickened.As was the love of the disciples for their Master. They were with Him in the privileges of closest intimacy; they received the impressions of confidence which ought to follow witnessing His mighty works; but far beyond that, the secrecies of communion, the knowledge of His private life of purity and charity, woke in their hearts an enthusiasm of affection which made them in due time heroes and martyrs. With what a tender, trustful affection John loved Christ; getting as close as he could to Him, and even, with almost a womans gentleness, venturing to lean on His bosom. With what a passionate and ardent affection Peter loved Him; a kind of love which might stumble, but was too wholly sincere and intense entirely to fail and fall. Would you see love that comes by sight, read the heart of Mary Magdalene, that woman who was last at the cross and first at the grave, and wept her sorrow because they had taken away the body which she had meant to embalm with sweetest spices by her own loving hands; or go into the Bethany home, and see Mary pass out, soon to return and blend precious ointment and thankful tears upon the Saviours feet; look at her:

Her eyes are homes of silent prayer,

Nor other thought her mind admits,
But, he was dead, and there he sits,

And He that brought him back is there.
Then one deep love doth supersede

All other, when her ardent gaze
Roves from the living brothers face,

And rests upon the Life indeed.

Tennyson.

All this was sight-quickened love; they saw and believed; and need I point out how this love was salvation to them, delivering them from sin, and self, and all ignoble ends, and lifting them up to all high and noble uses, and putting a glory on their lives? Too readily we cherish the thought of our dreadful loss, in that we have never seen Christ. Sometimes the heart goes out in a passionate longing: Oh that I could but once see Him! How would we journey if we might at last gaze upon Him in one of His attitudes of infinite tenderness, bending to look with such gentle acceptance on the poor sinner that rained her tears upon His feet, or holding a little babe in His arm, and touching the other little ones that clung about His robe, and saying, Suffer the little ones to come unto Me. Only to see a full-length picture of Him sets our heart beating with emotion; surely we could believe, we could love, if we might but see Him. So we repeat the mistake of doubting Thomas, who wanted to see the wound-marks in His hands and side. And to us, as well as to Him, comes the Saviours gentle reproof: Thomas, because thou hast seen Me thou hast believed; blessed are they which have not seen, and yet have believed.

III. That love may be faith-quickened.As was the love of these stranger Jews, scattered abroad, to whom Peter wrote, and as is ours. They, nor we, have ever seen the Son of God; yet, though now we see Him not, believing in Him, we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Archbishop Leighton says: The eye is the ordinary door by which love enters the soul, but this (saving love to the Lord Christ) enters by the faith-faculty, which is the souls eye. For the things that are unseen and eternal stand related to the souls eye just as the things that are seen and temporal do to the bodily eye. And amongst the various definitions given of faith, I would single out this one as peculiarly full, and true, and suggestive: Faith is that state of the soul in which the things of God become glorious certainties. Must not all the faculties of our soul be vastly superior to the faculties of our bodies? In truth they are sublime powers, only feebly represented even by the wonderful senses of eye, and ear, and touch. It is a far, far grander thing that we can love, and believe, and adore, and obey, than that we can see, and hear, and feel. And all that sphere of unseen things with which faith and love and hope have to do is far more real than that outward world of sensible objects with which eye and touch can deal. Put together these two things: The sun shines; God lives; and surely that one which only the souls eye sees, which only faith can grasp, is the one which is most certainly true, really the most free from doubt to every one whose soul-eye is clear. Only try to think what a little piece of our life, after all, is concerned with things seen and temporal, and how broad, and wide, and high, and rich, is the world of the unseen with which we deal. The things of thought, emotion, and affection, are mostly unseen. The heroes, whose stories we cherish for continual inspiration, are all unseen. Our departed friends are now unseen; we have only the images of them which faith and love create. Beyond the blue sky we see the dome of God; within the movements of nature we trace the handiwork of God. Measure life by what our eye sees, our ear hears, and our hand can touch, and it is a poor, limited life indeed; so many miles through to the other sideso many leagues measured all round. Look at life with the souls eye, see it with the faith-faculty, and then our human life grows profound and awful; worlds are within worlds; worlds are beyond worlds; everything has eternal issues and relations. By the measurements of faith the worlds diameter is infinite, and its circumference is God. But the question which our text suggests, and which our Christian hearts want answered, is this: Can this faith-sight of Christ help me to love, to the love that saves? Well we know, for again and again we have felt how, looking into the face, and watching the life, of our brother or sister has touched our hearts and won out a love that longed to prove its deep, true power in sacrifices for them. Well we know how sight-quickened love has delivered us from evil, elevated us, made us nobler men and women. But can it be so with faith-sight? Yes, brethren, and more, much more. Try if your loves are all limited to those you see. Try whether it is so, that all the persons present to your heart are persons you can look upon and touch. Well the widow knows that her unseen husband is far closer and more real to her than any who sit beside her. The mother folds her heavenly child to her heart oftener than her living children to her bosom. And by faith we can see Christ; we can realise Him, and find kindlings of love rise towards Him, purer, stronger far than any that we might have felt, had we looked into His human face and touched His gracious hand. How true poetry is to the deepest feelings of our nature! Tennyson, mourning over his friend, lost to touch, tells us how near that friend ever was to thought, and heart, and faith:

Dear friend, far off, my lost desire,

So far, so near, in woe and weal;
O loved the most, when most I feel

There is a lower and a higher;
Far off thou art, but ever nigh,

I have thee still and I rejoice.

Known and unknown; human, Divine;

Sweet human hand, and lips, and eye;
Dear heavenly friend that canst not die,

Mine, mine, for ever, ever mine.

And hear how the poet-soul thinks of Him who found it expedient that He should go away, out of sight and touch, to become for human souls the ideal of all that is pure, and loving, and winsome, and beautiful:

Strong Son of God, immortal Love,

Whom we, that have not seen Thy face,
By faith, and faith alone, embrace.

Thou seemest human and Divine,

The highest, holiest manhood Thou.

Better, far better for us, that Christ is now unseen. We are no longer limited to the impressions produced by His human figure, we can raise the noblest and most perfect ideal of Him; we can put about our thought of Christ everything that we find touches our heart most deeply, everything we count most loving and lovely. Even when we love through sight we do not love exactly what we see, but an ideal which our heart fashions; we love our beloved because we see them transformed with a beauty which our heart gathers round them; and upon the records left of the Son of God we all can build the figure of our own Christ, transcendently, infinitely pure and lovely, and our soul will be lifted up by the very nobility and glory of the unseen One whom we love. And this is our confidence and joy; our ideal shall never disappoint us. Let the faith-faculty do its utmost, and the love-faculty crown its creation to the utmost, it cannot reach the very glory of Jesus; it is never worthy of Him. He is better than mind can think. He is better than heart can conceive. Our Christ is unseen, and yet we set our love upon Him. Our Christ we shall not see to-day, and yet, believing in Him, we may be found rejoicing with joy unspeakable and full of glory, receiving the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls. How can this be? What is there in our soul-vision of Christ to kindle fresh love and awaken a joy that shall be ever growing toward the unspeakable? What? Oh, brethren, as you see Him there, about Him is the fashion of a lamb as it had been slain. Gazing on Him, our soul is flooded with memories of a wonderful, blessed past. We see the manger-place that tells how He thought not even equality with God a thing to be held with unrelaxing grasp, but emptied Himself and entered the world a helpless Babe. We see the daily scene of self-denial and gracemighty deeds of kindness, and winsome words of love,melting even hard hearts to His obedience. We see the scene shaded by the olives of Gethsemane. We see the scene illumined by the torches of a murderous band. We see the scenes that disgraced for ever the tribunals of earthly judgment. We see a Saviour coming forth, wearing a mock crown of thorns and a scornful old purple cloak, yet calm in the grace of His self-sacrifice. We see three crosses; our soul is entranced to watch the dying agonies and listen to the dying cries of One whose woe a darkening sky in mercy hid; and as we see our hearts remind us that all this was borne for us.

For love of us He bled;

For love of us He died;

Twas love that bowed His fainting head,

And pierced His sacred side.

Is it any wonder that those memories should quicken within us a new and enthusiastic love? And when the memories of the past grow faint, we look again, and lo! how beautiful our Saviour is! In His face shines the glory of an infinite love, that has won its triumph out of sacrifice. Does heaven seem bright? It is the light of His beauty shining through it. Is heaven radiant with song? The one burden of those who sing is the infinite worth and grace of Him who loved us and gave Himself for us. And as, admiringly, with the eyes of our soul, we look upon Him; as we cherish loving memories, and listen to His words of tenderness and grace, still spoken to all loving hearts;how can we keep our souls from rising in their responsive love, and saying, with new enthusiasm of affection, Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Theo.

Did St. Peter say, Not having seen? That is but partly true, poorly true. Our souls have seen the unseen Christ. The life is ever freshly manifested to the faith-quickened vision of human souls. We have seen. We have beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only-Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth; and it may be that we shall have another soul-vision to-day, and our hearts may respond, as did Thomas, saying, My Lord and My God.

1Pe. 1:7. The Proper Reading of Human Afflictions.They are the trial of our faith. Faith is here put for the Christian profession, which is based on faith in Jesus as Messiah and Saviour. And the trial of the faith is spoken of because those addressed were actually then suffering on account of their Christian profession. The writer of the epistle more fully describes the trial through which these Jewish Christians had passed (Heb. 10:32-34). After ye were enlightened, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; partly while ye were made a gazingstock, both by reproaches and afflictions, and partly while ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods. The trial of faith is sometimes spoken of in a way that leaves a very unworthy impression of God upon the mind. It is assumed that He sends trial in an arbitrary way, upon His good pleasure, and as an exercise of what is called Divine Sovereignty. Scripture gives no warrant for our representing Divinely sent trials as other than for our profit. Man submits metals to severe testings, but only with one or both of two distinct objects in view. Either for the improving of the metal itself, or for the preparing of the metal unto some use and service. And human afflictions, as God-sent trials of faith, are never read aright, unless they are seen to have a distinct purpose in the improvement of the person subject to them, or in the fitting of him for some particular ministry. He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men.

1Pe. 1:8. Loving Whom we have Not Seen.That God should be invisible is a necessity of His perfection. Heaven is no more capable of containing God than the earth, although more of His glory is displayed there. And angels and sainted souls in heaven, in their highest raptures, in their clearest visions, see no similitude. But here is another kind of invisibility altogether. God having appeared and made Himself manifest, disappears again from mortal sight. Jesus Christ, in personal, visible form, has wholly left this world. All the myriads of living men who name His name have to speak of Him as Him whom they have not seen. This is apt to shape itself to our first thoughts as, in some sense, a loss. The eye affects the heart, and we think that if we saw Him with our eyes it would surely be a little easier to believe in Him, and our love would spring up at the sight. When we think more deeply, and bring into our view, as far as we can, all the elements of the case, we drop these earthly hankerings and vain regrets, and, coming upon the higher ground of our text, we say, Whom having not seen, we love. It is very desirable that we should live habitually on this higher ground, making as few backward, downward movements, to the lower ground, as may be. It is a fact that great multitudes saw Jesus Christ in the flesh, and did not believe. It is a fact that great multitudes who had thus seen Him in the flesh without believing, did believe immediately after He disappeared. It is a fact that those who had believed when He was here, believed still more when He went away. Their faith then became more intelligent and more heroic; it became another and a higher thing. It is a fact that many who had not seen Him, but, being His contemporaries, had often heard of Him, without believing by the hearing, no sooner heard that He had gone from the world than they believed at once. It is a fact that great numbers, in many cities and countries, hearing from the lips of preachers and evangelists the whole story of His coming to this world and going hence, believed. It is a fact that on the same testimony, and by force of the same evidence, men have believed ever since, all over the world, and are believing new. Take for guidance of thoughts three words out of the passage:

I. Faith.Yet believing, were joice. Faith is naturally the first thing, without which no other thing can be. If we do not believe in the existence of Christ in heaven, of course we shall not direct any affections to Him there. If we do believe, we have it as our life-work to nourish faith, to raise it to its higher degrees, keep to it in perpetual exercise. Faith is fundamental, but it is structural as wellit grows in and with the building. If his life is a growing one, as every life should be, his faith grows with and in his life, and his life by his faith. Nearly all believing may be said to be believing in Christ. This makes the object of faith so simple, and yet so manifold! It is Christ in heaven, but that one thing contains many. He is therewith as a sacrifice, to offer its perpetual virtue; as an advocate, to plead for those who are in trouble and danger; as a Ruler, to watch and guide all affairs; as a Friend, to do His friends all kindly service; as an Elder Brother, to prepare for the home-coming of the younger members of the Divine family, and to welcome them home when they come.

II. Love.Whom having not seen, ye love. The love is really born with the faith, begins to act with it, grows by its means, and is not cooled or repressed by the invisibility of its object. Love is the tenderest and the most delicate, and yet it is the strongest and most overmastering, of all human emotions. To love Christthere, in a moment, you have the sublime of this affection! But how does the great and glorious Christ feel to me? For love rises to meet love. The feet of love are fleetest when other feet are seen advancing. The arms of love, are outstretched to meet outstretched arms.

III. Joy.One Christian feeling thus glides into another, becomes part of another. Faith begins to have a glow in it, andlo! it is Love. Love begins to have a gladness and to wear a glory, andlo! it is heavenly Joy. There is some joy in every Christians heart. Much will depend on temperament, much on habit, much on outward circumstances, as to the development and cultivation of this sacred principle. But in every case you have the element and actual beginningthe root, and fountain, and flowing spring, of a heavenly and eternal joy. Blessed necessity! that compels every soul in Christ to be happy in Him! A flame of renewal has passed through the inmost being, refreshing waters of grace have cleansed every corrupted faculty, and cooled every fevered thought. If he cannot break out into a loud song, he can chant some softer syllables of praise. It is even said to be the joy unspeakable; and it is full of glory.A. Raleigh, D.D.

The Love of the Unseen.Show how it is that we find it possible to love the unseen; and that it is possible for our love of the unseen to become a mightier moral power than our love of the seen. Our salvation comes by love (which necessarily includes faith), but in setting our love upon Christ we are under this apparent disability: we have not the important help of the sight-faculty. We are, however, under this real advantage, that we are set upon securing the help of the faith-faculty. That will do much more and better for us than the sight-faculty ever, under any circumstances, could. Observe that, in a proper sense, we cannot be said to love things. We love persons. But the interest we have in things may help us toward loving persons. Our Lords sacrifice, atonement, etc., are not objects of love, but helps toward our loving Christ. The faith-faculty is exercised about truth declared. It fashions from its own ideal of the person so revealed. And no worthy ideal of Christ, fashioned upon the basis of truth declared concerning Him, can ever disappoint. The sight-faculty does materially help us to love, but it keeps us under limitations, from which the faith-faculty wholly delivers. Thomas, because thou hast seen Me thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed.

1Pe. 1:11-12. The Unselfish Ministry of the Prophets.Not unto themselves, but unto you, did they minister the things. And this they knew. This was revealed to them. This they accepted as, for them, the duty of the hour. But there could not be a much harder lot. They pictured a glorious time; they lived in their imaginations; but for them it was all a dream, an anticipation, a vision of the far-away, which they knew could never become reality for them. But they were willing to serve others. It must have been hard for them. It must have been a great strain on character and faith. They saw the sufferings of Christ, they saw the spiritual glory that followed them. They saw the spiritual kingdom of Christ possess the earth, and they knew they would never breathe the air of that kingdom, or be employed in its service. Yet those old prophets do but illustrate the universally working law of service for God. You cannot do it if you want anything for yourself.

ILLUSTRATIONS TO CHAPTER 1

1Pe. 1:5. Kept by God.The Rev. J. H. Brooks, D.D., says: If your final salvation depends on your holding out or holding on, you will most certainly be lost. Two ministers were conducting a meeting together, and at its close one of them said, I picked up a Dublin tract on a railroad train the other day, and with great interest and profit, although it teaches a doctrine I dont believe. What is the doctrine? asked his friend. The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, he answered. Neither do I believe it, was the reply. Is it possible? exclaimed the first. I thought, you were decided in your belief of it. No, I am not. I once believed it, but since I have come to know more about the saints, and especially about myself, I believe all of us would go to the devil if left to ourselves; but I believe very firmly in the perseverance of the Lord; and they shook hands to show their fellowship in this truth.

1Pe. 1:6-7. The Purpose for which Trials are Sent.When Joseph Alleine and seven other ministers, and forty private Christians, were committed to the prison of Ilchester about two hundred years ago, Alleine said much to cheer them. Among other sweet things, he said: Shall I tell you a story I read? There was a certain king that had a pleasant grove, and that he might make it every way delightful to him, he caused some birds to be caught, and to be kept in cages till they had learned sundry sweet and artificial tunes. And when they were perfect in their lessons, he let them abroad out of their cages into the grove, that he might hear them singing those pleasant tunes, and teaching them to other birds of milder note. Brethren, he added, the Lord is that king, this grove is His Church, these birds are yourselves, this cage is the prison; and God hath sent you hither that you should learn the sweet and pleasant notes of His praise.

1Pe. 1:7. Trial of Faith.When a founder has cast his bell, he does not at once put it into the steeple, but tries it with the hammer, and beats it on every side, to see if there be a flaw. So when Christ converts a man, He does not at once convey him to heaven, but suffers him first to be beaten upon by many temptations, and then exalts him to his crown.

1Pe. 1:8. Loving the Unseen.A mother in England taught her little child that his father was away in India. As soon as he could lisp his fathers name, his picture was shown him, and he was taught to say, Thats my papa. Though he had never seen his father to know him, yet through that mothers faithful teaching he had learned to love him. One day, unexpectedly to all, the father returned from India, and as he entered the hall door, his little son was the first to greet him, exclaiming as he did so, My dear papa, I am so glad to see you. So the Bible pictures before us Christ, our Elder Brother, whom, having not seen, we love, and of whom we sing, Hes my Saviour. By-and-bye, when we behold Him face to face, we shall know Him and meet Him, not as a stranger, but as a friend.

Faith and Reason.An old writer says Faith and Reason may be compared to two travellers. Faith is like a man in full health, who can walk his twenty or thirty miles at a time without suffering; Reason is like a little child, who can only with difficulty accomplish three or four miles. Well, says this old writer, on a given day Reason says to Faith, O good Faith, let me walk with thee. Faith replies, O Reason, thou canst never walk with me. Well, they set out together; when they come to a deep river, Reason says, I can never ford this. When they reach a lofty mountain, there is the same exclamation of despair; and in such cases Faith, in order not to leave Reason behind, is obliged to carry him on his back; and, adds the writer, Oh, what a luggage is Reason to Faith!

Faith as the Eye of the Soul.Faith is a grace that has both its birth and life in light, and in that light it sees light. Faith is not only a hand, but an eye, to the soul, and hath its sights both in way of aspect and prospect, not only to look on things immediately before it, but to look on things far hence and to come; it can see things that are invisible. Some things are invisible in respect of their nature; so God is, and so spirits are. Some things are invisible in respect of their distance, they are not yet present with us, but are things to come; faith can see both these. It is true we have not the sight of sense, but we have a sight as noble, yea, and in some respects, more excellent than that of sense. The sight of faith is more full and certain than that of sense. We have, indeed, not a perfect sight, but we have such a sight which God hath vouchsafed to His poor ones in the world, that by the power of it they may be enabled to walk through all the conditions, how dark and sad soever.Symonds (1651).

Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell

II. THE GREAT SALVATION 1Pe. 1:3-12

1. Thanksgiving For it 1:35

1Pe. 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Expanded Translation

Let blessings and praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, influenced by His great mercy and compassion, begat us a second time unto a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from among the dead.

Blessed be

The word is eulogetos, from the same root as our words eulogize, eulogy, etc. It signifies: blessed, praised, worthy of praise or blessing.

the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

Jehovah is not only Christs father, but His God, . . . I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God (Joh. 20:17). As our Lord hung on the cross He prayed, Father, forgive them for they know not what they do (Luk. 23:34). But on the same cross his cry later was, My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me (Mat. 27:46). The Scripture plainly teaches that Christ is one with GodJoh. 1:1; Joh. 10:30; Joh. 14:7-11; 1Jn. 5:20, etc. This thought must be harmonized with that which is here stated by Peter.

who according to his great mercy

On according to, see 1Pe. 1:1. Our Father, dominated and influenced by this trait of mercy, provided for our redemption. It was not just mercy, but great mercy. (Polusabundant, plenteous, much; hence: great, strong, intense, large.)

The word his is emphatic in the original: we were saved because of Gods mercy, not because of our goodness. Compare Eph. 2:8-9. The prophet said, It is of Jehovahs loving kindness that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not (Lam. 3:22).

What is mercy? The word eleos has special and immediate regard to the misery which is the consequence of our sins. God wants to assuage and entirely remove this misery and suffering. Though punishment and eternal suffering is due us, He withholds our just desserts because He possesses this characteristic.

begat us again

One word in the original, anagennao: ana, again, and gennao, to beget, generate. We were begotten the first time by our physical or human fathers (for so is gennao used in Mat. 1:2; Mat. 1:16, etc.). We were begotten the second time by our Spiritual Father. God is responsible for our very existence as spiritual creatures. When there is a new begetting, there is new life. This, above all, seems to be Peters point of emphasisGod is to be praised for your new life! See further comments, 1Pe. 1:23.

unto a living hope

The Christians hope is not cold, dead, and lifeless. It has vital power within itself and exerts the same upon the soulit is active, powerful, vibrant! Compare Rom. 8:24-25. The hope of eternal life in a true Christian is a hope that keeps him alive, quickens him, supports him, and conducts him to heaven. Hope invigorates and spirits up the soul to action, to patience, to fortitude, and perseverance to the end.Matthew Henry.

by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

Here is the basis or foundation of our hope of salvation. It was actually necessary before our sins could be forgiven (1Co. 15:1-4; 1Co. 15:16-17). Also, His Resurrection gives us assurance that we shall be raised. (1Co. 15:12-22, 1Th. 4:13-18.) Christ kept His word relative to His own resurrection; He will keep it concerning ours in the last day!

1Pe. 1:4 unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.

Expanded Translation

unto an inheritance given to us by our Father, never perishing or decaying, unstained and unsoiled (that is, pure), never losing its original luster or beauty, guarded and kept in watchful custody for you.

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unto an inheritance

The word kleronomia signifies an inheritance or patrimony, an estate inherited from ones father. Our heavenly Father has surely prepared for us an inheritance greater than all this worlds wealth! We are citizens of that country (Philip. 1Pe. 3:20), and He has promised us a mansion there (Joh. 14:2).

incorruptible

Aphthartos refers to that which is uncorrupted, not liable to corruption or decay imperishable. See 1Pe. 1:23, 1Pe. 3:4, 1Co. 9:25. Here on earth, everything has within it the seeds of decay. Roofing materials, even pots and pans, are guaranteed for life. Be not deceived, they, too, shall some day rot! Even our physical bodies are such, . . . for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return (Gen. 3:19). The things which are seen, Paul stated, are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (See 2Co. 4:16-18). This is why the Lord exhorted us as He did in Mat. 6:19-21, and why the Apostle exhorted the Corinthians as he did in 1Co. 15:50-58.

Furthermore, on earth we will soon part with our mansions, however beautiful (or ugly) they might be. No so with our heavenly home!

undefiled

Amiantos is composed of the alpha privitive plus miano, a verb meaning to dye with another color, stain. Our eternal abode will not be defiled or soiled; it will be free from that by which the nature of a thing is deformed and debased, or its force and vigor impairedThayer. Thus a good synonym would be pure.

Again we find a contrast to earthly possessions and inheritances. Our future estate will not provide for temptations to the flesh, hatred, sensualities or crimeall of which so frequently accompany the acquisition of earthly estates. There will be no cigarette smoke to inhale, no alcohol breath to breathe, no filthy language or lying to hear, no indecency or immodestyall will be perfectly pure and unsullied there! See also Rev. 21:27.

and that fadeth not away

The term fadeth away (compare amarntinos, its close relative), refers to that which not only lasts on and on for an indefinite period of time, but never loses its original beauty, lustre, and brightness. In sharp contrast to those mundane things with which we are familiar, the golden streets of heaven shall never tarnish. As Trench says of our heavenly inheritance, Not merely decay and corruption cannot touch it; but it shall wear its freshness, brightness and beauty forever.

reserved in heaven for you

The word reserved, tereo, indicates to keep, guard, preserve, to keep in watchful custody, to reserve with a happy issue. There will be no tickets sold to heaven at the gate. All mansions there will be reserved (Joh. 14:1-3). It is a prepared place for those who have prepared on earth to go there! See Tit. 1:2, Mat. 25:34, 2Ti. 4:8.

1Pe. 1:5 who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Expanded Translation

who by the power and might of God are being guarded through (or by means of) faith (or trust) unto a salvation prepared and ready for uncovering in the last time.

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power

Dunamis, whence our words dynamo, dynamite, etc.

are guarded

Phroureo was commonly used of those who were guarding or watching with a military guard. (See 2Co. 11:32, compare Act. 9:24.) Here used, as in Php. 4:7, to keep in a state of settlement or security. Gods protective power is mightier and more to be trusted than any military force man might assemble! (Psa. 20:7).

through faith

Here is our part. God has never promised to preserve the faithless and disobedient. So in Joh. 10:27-29, those sheep who heard the voice of Christ and followed Him were the recipients of Gods protecting and shielding hand.

ready to be revealed in the last time

The phrase to be revealed represents one wordapokalupto. It is composed of apofrom, of, away from, plus kalupto, to cover, hide, conceal. Here in the passive, it means literally to be uncovered, unveiled, or revealed.

The last time will be when our present Christian dispensation is over, i.e., when Christ returns to earth.

Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series

(3) Blessed.A form consecrated to God alone (e.g., Mar. 14:61; Rom. 9:5; 2Co. 11:31), a completely different word from the blessed, or happy, of the Beatitudes; and differing from the blessed of the Virgin Mary (Luk. 1:28; Luk. 1:42) in that this form implies that blessing is always due on account of something inherent in the person, while that only implies that a blessing has been received. The idea of blessing God (literally, speaking Him well, Psa. 100:3) is, of course, wholly Hebrew.

Of our Lord Jesus Christ.No longer only the Lord God of Israel, as, e.g., 1Ch. 29:10; 2Ch. 6:4; Luk. 1:68; He is now in a nearer, tenderer relation to these members of the new covenant. He is the Father of the Messiah, and yet the God whom Jesus adores (Joh. 20:17).

Which according to his abundant mercy.This is the reason for which God deserves blessing from us. The word according never means exactly the same as in or by; here it rather shows that the particular instance was in keeping with what might have been expected, had we but known, from the much pity which God must have felt for creatures so forlorn. Our regeneration was no sudden capricious favour.

Hath begotten us again.Rather, begat us againthe historical moment being here given as that of the resurrection of Christ. This great word, which is St. Peters own, being only found again in 1Pe. 1:20, evidently contains the whole meaning of the being born from above or begotten all over again of Joh. 3:3, of the fresh creation of 2Co. 5:17, Gal. 6:15, of the regeneration of Tit. 3:5, of the begotten of God in St. Johns Epistle, and (to a certain extent) of the brought He us forth of Jas. 1:18. It seems to indicate that, if it takes effect, it makes a complete change not only in the condition and prospects of the man, but in the man himself: such a change, for example, as would pass over an animal if it were suddenly to receive the powers of a human being. It is no metaphor when the change from the natural man to a man united with the Incarnate God is described as an act of creation parallel only to those of the creation of matter and force (Gen. 1:1-2), the creation of life (Gen. 1:21), and the creation of humanity (Gen. 1:27), for, according to St. Peters teaching, we are thus actually made partakers of the divine nature (2Pe. 1:4).

Unto a lively hope.Or, into a living hope. Before this regeneration there was nothing to look forward toat best a kind of dead-alive surmise that there might be something beyond the weary world. But as the animal we have imagined would find himself suddenly new-begotten into a state in which he was conscious of himself and of God, so we found ourselves new-begotten into a state of definite and most energetic expectation of whole scula sculorumworlds beyond worldsof bliss before us.

By the resurrection of Jesus Christ.Mystically speaking, the moment of our emergence into this new glow of expectation was that when the Messiah Jesus, who had been cut off, emerged from among the dead. Then we saw it all! St. Peter, indeed, is speaking, so far as himself was concerned, not mystically, but literally, as his history before and after the Resurrection shows. To him, and to the other Apostles, the Resurrection was a regeneration, and they became new beings. To subsequent Christians precisely the same effect takes place when (suddenly or gradually) the fact of the Resurrection is acknowledged and its significance realised. (See what St. Paul says, Php. 3:10.) Yet we must not confine the meaning of the words to the effects of this conscious realisation. St. Peter is viewing the transaction theologically, i.e., from Gods point of view, not phenomenally, from mans. He speaks of the begetting, not of the being bornof the Resurrection itself, not of the preaching of the Resurrection. To God, with whom, according to St. Peter, time does not exist (2Pe. 3:8), there is no interval between His begetting of Christ again from the dead (Act. 13:33; Rev. 1:5), and His begetting of us again thereby. In the mystery of our union with the Incarnate Word, His historical resurrection did, through baptism, in some ineffable manner, infuse into us the grace which makes new creatures of us. Archbishop Leighton says well, Not only is it (the Resurrection) the exemplar, but the efficient cause of our new birth. (See below, 1Pe. 3:21, and Rom. 6:4.)

Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)

(3-12) PANEGYRIC OF THE GOSPEL FROM A HEBREW POINT OF VIEW.The Apostle thanks God for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That fact is a regeneration of us, and a pledge of future glory, in view of which such afflictions as beset the Asiatic Hebrews were seen to serve a purpose, and that purpose the very salvation which had formed the theme of the Old Testament.

Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)

I. THE BLESSEDNESS AND GLORY OF THE GOSPEL SALVATION, 1Pe 1:3 to 1Pe 2:8.

1. Hope looking toward the heavenly inheritance, 1Pe 1:3-5.

3. Blessed With an outburst of joy the apostle directs the thoughts of his suffering brethren toward the much mercy which has prepared for them the heavenly inheritance, so glorious in comparison with their present condition.

God Father ”God who is the Father of Jesus Christ,” says Steiger; thus distinguishing him from all other gods, and declaring him as known only in his Son.

Begotten us again Once spiritually dead and without hope; now brought into a new life by the Holy Spirit, through whom the merciful God regenerates us.

Lively hope Better, living hope, the result of the new birth. Both Jews and heathen had a belief in a future state, but a new life is given to the hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. What before was theory, is now become demonstrated fact. Christ’s resurrection is a pledge to all his people of their own resurrection. Their hope of it, and of the glory that shall follow, is full of life and vigour, and stirs them to ceaseless endeavours to gain the blessed end.

Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy has begotten us again to a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that does not fade not away, reserved in heaven for you,’

We should note here Who it is Who has wrought for us, it is ‘the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ’. And we should note what He has wrought. ‘He has begotten us again to a living hope’ (note the emphasis on ‘living’). And we should further note the means by which He has wrought this, ‘by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead’, and what the result is for us, ‘to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that does not fade away’, an inheritance as sure and eternal as His own resurrection life.

‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ.’ Note the stress on the fact that God is uniquely the Father of ‘our Lord, Jesus Christ’. This contrast between God’s eternal Fatherhood of His Son (He is the Father of His Son – 1Pe 1:3 a), and His fatherhood of His people (He has begotten us – 1Pe 1:3 b), comes out constantly throughout the New Testament. The ‘God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ’ parallels Jesus description of Himself as uniquely ‘the Son’ in relation to ‘the Father’ (Mat 11:27; Mar 13:32; Luk 10:22 and regularly throughout John, see e.g. Joh 5:17-26). Jesus never spoke of ‘our Father’, with ‘our’ including Himself, but always of ‘My Father and your Father’ (Joh 20:17). Note also in Matthew’s Gospel how in the first part Jesus speaks regularly of God as ‘your Father’ while in the second part He speaks regularly of ‘My Father’. The disciples were to pray ‘our Father’, but Jesus never did so Himself. Having made them aware that as believers God was their Father in Heaven, He also wanted them as they advanced in their awareness to recognise His own unique status and relationship with God

‘Our Lord Jesus Christ.’ In this description is summed up what He is to us. He is ‘our Lord’, sovereign over our lives, God of our worship, supreme over all things, the Lord of glory (1Co 2:8; Jas 2:1). ‘Lord’ was a regular Gentile title for deity, and in the Septuagint is used to translate the Name of God. As Lord He is closely associated with the Father.

But as ‘Je-sus’ (Yah is salvation) He is closely associated with us. He is God made man for our salvation (compareMat 1:21; Mat 1:23), our Elder Brother as the Trek Leader of our salvation (Heb 2:11), the One Who humbled Himself and became man on our behalf (Php 2:6-8), the One Who was tempted in all points in the same way as we are, and yet without sin, with the result that He is therefore able to succour us in our own temptations (Heb 4:15; Heb 2:18). Furthermore He is ‘the Christ’, the ‘Anointed One’, God’s promised One, Whose coming was prepared for from the beginning (Gen 3:15; Gen 49:10; Num 24:17 ; 2Sa 7:16; Psa 2:2; Psa 2:6-9; Psa 110:1; Isa 9:5-6; Isa 11:1-4; Eze 37:24-25; Dan 9:25-26; Mic 5:2). No wonder then that he blesses God for giving us His Son.

‘Who according to His great mercy.’ All is of the great mercy of God, His great compassion and goodness revealed towards the undeserving. Compare for the sentiment expressed here the parallel thought in Eph 2:4, ‘God being rich in mercy, for His great love with which He loved us — made us alive together with Christ’. We are reminded by the reference to His ‘great mercy’ of the words of the hymnwriter, ‘depths of mercy can there be, mercy still reserved for me’. Can God really stoop to such as we? And we know that amazingly the answer expected is ‘yes’. This concept of God’s continuing great mercy pervades both the Old and the New Testament (e.g. Exo 20:6; Exo 34:7; Num 14:18; Deu 5:7; Deu 10:9; and often).

‘Has begotten us again to a living hope.’ Through Him we have been ‘begotten again’ by God (see 1Pe 1:23; Joh 1:12-13; Joh 3:1-6; Jas 1:18; 1Jn 3:1-3; 1Jn 4:7; 1Jn 5:18; and compare the verb used in Isa 57:10). We have been born of the Spirit (Joh 3:1-6). Having originally given us life as the Creator, God has now imparted to us spiritual life through sanctification in the Spirit, and we have thus become ‘partakers of His divine life’ (see 2Pe 2:4; Eph 2:4-5; Rom 6:23). We have been made His special children (Joh 1:12; 1Jn 3:1; Rom 8:14-17) with the expectant and sure hope of eternal life, an eternal life which we already enjoy in a very real sense in the present (2Pe 2:4; Joh 5:24 ; 1Jn 5:11-13; Mat 19:29; Mat 25:46; Mar 10:30; Rom 5:21; Tit 1:2; Tit 3:7), but will enjoy even more fully in the eternal future. As a result the life of God flows within our spiritual veins, and is the guarantee that we will share eternity with Him.

It should be noted that by this stress on the new birth as a central theme in his letter Peter could be seen as being closer to John’s theology than to Paul’s. This is not a ‘confirmed Paulinist’ speaking, even though he shares many ideas with Paul (as we would expect of Peter, who, as Paul confirms, expressed agreement with his teaching – Gal 2:2; Gal 2:6). He is one who like John had learned from the Master Himself, see Mat 19:29; Mat 25:46; Joh 3:15-16; Joh 5:24; Joh 5:39; Joh 6:54; Joh 6:68; Joh 10:10; Joh 17:3. We can consider how this emphasis on new birth echoes Peter’s own words to Jesus in Joh 6:68, ‘You have the words of eternal life’. The thought is typically Petrine.

Compare also 2Pe 2:4 where he speaks of our being ‘partakers of the divine nature’. While Paul certainly taught the hope of eternal life (Rom 5:21; Rom 6:23; Tit 1:2; Tit 3:7), and believed in ‘regeneration’ (Tit 3:5), he tended to bring the idea out in a different way in terms of new creation (e.g. 2Co 5:17), and of being united with Jesus in His resurrection (Rom 6:4-5 and regularly). In fact, of course, all of them were interpreting the ideas of Jesus Himself (Joh 3:1-7), while giving them their own slant.

‘Who has begotten us again to a living hope.’ Believers are each begotten of God in certain hope of the resurrection. In God’s eyes we are ‘new-born babes’ (1Pe 2:2). But there may also be included here the idea that we are also begotten as one whole (His church). Just as Israel of old was ‘My son, My firstborn’ as God began His work of redeeming them from Egypt (Exo 4:22), but were also individually ‘the children of the LORD your God’ (Deu 14:1), so in the same way all who believe and thereby become members of His true church are begotten by Him as one whole, and yet are also each begotten individually (1Pe 2:2; Joh 1:12-13; Joh 3:1-6). Thus the ‘begotten AGAIN’ may signify that this is the Exodus experience being repeated (see Isa 66:8; Ezekiel 37; and compare Mat 21:43). Originally Israel in Egypt were begotten as His firstborn son. But they had gone from Him. Now in the church through the resurrection Israel are ‘begotten again’.

Alternately the ‘again’ may refer to the fact that each of us has first been born as a human being, and are now secondly born as believers as children of God through the Spirit (Joh 1:12-13; Joh 3:1-6; Jas 1:18), by being made partakers of the divine nature (2Pe 1:4). Either way the individual aspect must certainly not be lost sight of. We are each of us a ‘new-born babe’ (1Pe 2:2). But nor must the corporate aspect be lost. We are built together into one spiritual house (1Pe 2:5). That is why we must love one another fervently (1Pe 1:22).

‘A living hope.’ That is, a certain and sure hope that springs from His life as the source of all life. It is a life-giving, life-guaranteeing hope of eternal life obtained through Him by means of His resurrection life. These words would have special significance for Peter as he remembered back to the disciples’ black despair when Jesus was crucified, and the glorious hope and joy that followed as a result of His resurrection. It is a promise of life out of the darkness of death.

‘By the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.’ Our certainty and hope lie in the resurrection of our Messiah Jesus (Act 2:33; Act 2:36; 1 Corinthians 15), which along with His coming and death is the greatest event in history. He was the firstfruits of the resurrection (1Co 15:23), ‘the firstfruit of those who sleep’ (1Co 15:20), the guarantee of what is to come for all who are His (Eph 4:30). This fact unites us together in our salvation. Through this mighty event salvation is guaranteed for all whose trust is in Him, for from His risen life we receive life (Joh 10:17; Joh 10:28 ; 1Jn 5:12; Gal 2:20).

This idea of being ‘begotten again’ as a result of directly sharing in the life of One Who was raised from the dead is a uniquely Christian idea. What is received is ‘life in Christ’, heavenly life, triumphant life, life through death, life out of defeated death (Isa 25:7-8; 1Co 15:54; Heb 2:14), imperishable life, not simply as a renewed earthly life or some remarkable ‘spiritual’ experience, but as the renewed life of the resurrection in which was expressed the holy power of God (compareJoh 5:24-29; Rom 6:4; 1Co 15:20-23; Heb 2:14-15, and see Isa 25:7-8; Isa 26:19) and which guarantees the resurrection of the body in spiritual form (1Co 15:44-45).

‘To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that does not fade not away, reserved in heaven for you.’ And through His incorruptible and undefiled resurrection life, and through the word of God active through it, we ourselves receive the incorruptible seed of eternal life (1Pe 1:23), which will result for us in an incorruptible, undefiled and unfading inheritance. The idea of an inheritance is of something freely given, and freely received. It is unearned and undeserved, and bestowed freely by the Donor, because He has accepted us as His sons and daughters. And it is ours because we are heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ (Rom 8:16-17).

It also connects directly back to God’s promises in the Old Testament. Just as Canaan was Israel’s ‘inheritance’ as, having been redeemed by Him (Exo 20:2), they travelled through the wilderness towards the promised land, the land of rest (e.g. Exo 15:17; Num 26:53; Num 33:54; Deu 4:38), so is what awaits us in Heaven our ‘inheritance’ (compare Eph 1:14; Eph 5:5; Act 20:32; Act 26:18; Heb 9:15), obtained for us through the redemption of His blood (1Pe 1:18-19; Rom 3:24), so that we are strangers and pilgrims on the earth (1Pe 2:11) as we travel forward in a heavenly direction in expectancy of our inheritance. This idea of our heavenwards journey, and the dangers that must be avoided, is well brought out in Heb 2:10 to Heb 4:11 (compare2Co 10:1-13).

Not the change of the inheritance from an earthly to a heavenly one (or more strictly to one on the new earth, which is the only place where an everlasting inheritance could be possible). This change in the situation of God’s promised inheritance to His people from an earthly inheritance to a heavenly inheritance is significant in relation to all God’s promises in the Old Testament. Like Abraham, the hope of the true Israel is no longer to be that of possession of an earthly land, but of possession of a ‘continuing city’ and of a Greater Land above. Compare Heb 11:9-16 which illustrates this quite clearly. ‘They sought a better country, a heavenly’ (Heb 11:16). And that was in reference to the direct descendants of Abraham! The land that they sought was not of this world. Consider also the new position of Jerusalem as the ‘Jerusalem which is above’ (Gal 4:26; Heb 12:22), and the fact that Mount Zion is now in Heaven (Heb 12:22).

And in this case the inheritance is directly connected with Christ’s resurrection life, which itself is eternal, incorruptible, undefiled (Heb 7:26) and unfading. It is a reminder that ‘the things that are seen are temporal, but the things that are unseen are eternal’ (2Co 4:18). The emphasis on ‘undefiled’ takes us back to the idea of the ‘sanctification of the Spirit’ and the ‘sprinkling of the blood of Jesus’. These have removed our defilement (1Pe 1:2), thus enabling us to have a share in His undefiled life.

‘Incorruptible — unfading.’ Jesus had constantly brought home to His disciples the contrast between the fading, corruptible things of this life in contrast with the unfading, incorruptible things of the next (Mat 6:19-20; Mat 6:33; Mat 19:21; Luk 12:31-33; Luk 18:29-30 ; 2Co 4:17-18; compare Jas 5:1-4). Peter has learned his lesson well. The eternal future would not be affected by such things as corruption and the effects of the passage of time.

So in total contrast to the old Israel’s inheritance in Canaan, the inheritance of the new Israel is free from all possibility of invasion, corruption and death, it is free from sin and from all that could mar or spoil, and it is free from the ravages of time. ‘You have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, and to the heavenly Jerusalem, — and to the general assembly of the firstborn who are written in Heaven, — and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect’ (Heb 12:22-23).

‘Reserved (by God) in Heaven for you.’ And this has been reserved, kept safely, for us in Heaven. The Holy Spirit, Who has been given to all who truly believe in Jesus Christ, is the sample and guarantee (the ‘earnest’ – Eph 1:14; Eph 4:30; 2Co 1:22) of what is to come, something which Peter now tells us is ‘reserved in Heaven’ for us. Our reserved table awaits us where the Master Himself will serve us (compareLuk 12:32 and its context, including Luk 12:37). Whatever happens to us in this world, once we are truly His our inheritance can never be taken away from us, and it is all the result of the grace of God active through the power of His resurrection, and made sure to us by Jesus Christ Himself ( Joh 10:27-29 ; 1Co 1:8-9; Php 1:6; Php 3:10; Jud 1:24).

Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett

The Great Privilege and Blessing That Is Theirs As God’s Elect Which Even Angels Desire To Look Into ( 1Pe 1:3-12 ).

The result of God’s foreknowing of us, and of the sanctifying work of the Spirit is now made clear as Peter expands on the activity of God. He is emphasising that God Himself works on us and within us through ‘sanctification in the Spirit’, and gives praise to God for it. This will then be followed in 1Pe 1:13-16 with the expansion of ‘unto obedience, and in 17-20 with the expansion of ‘unto sprinkling of the blood of Jesus’. The wonder of it so thrills him that he bursts out in thanksgiving. ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ –’.

For this opening in praise compare the selfsame phrase in 2Co 1:3; Eph 1:3, and note the constant use of the verb ‘blessed’ for the same purpose in the Septuagint (LXX – Greek Old Testament). See for example Gen 9:26; Gen 24:27 ; 1Ki 1:48; 1Ki 5:7 ; 1Ki 8:15; 1Ki 8:56; Psa 68:19; Psa 72:18; Psa 144:1 and compare Psa 34:1; Psa 103:1-2; Psa 104:1. See also Luk 1:68. This is thus phrased like a typical Jewish prayer, although in this case ‘Christianised’, for each day every Jew would ‘bless’ God as his Creator concerning His provision for man. But now Peter blesses Him as ‘the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ’, for His spiritual provision for redeemed man through the resurrection. For Peter all centres on Christ and His resurrection, following His death on ‘the tree’ (1Pe 2:24). This description as ‘the tree’ is a typically Petrine way of putting it. Compare for the same emphases Peter’s speeches in Act 2:22-36; Act 5:30-32. But as with John, and unlike Paul whose emphasis is different (although note Tit 3:5), Peter emphasises it in terms of the ‘new birth’ (or more strictly ‘the new begetting’).

It is perhaps worthy of note that we find here the usual spiritual foundations. They are begotten again to a living HOPE (1Pe 1:3) — they are guarded by the power of God through FAITH unto salvation (1Pe 1:5) — and it has resulted in joyous LOVE (1Pe 1:8). These are the three essential attitudes of the Christian life. Compare 1Th 1:3 ; 1Co 13:13.

Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett

Our Future Inheritance to Give Us Hope in Election The base-line sentence of 1Pe 1:3-5 is “Blessed (be) God the Father.” This passage will expound upon the blessedness of the Father in electing us unto eternal redemption through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ. 1Pe 1:3-5 tells us that the Father has provided us a future inheritance in Heaven as a part of His divine election for us. The base-line sentence of 1Pe 1:3-5 is “Blessed (be) God the Father.” Therefore, these verses will expound upon the Father’s blessedness by showing us the inheritance He has prepared for us His children through His divine foreknowledge.

1Pe 1:3  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,

1Pe 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” Comments – 1Pe 1:3 begins like Eph 1:3. Both epistles have in common the fact that they place emphasis upon the office and ministry of God the Father. Ephesians focuses upon the doctrine of His plan of redemption for the Church, while 1 Peter focuses upon the Father’s role in our perseverance.

Eph 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”

This statement reveals that God is not only the Father of Jesus Christ, but also His God. We see a similar statement in 1Co 11:3, “the head of Christ is God.”

1Pe 1:3 “which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope” Comments – The word “hope” used in 1Pe 1:3 reflects the theme of this epistle, which is the perseverance of the saints. For all who endure hardships are able to do so because they have been given a hope of something better. Peter uses this same Greek word three times in his first epistle ( 1Pe 1:3 ; 1Pe 1:21; 1Pe 3:15).

1Pe 1:21, “Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.”

1Pe 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

We read in Eph 2:12 that before Christ redeemed us we were without hope in this world. Our hope is living in that we now serve a living God who is actively at work in our lives. We can imagine the despair that Peter went through at Christ’s Passion, after denying Him three times, then the renewed hope at His Resurrection. Thus, Peter experienced God’s “abundant mercy” and renewal of hope by a living experience with Jesus Christ.

Eph 2:12, “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:”

1Pe 1:3 Comments – 1Pe 1:3 tells us that our rebirth is available to us now because of Christ’s rebirth, because of His resurrection. Paul’s epistles teach us that we have been raised up together with Christ Jesus. Note:

Eph 2:6, “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”

We have been born anew by God the Father through the intermediate agency of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Unto:

(1) a living hope (verse 3), and

(2) an inheritance (verse 4)

The resurrection of Jesus Christ provided our redemption so that we can now be born again by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Our born-again experience testifies to God’s abundant mercy towards us. This abundance of mercy proves God’s blessedness. In other words, all good things proceed from God. He is a good God. Even in eternity, when the fallen angels and unrepentant mankind are being tormented in an eternal Hell, God will still be blessed and good in everything He has done. There is no evil in Him.

In this Epistle Peter will expound upon God the Father’s blessedness by building upon this foundational truth. He will reveal God’s redemptive work for us so that we might place our hope in eternal things, rather than in the temporal things of this life, so that we can find the courage to endure persecutions by placing our hope in Him and our eternal inheritance.

1Pe 1:4  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

1Pe 1:4 Comments – 1Pe 1:4 reflects the theme of the perseverance of the saints by mentioning our inheritance. This inheritance is something that has been given to us to hope for, something that we can look forward to receiving when we persevere to the end. This inheritance is:

1. Imperishable, immortal – Incorruptible ( KJV), Never perish ( NIV)

2. Pure, unstained – Undefiled ( NASB, KJV), Will never spoil ( NIV)

3. Will not fade away ( NASB), Never fades ( NIV)

4. Kept, reserved for us in heaven(s) ( NIV, KJV, NASB)

The first three words tell us that this inheritance is eternal, pure and unable to be corrupted. These three Greek words all begin with the letter “alpha” or “a.”

In 1Pe 1:4 the author contrasts our eternal inheritance with the corruptible, perishable things of this world. Peter will even state that gold and silver, which were considered the most valuable and enduring material of the ancient world, is perishable (1Pe 1:7; 1Pe 1:18)

1Pe 1:5  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Fuente: Everett’s Study Notes on the Holy Scriptures

Foreknowledge of God the Father: The Believer’s Blessed Hope The believer’s divine election is established upon the three-fold work of God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son and God the Holy Spirit (1Pe 1:2). The Father’s role is discussed first. In 1Pe 1:3-12 we are told that our blessed eternal hope is based upon the Father’s foreknowledge in electing us unto salvation. In His divine providence He has prepared for our election by making provision for us in the future (1Pe 1:3-5), in the present (1Pe 1:6-9) and in the past (1Pe 1:10-12). The role of God the Father in divine election is found in the fact that He Himself has prepared a future inheritance for us, who have been saved and kept by His power (1Pe 1:3-5). Our heavenly position with God is then quickly contrasted with our earthly circumstances, which involve temptations that try our faith (1Pe 1:6-9). In other words, God the Father is keeping us as we walk in faith and He will one day send His Son Jesus Christ back to earth to gather the saints who are persevering in hope of this future event, which we refer to as the Second Coming (1Pe 1:6-9). God the Father sent the Holy Spirit to speak through the prophets of old to testify of these future redemptive events for those who endure these trials of faith (1Pe 1:10-12). This introductory passage is used to show us the enormous value of our election, being much more valuable than gold which perished, and valuable enough that the prophets of old inquired and sought diligently to understand these prophetic revelations.

Outline Here is a proposed outline:

1. Our Future Inheritance 1Pe 1:3-5

2. Our Present Trials 1Pe 1:6-9

3. Our Past Prophecies 1Pe 1:10-12

Fuente: Everett’s Study Notes on the Holy Scriptures

A Praise of God for His Manifold Blessings.

The wonderful gifts of God’s grace:

v. 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,

v. 4. to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you,

v. 5. who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.

v. 6. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations,

v. 7. that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ;

v. 8. whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory;

v. 9. receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

The apostle knew that the Christians to whom he was writing needed encouragement. But there is no better way of cheering up faint-hearted Christians than by singing the praises of Him to whose goodness and mercy we owe such an overwhelming debt of mercy: Blessed be God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, He who, according to His great mercy, has born us anew unto a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The apostle gives all blessing, all praise, to God alone, since He is the Author and Finisher of our salvation, reserving none whatever for himself, for his own merits and works. We Christians have reasons for praising God with such full abandon of our hearts and minds, because He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord Jesus is our Savior, our Brother, and therefore God, being His God, is now also our God, being His Father, also our Father. This the apostle explains by saying that God has born us anew, that He has made us His spiritual children, and again, not by reason of any merit or worthiness in us, but simply according to His great, His abundant mercy, according to the riches of His love in Jesus Christ. The result, then, of this spiritual begetting should be that there be imparted to us, and that we possess, a living hope, a hope that has sound basis, a hope that is sure to be rewarded. The entire life of regeneration is a life of hope, which looks forward to the precious gifts of the future. With faith there is naturally combined the hope of a future, perfect salvation in eternity, for to the reconciled sinner heaven itself is standing open. This live, this vigorous hope exists in our hearts through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead; for this fact has given us the guarantee that our hope will surely be fulfilled. Christ, having risen from the dead and having entered into the state of His glorification, will certainly make good His promise and bring us also into the life of glory.

The beauty and glory of this gift is such as to provoke the apostle to a veritable burst of exultant praise: To an inheritance imperishable and undefiled and unfading, reserved in heaven with a view to you. That is the aim, the object, of God’s regeneration, that is what He wants to give and impart to us. Heaven and all its glory are our inheritance, for we are children of God and joint-heirs with Christ. This heavenly inheritance is imperishable; it cannot perish, cannot decay, cannot be corrupted, cannot lose in beauty and value. Earthly possessions will pass away and become subject to corruption, but the heavenly possession is of a nature that will never deteriorate, It is an unsoiled, undefiled inheritance. Earthly goods and riches are soiled and defiled and violated by reason of unrighteousness, covetousness, avarice, sin. But the salvation which Christ earned for us is pure, unspotted by any sin; it is the inheritance of the saints in the holy light that emanates from the throne of God. Earthly happiness, earthly fortune and glory, is like the flower of the field, which, indeed, shoots up quickly and blossoms soon, but just as quickly loses its beauty and fades away. The heavenly inheritance is unfading, standing before us in everlasting, unchanging beauty. The first indescribable exultation that will take hold of our hearts upon entering the heavenly mansions will never be reduced, will never grow cold. This inheritance is laid up, reserved, for us in heaven. There is no possibility that it may yet be lost to us, since God’s promise is holding it out to us, since it is assured and applied and imparted to us by faith.

And lest someone hesitatingly refer to the possibility of growing weak and of losing hope, which, indeed, is ever present on account of the many temptations which beset us, the apostle adds: Who are protected by the power of God through faith unto the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. The Christians are like a house or fortress which is besieged by Satan in many forms of temptation. But they are guarded and protected by God’s almighty power. This is not exhibited in absolute majesty, but through faith, which is the hand that receives the gift of salvation, which clings to the certainty of the everlasting mercy. Thus the keeping of the believers unto salvation is accomplished, namely, to a salvation which was appointed before the beginning of time for the believers, in order that it might be revealed and made known in the last time, at the end of the world. The exact time is not known to the author, nor does the fact of his being ignorant of this date in any way interfere with his faith. Sufficient for him is the fact, as it should be for every believer, that God is keeping watch, that his soul’s salvation is well taken care of in the hands of the heavenly Father. Apostasy is indeed man’s fault all alone, but the opposite condition, the reason for steadfastness of faith, is in no way a better conduct or attitude in man, but it is the work of God all alone. What a wonderful comfort when weakness of faith and doubt tend to assail our hearts!

This it is that causes the apostle to write: in which you greatly rejoice, although now for a little you may be obliged to be grieved in various trials. That is the true attitude of the Christian’s heart, full of joy, exultation, jubilation, even here in time, to be completed, however, with inexpressible happiness, throughout eternity. The believers having the guarantee even now that they are chosen sojourners, incidentally have the assurance that God will preserve for them eternal joy and salvation. Therefore this anticipation cannot be influenced by the fact that the believers are here, for a passing moment, exposed to outward grief on account of their being beset by various trials; their life may make the impression, as if they were subject to nothing but disheartening experiences and never had a glad hour.

But appearances, in this case, are very deceiving; for the apostle continues: That the testing of your faith may (show it to) be much more precious than perishable gold, which is also proved by fire, found unto praise and honor and glory in the revelation of Jesus Christ. Those very trials which a Christian must undergo are at bottom not a cause of sorrow to him, since they redound to his advantage. For if his faith stands the test to which it is subjected, it is thereby proved to be more precious and valuable than any corruptible gold, whose quality is likewise tested by fire, just as faith is tested in trials. And the result, if the believer stand the test properly, will be that he attains to praise and glory and honor. Through the fiery trial of suffering we not only realize the vanity and evanescence of all earthly things and our own helplessness in spiritual matters, but we are also prepared for the final acknowledgment of our faith, for its crowning and glorifying in the bliss of eternal salvation. On the day of the final revelation of Christ’s glory He will, out of His boundless mercy, permit us to share in this glory and to live and triumph with Him throughout eternity.

This happiness is pictured by the apostle: Whom, without seeing, you love, in whom you now, although you do not see Him, yet believing, you exult with unspeakable and glorious joy, obtaining the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls. The readers, just like the Christians of the present time, had not seen Christ in the flesh, had not been witnesses of His miracles nor heard His wonderful parables and discourses. And yet their love, growing out of the faith in the Gospel-message, had taken root and was firmly established. Even now, when they expect His return to Judgment, their faith in Him is unmoved, although they are still without sight of Him. And with their faith their joy, their happiness, their exultation over their redemption and over their final deliverance, continues. In this way the present joy of the believers leads up to its future culmination, when, in the enjoyment of the heavenly glories, their joy will transcend all human language, the most glowing description which human tongue could give, being beyond the conception of even the most daring speculation on glory which human beings have ever succeeded in bringing forward. Thus will the believers obtain, carry off as a prize, the end, the goal, of their faith; they will go from believing to possessing; they will have and hold forever the salvation of their souls. Thus justifying faith is also saving faith, and by the fact of its having accepted the promises of the Gospel it works deliverance from this earthly life with its misery and affliction, and will finally seal to us this deliverance, world without end.

Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann

1Pe 1:3. Whichhath begotten us again, &c. “Whohath regenerated us as his children to the hope of life and immortality; of which he hath given us a remarkable pledge and confirmation by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” The law of Moses condemned all offenders to death without mercy: the gospel promises pardon, and life, or immortality, to all penitent persons. The Jews were under the law before the gospel came, though at the same time under a covenant of grace. As to the Heathens, they were, through fear of death, all their life-time subject to bondage: though there were among them some confused notions, and pretty general expectations, of a life after death; yet their hopes were very faint and languid in comparison of what Christians may have. How great reason is there to bless God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath raised us to the hope of immortality; brought to light a future state in so clear and express a manner, and given us such a pledge and seal of its truth, as revealed in the gospel, by the resurrection of his Son!

Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke

1Pe 1:3 . . . . ] The same formula occurs in 2Co 1:3 ; Eph 1:3 .

, not: “worthy of praise,” but: “ praised ;” in the LXX. the translation of ; in the N. T. the word used only with reference to God. and not is probably to be supplied, as is done by most commentators, cf. Meyer on Eph 1:1 ; Winer, p. 545 [E. T. 732] (Schott; Buttm. p. 120); at least from the fact that in the doxologies introduced by means of relatives, is to be found (cf. Rom 1:25 ; also 1Pe 4:11 ), it cannot be concluded that the indicative is to be supplied in an ascription of praise quite differently constructed, cf. LXX. Job 1:21 . The adjunct . . . to is explainable as a natural expression of the Christian consciousness. It is possible “that the whole formula of doxology has its origin in the liturgical usage, so to speak, in the primitive Christian church” (Weiss, p. 401).

] The participial clause states the reason why God is to be praised. gives prominence to the riches of the divine mercy, Eph 2:4 : . is used here in the same sense as in 1Pe 1:2 . has its nearer definition in the subsequent . De Wette joins these intimately connected ideas in a somewhat too loose way, when he thus interprets: “who hath awakened us to repentance and faith, and thereby at the same time to a hope.” Similarly Wiesinger, who takes as a self-contained idea, and connects with it, in this sense, “that in the idea of regeneration this particular determination of it is brought into prominence, that it is a new birth to living hope, i.e. as born again we have attained unto a lively hope;” thus Schott. This view, however, refutes itself, because it necessitates unjustifiable supplements. More in harmony with the expression is Brckner’s interpretation, according to which denotes the aim of the new birth (“the hope is conceived of as the aim of him by whom the readers have been begotten again;” thus Morus already: Deus nos in melius mutavit, cur? ut sperare possimus). But if the attainment of be conceived as the aim and end of the new birth, the hopes directed to it cannot be so, all the less that this hope forms an essential element of the new life itself. The verb is here taken not as an absolute, but as a relative idea, its supplement lying in . . (so also Steinmeyer, Weiss, Hofmann). The is then to be thought of as the life into which the mercy of God has raised or begotten the believer from the death of hopelessness (Eph 2:12 : ); the connection is the same as in Gal 4:24 , where the simple , is also construed with . [49] This view is justified, not only by the close connection of with the idea , but also by the corresponding adj. . In this there is no weakening of the idea (in opposition to Wiesinger), for need not be conceived as representing one single side of the Christian life, but under it may he understood the whole Christian life in its relation to the future . It is incorrect to take here in the objective sense, as: object of hope; Aretius: res, quae spei subjectae sunt, h. e. vita aeterna; Bengel: haereditas coelestis; so also Hottinger, Hensler, etc. It is used rather in the subjective sense to denote the inward condition of life.

The expression has been variously translated by the commentators; thus Beza explains it as: perennis; Aretius: solida; Piscator: vivifica; Gualther: spes viva certitudinem salutis significat; Heidegger: : quia et fructus vitae edit, et spes vitae est et permanet; quia non languida, infirma est, sed et habet et perpetua simul semperque exhilarans est, neque unquam intermoritur, sed semper renovatur et refocillatur; in the first edition of this commentary; “the hope of the Christian is pervaded by life, carrying with it in undying power the certainty of fulfilment (Rom 5:5 ), and making the heart joyful and happy;” it “has life in itself, and gives life, and at the same time has life as its object” (de Wette). Taken strictly, characterizes the hope as one which has life in itself, and is therefore operative. All else may as a matter of fact be connected with it, but is not contained in the word itself (Weiss, p. 92); more especially, too, the idea that it has the certainty of its own realization (Hofmann); cf. 1Pe 1:23 : ; 1Pe 2:4 , 1Pe 2:1 Peter 5 : . Gerhard incorrectly interprets by fides, sive fiducialis meriti Christi apprehensio quae est regenerationis nostrae causa formalis. For apart from the fact that Peter is not here speaking of regeneration at all, and are in themselves separate ideas, which cannot be arbitrarily substituted for one another. It is erroneous also, with Luther, Calvin, and others, to resolve into ; denotes not the end, but the nature of the hope.

. ] is not to be joined with (Oecum., Luth., Bengel, Lorinus, Steiger, de Wette, Hofmann), but with , more nearly defined by (Calvin, Gerhard, Knapp, Weiss, p. 299; Schott, Brckner [50] ); for does not define a particular kind of hope, but only gives special prominence to an element already contained in the idea . The resurrection of Christ is the means by which God has begotten us again to the living hope. It is the fact which forms the living ground of Christian hope. Wiesinger joins . somewhat too loosely with . , explaining as he does: “He hath begotten us again, and thus in virtue of the resurrection of Jesus Christ hath aided us to living hope.”

As corresponds to the term , so does in the most exact manner to both of these ideas. By the resurrection of Christ the believer also is risen to life . It must be remarked the prepositions , , , 1Pe 1:2 , are used to correspond with , , ; cf. 1Pe 1:5 , the use of the prepositions: , , .

[49] Against this interpretation Schott urges: that does not mean “to awaken,” that “a death of despair” is not alluded to, that neither nor denotes “a life of hope.” These reasons are insignificant, for (1) the expression “awakened” is not employed in order to give the full meaning of ; (2) even on the opposite interpretation their former condition may be considered as a hopeless one, and can undoubtedly be regarded as a death; and (3) it cannot be denied that hope is life. In opposition to Schott’s assertion, that is everywhere , a self-contained idea, it is to be noted that the word occurs in the N. T. only here and in ver. 23.

[50] Schott and Brckner, while accepting the construction above indicated, apply it, in accordance with their interpretation of . , , both to regeneration and the hope therewith connected, which, however, they term “a single homogeneous fact.”

Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary

1Pe 1:3-12 . Praise to God for the grace of which the Christians had been made the partakers. The prominence which the apostle gives to , as also his designation of them as , is occasioned by the present state of suffering in which his readers were, and above which he is desirous of raising them.

Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary

1Pe 1:3-12

Analysis:God is praised for the grace of regeneration and for the hope of the heavenly inheritance, founded thereon. Sufferings should augment and intensify the Christians joy, for they serve to prove his faith. The Spirit of Christ had directed the inquiries of the prophets to this end of hope, yea, even the angels were desirous of looking into this salvation

3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath4begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,5 4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,6 5Who are kept7by the power of God through faith8unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.96Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through7 manifold temptations: That the10trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be11tried with fire, might be found12unto praise and honour and glory at the13appearing of Jesus Christ: 8Whom having not14seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:15169Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 10Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently,11 who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what,17or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 12Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us18 they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

EXEGETICAL AND CRITICAL

1Pe 1:3. The praise of the Divine grace in the glorious hope of Christians flows like a deep and wide stream from the full heart of the Apostle 1Pe 1:3-12. Paul praises in similar language with one long breath of joy the salvation given unto us, Eph 1:3-14. We have first the source and cause of our hope, 1Pe 1:3, then its end and glory, 1Pe 1:4, then the way we must take which ought not to make us hesitate 1Pe 1:5-8, and lastly the means designed to encourage and strengthen us, 1Pe 1:8-12.

Blessed be the GodChrist.God is here blessed, as is frequently the case in the Epistles of Paul, not only as the Father but also as the God of Jesus Christ, 2Co 1:3; 2Co 11:31; Rom 15:6; Eph 1:3; Eph 1:17; Col 1:3; cf. Joh 20:17. An important suggestion concerning the relation of the Logos to the Father. Only in Christ and through him do all find and possess God. The Paternity points to the eternal generation out of the Being of God, Psa 2:3; and to the intimate relation to the Incarnate Son. Weiss derives this doxological formula from, what may be called, the liturgical usage of the primitive Church, cf. Jam 1:27; Jam 3:9. He thinks that said expression is insufficient as proof of the Essential Divinity and Prexistence of Christ. Cf. on the other hand, Mat 16:16; Joh 6:68.

Mercy, () the compassionating love of God, which condescends to the low estate of the helpless, the weak, the impotent, the wretched and the sinful. It is a manifold mercy, a wonderful riches thereof (Rom 2:4) which appears from the multitude of its gifts of grace, from the depth of our misery, from the extent and diversity of its efforts of deliverance.

Begotten again, etc. cf. Joh 3:3; Tit 3:5; Jam 1:18; Col 3:1; Eph 2:10. He has kindled in us a new spiritual life by Holy Baptism and the influences of the Holy Spirit connected therewith, cf. Eph 1:19-20. He has laid the foundation of recreating us into His image. He has made us other men in a far more essential sense than it was once said to Saul: Thou shalt be turned into another man 1Sa 10:6. What is the principal fruit and end of this new generation? A living hope. Its object is not only our future resurrection (Grotius, Bengel, de Wette), but the whole plenitude of the salvation still to be revealed by Jesus Christ, even until the new heavens and the new earth shall appear, 2Pe 3:13-14; Rev 21:1. Birth implies life; so it is with the hope of believers, which is the very opposite of the vain, lost and powerless hope of the worldly-minded. It is powerful, and quickens the heart by comforting, strengthening, and encouraging it, by making it joyous and cheerful in God. Its quickening influence enters even into our physical life. Hope is not only the fulfilment of the new life, created in regeneration, but also the innermost kernel of the same. Weiss.

By the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead., Calvin, Gerhard, Knapp, and Weiss join it to .; it seems more natural to connect it with the immediately preceding ; so cumenius, Bengel, Steiger, Lachmann and de Wette. The life of this hope flows from the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. If Christ had not risen from the dead, we should be without consolation and hope, and all the work and sufferings of Christ would be in vain. Luther. As surely as He has conquered death and entered upon a heavenly life of joy, so surely will those who are members of the Body, whereof He is Head, follow Him, even as we sing: Does the head forget its members, And not draw them after it?

1Pe 1:4. To an inheritance, incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away.Believers are strangers here on earth, but citizens in heaven; they have therefore in heaven a possession and an inheritance which infinitely excels the inheritance of Gods ancient people in the land of Canaan. The heavenly inheritance (cf. Mat 6:20; Luk 12:33; Luk 10:25; Luk 18:18; Mar 10:17) is (a) incorruptible. It is free alike from the germs of corruption and death, like all things earthly, even those which are seemingly most firm and indestructible, e. g. the precious metals, 1Pe 1:18; 1Pe 1:23; cf. 1Jn 2:17. Rust does not corrupt it, decay does not consume it, death does not destroy it. Besser. It comprehends union to Him, who only has immortality and is called the Eternal 1Ti 1:17. How could it then be destroyed by any external power? It is (b) undefiled or unblemishable. The earth and the land of Canaan in particular were polluted by fearful bloodshedding and many other horrors. Lev 18:27-28; Num 35:33-34; Eze 36:17; Jer 2:7. Injustice, selfishness, hatred, envy and cunning cleave to temporal possessions. If gathered by avarice, they are compared to loathsome and thick mire, Hab 2:6. Every human body and every human soul is stained with hateful desires and mostly, also, with outward sin. All earthly joy is mingled with displeasure and sorrow. But the possessions of the life above are pure, clean and unstained, and nothing impure can attach itself to them, (c) It fadeth not away. Here the beauty of earthly nature is rapidly passing away, there reigns perpetual spring; here a hot wind may change the most blooming gardens into a wilderness, cf. 1Pe 1:24; Isa 40:6; there no such alternation of blossoming and fading is found, but every thing remains in the beauty of imperishable bloom and verdure. Weiss sees in the three predicates a striking climax. He says that the first denotes the freedom of the heavenly possession from the germs of destructibility and transitoriness, which are inherent in all earthly things, that the second denies its ability to be polluted by outward sin, and the third even the alternation, which makes the beauty of earthly nature pass away at least temporarily. [ ternum durens; purumcui nihil mali, nihil vitii est admixtumut purum gaudiumgaudium cui nihil tristiti admiscetur. non marcescens. Morus.M.]

Reserved in heaven, . While here below in the strange country of our pilgrimage all possessions are insecure, the inheritance above is in the surest custody, for it is in the Almighty hand of God. As it has been designed and prepared for believers from everlasting, so it is perpetually kept; and believers, on the other hand, are kept for it, 1Pe 1:5, so that they can in no wise lose it, cf. Col 1:5; 2Ti 4:8; Mat 25:34; Joh 10:28. . implies both the certainty and present concealment of the heavenly inheritance. The figure is taken from parents who securely guard something for their children, and then surprise them with it.

1Pe 1:5. Who are kept by the power of God, , a military term used of a guard for the protection of a place, or of a strongly garrisoned fortress. Fear not the enemies of your salvation, for you are surrounded by a strong, protecting body-guard, by the power of God and His holy angels, cf. 2Co 11:32; Php 4:7; Son 3:7-8; Zec 2:5; 2Ki 6:16-17. Nothing short of Divine power is needed to protect us from so many strong and subtle enemies, as Peter made experience in his own case. Weiss with Steiger and de Wette explain it of the Holy Ghost. is certainly used in that sense, Luk 1:35, but goes before. The other passages adduced by them are inconclusive. It seems therefore arbitrary to abandon the relation of the expression to the Omnipotence of God. On what condition do we enjoy that guard? Faith, whose object is not mentioned here in particular, and should be supplied from 1Pe 1:8. It is the same means by which salvation is first procured, then constantly kept up, viz.: acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah and confidently surrendering to Him, which is not identical with obedience, but the source of it, cf. Act 3:16; Act 10:43; Mat 9:22; Mar 5:34; Luk 7:50.

Salvation ready, , negatively, deliverance from eternal destruction, and positively, introduction to the salvation prepared by Jesus, translation from the power of Satan, sin and death into the perfect life of liberty, righteousness and truth, Act 2:40; Act 4:12; Act 5:31; Act 15:11; 1Pe 1:9; Mat 16:25; Luk 9:56. The former point is predominant as the latter lies rather in . With Peter appears in most intimate connection with the completion of salvation, 1Pe 1:9; 1Pe 4:17-18; Act 2:21; 1Pe 2:2. How much he has it at heart is evident from his using the word three times in this section. He thinks of it not as far distant, but as close at hand, as he says in 1Pe 4:5, Who shall give account to Him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead, cf. 1Pe 4:7. Sharing the opinion of the other apostles concerning the nearness of Christs Advent to judgment, he describes as ready to be revealed (Jam 5:7-8; Rev 1:3; Rev 22:10; Rev 22:20; Heb 10:25; Heb 10:37; Judges 18; 1Jn 2:18; Rom 13:11-12; 1Co 15:51; 2Co 5:2-3; Php 4:5; 1Th 4:17). The inheritance to which you are ordained, has been acquired long since and prepared from the beginning of the world, but lies as yet concealed, covered and sealed; but in a short time, it will be opened in a moment and disclosed, so that we may see it. Luther.

To be revealed, , denotes salvation fully disclosed, cf. 1Pe 1:7; 1Pe 4:13; 1Pe 5:1. At 1Pe 1:13 it refers to the announcement of the first advent of Christ, cf. Rom 16:25; and to inward revelation at 1Co 2:10; Gal 1:16; Gal 3:23. In the last time, , in the completing period of salvation beginning with the return of Christ, this is elsewhere called , Mat 13:39-40; Mat 24:3; Mat 28:20; or Joh 11:24; Joh 12:24; Joh 12:48. In Hebrew Gen. 69:1; Num 24:14; Deu 4:39; Isa 2:2; Mic 4:1; Eze 38:16; Dan 10:14, where regard is had sometimes more to the beginning, sometimes more to the development of that period The last times of the present system of the world, of the are also called , 2Ti 3:1; Judges 18; 1Pe 1:20; 2Pe 3:3, or , 1Jn 2:18; they border upon those , but do not coincide with them. Somewhat different appears the usus loquendi of the Ep. to the Hebrews (Heb 9:26). But may be rendered, near to the period of completion, which the author thought immediately impending.

1Pe 1:6. Wherein ye greatly rejoice. connect not with , but with the whole preceding sentence, 1Pe 1:4-5. The thought of the great possessions reserved for you, justly fills you with exceeding joy. In this do not let yourselves be disconcerted by quickly passing sufferings of probation, which for your proof are necessary to the happiness of all Christians.

If need be. supposes that the afflictions will not be of uninterrupted continuance and that their duration and measure have been decreed by the wisdom of God, and that they will not be continued one minute longer than is needful for us. Believers also need them in exact adjustment to the degree to which their nature remains as yet uncleansed of the poison of sin.

In heaviness through manifold temptations.Sufferings cause to the outer man pain and grief, Heb 12:11, while the inner man can rejoice in them.

; . relates to afflictions differing in kind, sent or permitted by God as trials or tests of the reality of the Christians religious principles, as exercising his patience and developing his desire after heavenly things. Among the peculiar temptations to which believers who had left Judaism were exposed, we may mention the contempt and abuse they met at the hands of their former coreligionists, the temporal losses to which they had to submit and the efforts of false teachers to induce them to deny the truth and to effect a mixture of Judaism and Christianity. Cf. Heb 10:32; Jam 1:2; Act 8:1; Act 15:1; Act 14:22; 1Th 3:2 etc.; 2Co 11:23.

1Pe 1:7. That the trial of your faith.End of the temptations 1Pe 1:7 : The splendour and preciousness of faith is to shine with a brilliancy inversely proportioned to their darkness [i. e. of the temptations, M.] Faith must be tested by temptations which are consequently unable to mar the joy of our hope in Christ.

. signifies proof-stone, proof, tried integrity. Here it can only be taken in the last sense. The proof of faith=faith abiding the proof or test, or faith verified by trial, cf. Jam 1:3. In the Old Testament, the proof or trial of faith is frequently compared to the trial of gold by the process of smelting or refining by fire, Job 23:10; Psa 46:10; Jer 9:7; Zec 13:9; Mal 3:2. Gold is the most precious metal, but faith is even more precious; as gold is tried, proved and refined by fire, so faith must be proved and refined by the fire of temptations. As the heat of fire separates dross from gold, so all alloy must be separated from faith, all self-reliance on our own wisdom or strength, all dependence on the help of the creature,. Think of consumitur annulus usu. [Ignatius, a successor of Peter at Antioch, calls his chains spiritual pearls. Cyprian, speaking of the dress of virgins, says, that when Christian women suffer martyrdom with faith and courage, then their sufferings are like pretiosa monilia, costly bracelets. See Wordsworth in loco, who notices the following passage from Hermas, Pastor i. 4, p. 440, ed. Dressel: Aurea pars vos estis; sicut enim per ignem aurum probatur, et utile fit, sic et vos probamini; qui igitur permanserint et probati fuerint, ab eis purgabuntur; et sicut aurum emendatur et remittit sordem suam, sic et vos abjicietis omnem tristitiam ( ) et emendabimini instructuram turris.M.] already now, since often the enemies of truth are constrained to acknowledge such fidelity of faith, innocence and patience, but more in the last days and in the great day of Christ. Mat 25:23; 2Ti 4:8; Heb 12:11; Jam 1:12; Rev 2:8-10.

Unto praise and honourJesus Christ. . . . The reward of grace which the elect shall receive at the return of Christ consists of (a) the praise of their fidelity of faith, cf. Mat 25:21; 1Co 4:5; Rom 2:7; Rom 2:10; 2Th 1:5; (b) the honour which Christ promises to His faithful servants and shows to them, in fact, by the honourable position to which He promotes them, Joh 12:26; cf. 1Sa 2:30; Rev 22:4; Rev 3:21; (c) of the glory, which the father has given to Christ, 1Pe 1:11; 1Pe 1:21; Act 3:13; and which He will communicate to all that are His, 1Pe 4:13; 1Pe 5:1; 1Pe 4:14. and occur often conjointly in Pauls writings, 1Ti 1:17; Rom 2:7; Rom 2:10; Heb 2:7; Heb 2:9. The future glory affecting alike the soul and the body (cf. 1Co 15:4349; Php 3:21,) appears as the end of the whole work of redemption, (Rom 9:23; 2Co 3:18; 1Co 2:7), and therefore as the main object of Christian hope, Rom 5:2; Col 1:27. The effulgency of God will hereafter shine out of all believers, because they hold the most intimate communion with the glorified Jesus. The completion of the elect shall also redound to the praise, honour and glory of God Himself, cf. Rev 4:11; Rev 5:12-13. The object is probably not mentioned designedly.. vide 1Pe 1:5.

1Pe 1:8. Whom having not seenfull of glory.For the confirmation of their hope the Apostle after having mentioned the name of Jesus, continues in allusion to Joh 20:29 : whom although you have not known by face, yet you love. The relation you sustain to Him is that of the heart. The simplest construction of is to connect it with ., in expectation of whom, and because of whom you greatly rejoice. The present and the future are intertwined. in contrast with the idle and vain joy of the world, denotes a joy from which are separated all impure and obscuring elements, which according to the explanation of Steinmeyer and Weiss, contains glory in the germ, by which the future glory irradiates already the earthly life of Christians, and which anticipates, as it were, the future glory. Roos: Joy clothed in glory.

1Pe 1:9. Receiving the end of your faith, . Living hope regards the future as the present. The word is used of competitors in the games, who, upon proving victorious, carry off presents or prizes. , the end to which competitors in the Christian race aspire, cf. 1Co 9:24 etc.; 2Ti 4:7-8; Heb 12:1.The salvation of the soul is the end of faith and the reward of grace, given to the Christian at the completion of the contest, cf. Act 15:11; 1Pe 1:5.

1Pe 1:10. Of which Salvationgrace that should come unto you.Connection: This salvation increases in importance and precious-ness, if we consider that the prophets did with the utmost eagerness inquire into the means and time of salvation, and that even the happy angels desired to have an insight of this mystery. How happy are we to whom is revealed, what was concealed from them! , to make most diligent and zealous inquiry into a thing and to regard it from every point of view. =,, used of miners engaged in digging for precious metals in the bowels of the earth. They have searched with a diligence like that displayed in the mining of gold and silver, cf. Job 28:15-19; Pro 3:14-18. . They did prophesy of the saving grace, which by the life, the sufferings and the death of Christ has risen upon a sinful world (the whole world of sinners). This grace is no longer represented to you by various types, but has become real. Cf. Joh 1:17.

1Pe 1:11. What, or what manner of timeglory that should follow. . Their inquiries were not only of a general character, how many years would have to elapse to the advent of the Messiah, but had also particular reference to the peculiar condition and characteristics of that time and to the relations of the Jewish people to foreign powers. . . The explanation, the spirit testifying of Christ, which is even found in Bengel, is inadmissible on grammatical grounds. Perhaps it may be conceived as follows: The same Spirit of God, the Messianic Spirit, who in the course of time operated in the person of Christ, revealed himself in the prophets; sic Schmid II., de Wette, Weiss. But more simple and natural appears the ancient interpretation, that it was the spirit belonging to the prexisting Messiah from eternity, and which He was consequently able to impart to the prophets. Thus the prexisting Messiah is mentioned at 1Co 10:4; 1Co 10:9. Weiss quotes Barnabas (Ephesians 5 Hefele patres apost. Opp. ed. 3, 1847,): prophet ab ipso habentes donum prophetarunt, and Calvin: veteres prophetias a Christo ipso dictatas, cf. 5:20; Joh 12:41; Col 1:17. . Sufferings in store for, waiting for Christ. , sufferings and glory are thus connected, Luk 24:26; cf. Mat 16:21. It is a treasure of glories, of which Christ has taken possession and which will be fully revealed at the marriage of the Lamb, Rev 19:7.

1Pe 1:12. Unto whomlook into. . relates to the communication of things new, and previously unknown, cf. Mat 10:26; Rom 1:18; 1Co 3:13. . sc. . . . should be treated as a parenthesis in answer to the question, Why were those things revealed to them, seeing they were not permitted to realize their fulfilment? It was not done for their sake, but for ours; they were thereby to minister unto us. , who have evangelized you, brought you the glad tidings. From this it may be inferred that others besides Peter had first preached the Gospel to those Christians, at all events that he was not their only teacher. . cf. Luk 24:49; Act 2:2, etc.; Gal 4:6; Joh 15:26. While in the Old Testament we frequently meet with the expression that the Spirit fell on the prophets, Eze 8:1; Eze 11:5; denoting the suddenness, the passing and overpowering nature of His influence, He is in the New Testament said to be sent. properly to stand by and stoop down, in order to examine something very closely, to look at something with the countenance bent down. The salvation, revealed by Jesus Christ, contains a wealth of thoughts and ideas that is unfathomable even to the angels, cf. Jam 1:25; Eph 3:10. Their looking into has already begun and is still continuing. This is indicated by the Aorist. [Wordsworth: This high and holy mystery which represents the angels themselves bending over the Word of God enshrined in the Ark of the Church, was symbolized by the figures of the Cherubimof Glory spreading their wings, and bending their faces, and shadowing the Mercy-seat, in the Holy of Holies, upon the Ark, in which were kept the Tables of the Law written by God (Exo 25:18-22; Heb 9:4-5); and by the side of which was the Pentateuch. Deu 31:24-26.M.]

DOCTRINAL AND ETHICAL

(1). The circumstance that the first person in the Godhead is described as the God and Father of Jesus Christ, points indisputably to a certain dependence of the Being of Christ on the Father, not only with respect to the humanity of our Lord, but, also, with respect to His Divine nature. Thus Christ called the Father His God, even after His resurrection, Joh 20:17; Rev 3:12; Rev 2:7. With this agree the expressions of the Apostles, Eph 1:17; Rom 15:6; 2Co 11:31; Col 1:3. Where the three supreme names are mentioned together, the Father only is called God by emphasis, 1Pe 1:1-2; 2Co 13:13; 1Co 12:4-6; 1Co 3:23; 1Co 11:3; Rev 1:4-6. Nevertheless, the Scriptures teach us firmly to maintain the true Divinity of Christ, although, the quo modo Of such simultaneous equality and dependence of Being transcends our powers of comprehension. The filial relation among men affords, however, an analogy. [Cf. the following section of the Athanasian Creed:Sed necessarium est ad ternam Salutem, ut Incarnationem quoque Domini nostri Jesu Christi fideliter credat. Est ergo Fides recta, ut credamus et confiteamur, quia Dominus noster Jesus Christus, Dei Filius, Deus pariter et Homo est. Deus est ex Substantia Patris ante scula genitus: Homo ex Substantia Matris in scula natus. Perfectus Deus, perfectus Homo ex anima rationali et humana carne subsistens. qualis Patri secundum Divinitatem: Minor Patre secundum Humanitatem. Qui licet Deus sit et Homo, non duo tamen, sed unus est Christus. Unus autem, non conversione Divinitatis in Carnem, sed adsumtione Humanitatis in Deum. Unus omnino, non confusione Substanti, sed unitate Person. Nam sicut Anima rationalis et Caro unus est Homo; ita Deus et Homo unus est Christus. Fides Catholica 1:2735.M.]

(2). As corporeal life presupposes birth, so does spiritual life, Joh 3:3, and just as man is unable to beget and bring forth himself into physical and earthly life, so his spiritual generation and new-birth are equally independent of himself.

(3). As there are two men in every true Christian, a new man and an old one, so heaviness in manifold temptation and rejoicing may readily co-exist, 1Pe 1:6.

(4). Our Lords return has been one of the fundamental articles of the faith of universal Christendom in every age of the Churchs history. To hide this important doctrine under a bushel, is at once a defect of teaching and in opposition to the mind of Christ and His apostles, 1Pe 1:7. It is to be noticed that the return of Christ shall be preceded, not only by several ages, but also, by several ends of ages, with typical final judgments, as St. Paul speaks of . The flood, the dispersion of the ten tribes, the judgment on Judah, but especially the destruction of Jerusalem and the conquest of Palestine, were in a certain sense such final judgments, cf. 1Co 10:11.

(5). 1Pe 1:10-12, afford us an insight into the mode of prophetic inspiration, and into the relation of the Divine influence and the free mental activity of the prophets. They met, as it were, the Spirit of God with their earnest longings for salvation; the Spirit communicated to them the main burden of prophecy; while the time and details of the beginning of salvation were left to their researches and inquiries. They made a free appropriation of what the Spirit had disclosed to them, and sought to apply it to time and circumstances.

[The Scripture facts on the subject of inspiration are as follows: the subjects of inspiration were permitted to make diligent and faithful research (Luk 1:1-4), to clothe the same thought in different language (cf. Mat 26:26-27; Luk 22:19-20; 1Co 11:24-25; also Mat 3:17; Mar 1:11; Luk 3:22), give distinctive colouring to their accounts; according to the circumstances that grouped round their individuality (compare the character and early associations of the four Evangelists, as well as the scope of each Gospel, compare, also, the style of Ezekiel and Isaiah, of John and Paul), to cite other inspired authorities (Psalms 108 and Psa 57:7-11; Psa 60:5-12, etc.), to use uninspired documents (Jos 10:13; Num 21:14; Jude 9.14, 15), they sometimes were uncertain of the precise meaning and application of their message (1Pe 1:10-12; Dan 12:8, etc.) and their message was delivered in language approved by the Divine Spirit (1Pe 1:10-11; Dan 12:8; 2Ti 3:16; Heb 1:1; 1Co 2:12-13), see Anguss Bible Handbook, 146150, for a brief account of Inspiration. Inspiration is such an immediate and complete discovery by the Holy Spirit, to the minds of the sacred writers, of those things which could not have otherwise been known, and such an effectual superintendence as to those matters which they might have been informed of by other meansas entirely preserved them from error in every particular, which could in the least affect any of the doctrines or precepts contained in their books. Scotts Essays.M.]

(6). Since, according to 1Pe 1:11, the Spirit of Christ wrought in the prophets, the prophetical writings must possess an authority not inferior to the testimony of Christ in the New Testament. Both Testaments contain one and the same principle of revelation, one kernel and centre; but while the Old Testament is only the threshold and fore-testimony of the New Testament, the New Testament is the end and fulfilment of the Old.

HOMILETICAL AND PRACTICAL

Christianity is essentially a life of hopeit is founded on living hope. The eye of faith looks out for the glorious revelation of Jesus Christ from heaven, for the first resurrection, for the heavenly city of peace (Jerusalem), for the precious inheritance, for the new heaven and the new earth.He that has become conscious of his sinfulness and manifold bondage and has fixed his eye on the heavenly treasure, must needs celebrate the praises of God.Without regeneration there is no partaking of the heavenly inheritance.Nothing short of Divine power is sufficient to keep us unto salvation.The hope of faith is the root out of which grows the fruit of a spiritual joy, serene and triumphant over pain.When the Christian contemplates the glorious fruit and its consequences, he can rejoice at what most deeply pains the children of this world.
The mystery of afflictions and temptations in believers.The solution of the riddle lies in their scopeproof, separation from dross, exercise and purification.The worlds joy never comes up to the terms in which its praises are published in speech or in song, while the opposite holds good of Christian joy.What must be the character of such as desire to be partakers of the kingdom of Christ?Disparity and similarity in the disposition and situation of believers of the Old and New Testaments.The sweet harmony of the prophets in their predictions of Christ.The Holy Ghost the best Teacher.
The words of Jesus and the Apostles a precious key to the right understanding of prophecy.If the angels greatly desire to look into the mysteries of the plan of salvation, who are represented by the Cherubim on the mercy-seat, how much more highly ought we to prize the knowledge of salvation in Christ!

Starke:Would you give the consolation of 1Pe 1:3-9 for an empire? If the hope be living, the inheritance is sure, viz., the crown that never fades, the treasure that none can steal. Abide the heat. How short is sufferinghow long the glittering eternity! Heavenly life God will give above, evermore my heart shall praise Him.

Hedinger:Regeneration is solely the work of God all-merciful, who helps the wretched from a spiritual death to spiritual life.Children and friends inherit our goods; those therefore who desire to receive the heavenly inheritance must be the children and friends of God, Rom 8:16-17.If you find this present time sorrowful and anxious, have patience; in the world you shall have tribulation: look joyfully forward to the last time that shall put an end to all grief, and bring you eternal glory.God knows best what medicine He has to use for and what burdens He has to lay on each, in order to kill the old Adam.As gold is the most precious metal, so faith is the most noble of the manifold gifts in the kingdom of grace, and as much passes for faith without being it, so the cross decides its genuineness.The sum-total of the doctrine of Christ treats of His humiliation and exaltation. For Christ had to drink of the brook and therefore shall He lift up His head, Psa 110:7; suffer and enter into glory.If any be bowed down with grief, let him take comfort from the example of Christ and the words of the Apostle: suffering first, glory after. The reverse takes place among the children of this world, with them joy comes first, and then grief, 2Ti 2:12; Luk 6:25.Kapff:What is genuine faith? 1. A birth out of (emanating from) God; 2. an assurance of what is unseen; 3. an inheritance of eternal life.Lisco:Christian hope; (a) its foundation; (b) its object; (c) its power; (d) its glorious reward.Eternal salvation: (a) it was the object of the longing of the holy prophets; (b) it is made to depend on a certain order; (c) it is announced to all as existing.The blessedness of Christian hope; (a) it flows from mercy; (b) it is the most precious of all possessions; (c) nothing can pluck it from us. What is the glorious goal which the children of the kingdom go forth to meet? (a) This goal is the heavenly inheritance; (b) it is founded on the mercy of God; (c) the way to it, persevering faith, is not without manifold tribulation; (d) it was the object of the longing of all the saints of old.The living hope to which we Christians are born again, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead; 1. its preciousness in respect of its cause, object and influence; 2. its certainty; (a) the love and faith of the members of Christ; (b) from the declarations of the prophets and evangelists. The Christians gladness in sadness; 1. because of the life of regeneration; 2. because of his inheritance; 3. because of Divine protection; 4. because of suffering; 5. because of future joy.Staudt.

[1Pe 1:3-4, 1. The Christians title to the heavenly inheritancebegotten again; 2. his assurance of ita lively hope; 3. the immediate cause of bothJesus Christ. 4. The sourcethe abundant mercy of God.A living hope; the worlds highest motto is dum spiro spero, the Christian may add dum expiro spero!Abundant mercy. Great sins and great miseries need great mercy, and many sins and many miseries need many mercies. (Bernard).Love will stammer rather than be dumb.

1Pe 5:5. Salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks; what more safe than to be walled with salvation itself? cf. Pro 18:10.1Pe 5:6. The battle tries the soldier, the storm the pilot.Christian militantdignum Deo spectaculum.

1Pe 5:7. An unskillful beholder may think it strange to see gold thrown into the fire and left there for a time; but he that puts it there, would be loath to lose it; his purpose is to make some costly piece of work of it; every believer gives himself to Christ, and He undertakes to present him blameless unto the Father; not one of them shall be lost, nor one drachm of faith; they shall be found, and their faith shall be found, when He appears. That faith that is here in the furnace, shall be then made up into a crown of pure gold, it shall be found unto praise and honour and glory.

1Pe 5:8. The sun seems less than the wheel of a chariot; but reason teaches the philosopher that it is much larger than the whole earth; and the cause why it seems so little is its great distance. The naturally wise man is as far deceived by this carnal reason in his estimate of Jesus Christ, the Sun of righteousness, and the cause is the same, his great distance from Him, cf. Psa 10:5.If I have any possessions, health, credit, learning, this is all the contentment I have of them, that I have somewhat I may despise for Christ, who is totus desiderabilis et totum desiderabile. Greg Nazian. Orat. 1.There is an inseparable intermixture of love with belief. If you ask, how shall I do to love, I answer, believe. If you ask, how shall I believe? I answer, love.Joy unspeakable.It were a poor thing if he that hath it, could tell it all out. (Pauperis est numerare pecus). And when the soul has most of it, then it remains most within itself, and is so inwardly taken up with it that it can then least of all express it. It is with joys, as they say of cares and griefs, leves loquuntur, ingentes stupent. The deepest waters run stillest. True joy is a solid, grave thing (Res severa est verum gaudium. Sen.), dwells more in the heart than in the face; whereas base and false joys are but superficial, skin-deep (as we say); they are all in the face.Lauda mellis dulcedinem quantum potes, qui non gustaverit, non intelliget.Aug.1Pe 1:12. The true preachers of the gospel, though their ministerial gifts are for the use of others, yet that salvation they preach, they lay hold on and partake of themselves, as your boxes wherein perfumes are kept for garments and other uses, are themselves perfumed by keeping them! From Leighton by M.]

Footnotes:

[4]1Pe 1:3. [Regeneravit nos.Vulg.M.]

[5] 1Pe 1:3. [German:Who, according to His manifold mercy, hath begotten us again by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, unto a living hope.M.]

[Translate:begat us again untothrough the resurrection, etc.M.]

[Cod. Sin. for .M.]

[6] 1Pe 1:4. [Text. Rec. . A. B. C. K. L., ; so also most of the Versions.M.]

[Cod. Sin.. . M.]

[7]1Pe 1:5. [Guarded.Gal 3:23.M.]

[8] 1Pe 1:5. [, till.Act 4:3; Php 1:10; Gal 3:13; Gal 3:24; 1Th 4:15; cf. also 2Pe 2:4.M.]

[Calvin:Quid juvat, salutem nobis in clo esse repositam, quum nos in mundo tanquam in turbulento mari jactemur? quid juvat, salutem nostram statui in tranquillo portu, quum inter mille naufragia fluctuemur? Praevenit Apostolus ejusmodi objectiones, etc.M.]

[Bengel: Hreditas servata est; hredes custodiuntur; neque illa his, neque hi deerunt illi. Corroboratio insignis.M.]

[Aretius:Militare est vocabulum : prsidium. Pii igitur dum sunt inpericulis, sciant totidem eis divinitus parata esse prsidia: millia millium custodeunt eos.M.]

[Cod. Sin..M.]

[German:Which is already prepared.M.]

[9] 1Pe 1:6. [, in the which tyme.Tyndale.M.]

[Cod. Sin.* without .*.M.]

[German:Whereat ye rejoice; who now, if it must be so, are for a little time (or a little) afflicted in manifold temptations.M.]
[Translate:In which (time) ye rejoice, for a little time at present (Alford), if it must be so, having been afflicted, inM.]

[10]1Pe 1:7. [ probably = , proof Jam 1:3. Proof comes nearer the German than trial.M.]

[11] 1Pe 1:7. [ probare, whence the German pruefen, erprobt, and the English prove.M.]

[German:That your faith in its proof may be found much more precious than perishable gold, which is also proved by fire, unto praise and honour and glory in the revelation, etc.M.]
[Cod. Sin… . .M.]

[12]1Pe 1:7. [, resulting in. See Robinson s. v. 3. a.M.]

[13]1Pe 1:7. [ = in revelation. Vulg. Wicl.M.]

[14] 1Pe 1:8. [ Lachmann and Tischend. , but is also strongly supported.M.]

[Cod. Sin., agrees with the former.M.]

[15]1Pe 1:8. [ Laetitia glorificataVulg., Germ., Wicl., Geneva, Alford. Triumphant joy.Brown.M.]

[16] 1Pe 1:9. [ Receiving the end of your faith; rather, carrying off the end of your faith.M.]

[This is the sense of in middle; see Liddell and Scott s. v. ii. 2.Reportantes, Vulg.M.]

1Pe 1:10. [Cod. Sin.. with A. B.M.]

1Pe 1:11. [Cod. Sin.. with B.M.]

[17]1Pe 1:11. [ Quo et quali tempore.Jaspis. In relation to whom and what time.Purver.M.]

[18] 1Pe 1:12. [ is the more authentic reading.M.]

[ Rec. K. Syr. Copt, A. B. C. L., Cod. Sin.M.]

Fuente: A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures, Critical, Doctrinal, and Homiletical by Lange

DISCOURSE: 2380
REGENERATION CONSIDERED

1Pe 1:3-5. 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, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

AMONGST the many distinguishing characters of the true Christian, this is not the least remarkable, that he can rejoice in the midst of the heaviest tribulations. Others may be patient under them: but no man who is not born of God can attain this high state of feeling, to glory in them. The Christians to whom the Apostle wrote were in a state of very severe affliction, scattered over divers countries, whither they had been driven by the violence of persecution. Yet, how did the Apostle address them? in terms of pity or condolence? No: but in terms of the sublimest congratulation. He thinks not of what man has done against them, but of what God has done for them; and bursts forth in this rapturous strain: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who of his abundant mercy hath begotten us again! The recollection of the mercy vouchsafed to them by regeneration swallowed up all thought of their trials, and superseded, for a time, all mention of their sufferings.

The terms in which regeneration is here spoken of will lead us to consider it in,

I.

Its nature

Regeneration is a spiritual and supernatural change of heart
[Many, when they hear this word, are ready to merge its import altogether in the rite of baptism. I deny not, but that the word regeneration is used in Scripture as synonymous with baptism; and it was properly so used; because in baptism there is a real change of state; and there was good reason to hope that, in the person submitting to that rite there was also a change of nature: nor can I doubt, but that, wherever baptism is duly received, there is a descent of the Holy Spirit upon the soul, to seal it with a blessing from on high. But the strongest advocates for baptismal regeneration will not deny, but that the spiritual gift is that in which we are chiefly interested; and that, without that, the outward act would be of little value. And God forbid that we should be disputing about a term, when our main concern should be about the blessing connected with it! All are agreed, that we must be baptized with the Holy Ghost: all are agreed, that we must be made partakers of a new and a divine nature [Note: 2Pe 1:4.], and become new creatures in Christ Jesus [Note: 2Co 5:17.]: in a word, all agree, that, in order to be children of God, we must be begotten of God: and that being admitted, I am indifferent as to the name by which it shall be called: call it a new birth, a new creation, a renewal in the spirit of the mind, or a conversion of soul to God; only let an entire change of heart and life be included in it, and (though one word may more strictly and appositely express it than another) we are satisfied. Suffice it to say, that a new heart must be given us, and a new spirit be put within us; and that this change is essential to us, as children of God.]

It is this that distinguishes the Lords people from all the rest of the world
[The natural man possesses nothing but what he brought into the world with him. His faculties may be of the first order, so far as they relate to earthly things: yet is he as blind as others in relation to heavenly things. In order to comprehend these, he must have a spiritual discernment [Note: 1Co 2:14.]; which can only be given to him from above. This may be possessed by the poorest and most illiterate man, whilst it is withheld from the wise and prudent. In fact, God has so ordered it, that what he has hid from the wise and prudent, should be revealed unto babes [Note: Mat 11:25-26.]: and there are but few of the wise and learned, in comparison, to whom this gift is imparted; for God has chosen the weak and foolish, on purpose to confound the wise and mighty [Note: 1Co 1:26-29.]. Nor is this a mere conceit: it is proved by the life and conversation of all who are born of God. They shew that they have a view of God and of eternity, which others do not possess: and, in consequence of this view, they manifest a heavenliness, both of heart and life, which others cannot attain. Being born of God, they live no longer to themselves, but unto Him who begat them, and to Him who redeemed them with his blood.]

But in the passage before us we are more particularly led to notice regeneration in,

II.

Its causes

The great efficient cause of it is God

[Jehovah, in the Old Testament, is called the God of Abraham: but to us he is revealed under the more endearing title of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our God and Father in him. In this relation he is considered as begetting us again; and forming us, as it were, altogether anew. This he does by the operation of his word upon the hearts and consciences of men, and by the Almighty power of his Spirit working effectually in them. Hence we are said to be born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever [Note: 1Pe 1:23. See also Jam 1:18.]. In like manner we are said to be born of the Spirit [Note: Joh 3:5-6.]. And this birth is not only distinguished from, but put in direct opposition to, the natural birth of man; for to as many as receive Christ, to them gives he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name; who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God [Note: Joh 1:12-13.]. Here, then, the efficient cause of our regeneration is distinctly marked: it is not effected by any power which is possessed by the man himself, or by others over him, or by any created being: it must be traced to God himself, to God only, to God entirely, to God exclusively.]

The moving cause of it is his mercy

[Man never merited it; never asked it; never of himself desired it. God, who sees us when dead in trespasses and sins, is moved only by his own mercy towards us, to impart unto us this transcendent gift. He saw us, like new-born infants, lying in our blood; and bade us live [Note: Eze 16:6.]. O! who can ever appreciate this blessing aright? Who can ever estimate the blessing of being begotten of God, and born of God? To be begotten and born of an earthly monarch were nothing in comparison of it; nothing in respect of honour; nothing in respect of benefit. That we were created men, was grace; because we might have been of a lower order of beings, like beasts: but to be new-created, after that we were fallen, and by this new creation to be made sons of God, is not only mercy, but such mercy as never was vouchsafed to the angels that fell: no; it was reserved for us: and abundant mercy it was! The very angels in heaven have not in this respect been so highly favoured as we: for they can sing of grace only: whereas we, when we had abused and forfeited all the blessings of grace, had them all restored to us through the tender mercy of our God.]

The instrumental or procuring cause of it was the Lord Jesus Christ

[In general, the blessings of salvation are traced to the death of Christ, as their procuring cause. And such, no doubt, it was: for by it we are reconciled to God, and obtain the remission of all our sins. But here the blessing of regeneration is traced to the resurrection of Christ; and with great propriety; because, if he was delivered to death for our offences, he was raised again for our justification [Note: Rom 4:25.]. To enter into this aright, we should place ourselves in the situation of the immediate followers of our Lord. What comfort should we have derived from the death of our Divine Master? We might be told, indeed, that he offered himself a sacrifice for our sins: but how should we know that sacrifice was accepted in our behalf? It was his resurrection alone that put that matter beyond a doubt: and therefore we find the Apostles everywhere insisting principally on this [Note: Act 2:24-36; Act 3:15; Act 17:3; Act 17:18; Act 17:31.], as proving, beyond all reasonable doubt, that he was indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world [Note: Rom 1:4.]. Moreover, it is as a risen Saviour that he lives to make intercession for us [Note: Heb 7:25.]; and is enabled to send the Holy Ghost down upon us, for the commencing and perfecting of a work of grace within us [Note: Act 2:33; Act 2:38-39.]. Hence St. Paul, speaking of the death of Christ as prevailing for our salvation, yet lays the greater stress upon his resurrection [Note: Rom 8:34; Rom 5:10.]: and hence also, in order to attain higher eminence in the divine life, he desired to know Christ in the power of his resurrection [Note: Php 3:10.]. So that our regeneration may well be ascribed to the resurrection of Christ, not only on account of its proving his death to have been available for us, but as through it he is empowered to send down the Holy Spirit upon our souls.]

We must, however, proceed yet further to trace this work in,

III.

Its effects

Of its sanctifying effects I have spoken under the first head. But we must on no account omit to notice those great benefits which it confers,

1.

In entitling us to heaven

[Repeatedly does St. Paul mark the indissoluble connexion which God has established between our sonship and our inheritance: If sons, then heirs, heirs of God through Christ, and heirs of God with Christ [Note: Rom 8:17. Gal 4:7.]. Now, the inheritance to which God has begotten us is nothing less than all the glory of heaven; an inheritance, not corruptible, as earthly treasures, which moth and rust will corrupt; not defiled, like the earthly Canaan, by wicked inhabitants, (for into heaven nothing entereth that can defile [Note: Rev 21:27.];) not fading, by use, or age, or enjoyment, like the pleasures of sense: no, it is an inheritance worthy of God to give to his beloved children, even that inheritance which Christ himself, as our Forerunner, our Head, and Representative, already occupies. To a lively hope of this are we begotten, whilst yet we are in this vale of tears; and to the full possession of it, as soon as we go hence.]

2.

In securing to us the possession of it

[In two ways is this inheritance secured to us: it is reserved by God for us; and we are kept by God for it; so that neither shall it be taken from us by any enemy; nor shall we be suffered to come short of it through our own weakness. This is what God promised, by his prophet of old: I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me [Note: Jer 32:40.]. O inestimable gift! This security is the crown of all. What would regeneration be without it? What would it be to be made sons of God, and heirs of heaven, if we were left to ourselves, to engage in our own strength our great adversary? Truly there is not one of us, however elevated he may at this moment be, who would not, in a very short space of time, if left to himself, become a child of Satan, and an heir of hell. But the power of God! what shall withstand that? or who shall fail, that has that exerted for him? All that is required of us is, to have faith in God [Note: Mar 11:22. Joh 14:1.]. If only our faith be as a grain of mustard-seed, there is nothing that we shall not be able to effect [Note: Mat 17:20.]. But Christ has prayed for us, that our faith may not fail; and therefore, though Satan desires to have us, that he may sift us as wheat, yet shall he not finally prevail against us [Note: Luk 22:31-32.]; but shall be bruised under our feet [Note: Rom 16:20.], even as he was under the feet of our triumphant Saviour: for because HE, our Almighty Saviour, liveth, we shall live also [Note: Joh 14:19.]. Like persons in an impregnable fortress [Note: This is the precise import of the word .], we may defy all the powers of darkness, and smile at all the confederacies both of earth and hell.]

Observe then, beloved,
1.

How happy are the saints, the sons of God

[If we consider only the hope, the lively hope, to which they are begotten, methinks they are by far the happiest of all mankind. But, if we take a view of the inheritance itself, the wonderful inheritance to which they are begottenand, above all, the security which they possess for the ultimate enjoyment of itwhat shall I say? Are they not happy? Or can they be placed in any circumstances whatever (sin only excepted) wherein they are not proper objects of envy to the whole creation? Be it granted, that they are as much oppressed as ever saints were, and as destitute of all earthly comfort; still will I congratulate them from my inmost soul, and bid them exclaim with joy and gratitude, Blessed be God, who hath begotten us again! ]

2.

How pitiable is the condition of the unregenerate

[You, alas! have no part or lot in the felicity of Gods children. Never having been begotten of him, you have no relation to him, nor any title to his inheritance. Ah! think, then, whose children ye are [Note: Joh 8:44.], and with whom you must take your everlasting portion [Note: Mat 25:41.]! I tremble to announce such awful tidings. But I thank God that yet ye may become new creatures: for, as all the saints once were what ye now are, so may ye become what they are [Note: Gal 4:12.]. Yes, the word, which is Gods great instrument, yet sounds in your ears: and it is as powerful as ever, to convert souls to him [Note: Heb 4:12.]. Only receive it into your hearts by faith; and it shall turn you, as it has unnumbered millions of your fellow-creatures, from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God [Note: Act 26:18.]. Only believe in Christ, and you shall instantly become sons of God [Note: Joh 1:12. before cited, with Gal 3:26.], and be enabled to look up to heaven as your everlasting inheritance. My dear brethren, make not light of this great salvation. Do but think how ready it is to be revealed, and how certainly it shall be attained by all who believe in Christ. May God now pour out his Holy Spirit upon you all, that not one of you may receive this grace of God in vain!]

Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)

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, (5) Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

I beg the Reader to observe, how the mind of the Apostle was carried out, in consequence of what he had just before said. No sooner doth he contemplate the elect of God, and the sanctified by the Spirit, and the justified in the obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ; but he falls a blessing God and the Father, yea, the whole Persons of the Godhead, for having so blessed the Church in Christ with such abundant mercy and grace. The soul of Peter could not contain himself, in the view of such unspeakable goodness. His heart, like Elihu, wanted vent, Job 32:19 . Since God had so blessed the Church, Peter called upon every heart to bless God. The same is remarkable of Paul, in the opening of his Epistle, Eph 1:3 .

And, let the Reader further remark, how sweetly the Apostle dwells upon the blessed work of regeneration, by which the child of God is brought into the personal enjoyment of all the privileges, both of election and redemption. Peter calls it God’s abundant mercy. And very sure, it may well be called so. For abounding must be that grace, which, when in the Adam-nature of sin our souls lay dead, as to our own view, we were without God, and without hope in the world; then, to be quickened together with Christ, and begotten to this lively hope, and to such an inheritance. What but grace, yea, abundant grace, could have given birth to such mercy

I will detain the Reader with one observation more, on these verses, respecting the inheritance. Not so much to notice the nature of this inheritance itself, or the properties of it; though these things might be, and indeed, under grace would be both profitable and delightful to meditate upon, being said to be incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away; but I pass by these things for the present, the rather to call the Reader to that part of the Apostle’s words, wherein he saith, that this inheritance is reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God, through faith, unto salvation, ready to he repealed in the last time. There appears to be so much sweetness, so much love and grace manifested by God the Father, to the persons of his people, in this reserving of the inheritance for them, that I do beg the indulgence of a few moments, to state the subject as it strikes me.

And, first. Nothing can be more plain and clear, from what is here said by the Apostle, than that He who so graciously elected their persons, as graciously appointed their inheritance. And hence one of those holy men of old, who knew his right in it, as if conscious that the one arose out of the other, blessedly, and thankfully said: The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup; thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage, Psa 16:5-6 .

Secondly. This inheritance is reserved, and reserved in heaven for you, and you yourself are kept by the power of God through faith, unto salvation; and this is always ready to be revealed, when your turn comes, even if it be in the last time. Reader! behold here, what an accumulation of mercies are heaped up, one upon another, more preciously piled than all the gold of the miser. Here is the security of the inheritance, and the security of the owner; God himself becomes the garrison to defend both. And, whatever ages, or generations the Lord hath appointed to run out before you, for whom his grace hath designed this mansion, shall come, none shall have it, for it is reserved for you. He that chose you, at the same time chose your inheritance in Christ yea, Christ himself. And, therefore, as Christ saith: Let no man take your crown! that is, no man shall, Rev 3:11 . Oh! the unspeakable blessedness contained in such a view founded in such a will as God’s election-will, secured in such a purpose as God’s finished redemption-purpose in Christ, and reserved in such an unalienable reservation as the being kept by the power of God the Spirit’s grace, through faith unto salvation.

Reader! oh! beg for grace, rightly to prize your mercies. From whence do they all flow? Peter answers: Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father. How are they reserved? Peter again replies: They are reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God, through faith, unto salvation. Who secures them? God himself. For it is by the power of God both the person and the inheritance are kept. And, it is always to be revealed: for when Christ who is our life shall appear, then will the Church, in every individual of her members, appear with him in glory. And what is it but this, which in the present time-state of the Church, hath reserved the Lord’s remnant in the earth, according to the election of grace? Rom 11:5 .

Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)

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,

Ver. 3. Blessed be the God ] A stately proem, and such as can hardly be matched again, unless it be that of St Paul to the Ephesians, Eph 1:3 .

Unto a lively hope ] Sure and solid, clearing the conscience, and cheering the spirit. Vivere spe vidi qui moriturus erat. If it were not for hope, the heart would break; as they do whose lives and hopes end together. True hope lives when the man dies. It hath for its motto, Dum expiro, spero. The righteous hath hope in his death, as St Stephen had; who

” Ibat ovans animis, et spe sua damna levabat, “

Went with good cheer to take his end. (Bembus.) And many of the holy martyrs went as willingly to die as ever they did to dine; they called it their wedding day. They knew it was but winking only, and they should be in heaven immediately; hence their invincible courage at the hour of death. The ungodly are not so; their hopes are dying hopes, they are no better than as the giving up of the ghost, Job 11:20 .

Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)

3 12 .] The Apostle begins , much after the manner of St. Paul in the opening of his Epistles, with giving thanks to God for the greatness of the blessings of salvation ; thus paving the way for the exhortations which are to follow. And herein, he directs his readers’ look, first, forward into the future ( 1Pe 1:3-9 ); then backward into the past ( 1Pe 1:10-12 ).

Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament

3 5 .] Thanksgiving for the living hope into which the Christian has been begotten .

Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament

3 .] Blessed be ( is used in the N. T. of God only: and so almost always in the O. T.: while is applied to men. The shade of distinction is perhaps this: that carries with it rather the imperative, ‘Blessed be’ &c., the indicative, ‘Blessed is’ &c. This is better than Van Hengel’s distinction (on Rom. p. 140), that the verbal adjective gives “quod sibi constat,” the participle, “quod aliunde pendet:” for thus we should not get the idea of praise in ) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (so verbatim ref. Eph., where see note), who according to (see on 1Pe 1:2 , . . .) his much mercy (cf. , ref. Eph.) begat us again (as in ref. and elsewhere in the N. T., where the idea, though not the word, occurs, of the new birth from the state of nature to the state of grace, the work of God the Spirit ( 1Pe 1:2 ), by means of the word ( 1Pe 1:23 ), in virtue of Christ’s propitiatory sacrifice and of union with Him (1Pe 1:2 ; 1Pe 1:18 ; ch. 1Pe 2:24 ; 1Pe 3:18 )) unto ( , either telic , unto as aim and end, = ‘that we might have,’ or local , unto = into; = ‘so that we have.’ The latter is here preferable, seeing that hope is not the aim but the condition of the Christian life) a living hope ( , as connected with ; it is a life of hope, a life in which hope is the energizing principle. This is better than to understand it as contrasting our hope with that of the hypocrite, which shall perish: as Leighton, in some of his most beautiful language. is not to be understood of the object of hope , but of hope properly so called, subjectively. This hope of the Christian “has life in itself, gives life, and looks for life as its object,” De Wette) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (to what does refer? c. says, ; . And similarly, referring to , Luth., Bengel, De W., al. But, while we retain distinctly the connexion of our living hope with the life of Him on whom it depends, it is much more natural to join this instrumental clause with the verb , as bringing in with it the whole clause, , by which it is defined. The resurrection of Christ, bringing in life and the gift or the life-giving Spirit, is that which potentiates the new birth unto a living hope),

Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament

1Pe 1:3-12 . Benediction of the Name . The mention of God is followed by the Benediction of the Name as Jewish piety prescribed; the formula the Holy One, blessed be He , being amplified by the Christian appreciation of their fuller knowledge. The Apostle surpasses the fervour of the Psalmist, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel inasmuch as the last mighty work surpasses all previous deliverances. It falls naturally into three divisions. 1Pe 1:3-5 have as their central figure the Father, 1Pe 1:6-9 the Son, and 1Pe 1:10-12 the Spirit who is at last given, who inspired the prophets of old and now inspires the Christian missionaries. From the past which preceded their acceptance of God’s choice of them and its outward sign St. Peter turns to consider their present condition and to illuminate it with the light of the future glory.

Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson

1Pe 1:3-5 . Blessed be God whom we have come to know as the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! For He has granted to us the crowning manifestation of His great mercy. He has raised Jesus Christ from the dead and us thereby to newness of life. So you may hope for and in part enjoy the inheritance which was prefigured by the Promised Land. This heavenly treasure God has kept for those whom He guards with His power. So your faith respond, He is guarding you for the salvation which will be revealed at the last.

Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson

1Pe 1:3 . . The verbal adjective is recognised, perhaps coined by the LXX as proper to the Benediction of the Name. This usage is reflected in N.T., Rom 1:25 ; Rom 9:5 ; 2Co 1:3 ; 2Co 11:31 ; Eph 1:3 ; note Mar 14:61 . , part of the formula ( cf. 2Co 1:3 ; Eph 1:3 ) based on the saying “I ascend to your father and my father, unto your God and my God” (Joh 20:17 ). , the more elaborate of Eph 1:7 ( cf. 1Pe 2:4 ). ( cf. 1Pe 1:23 ). Else the verb only occurs in N.T. as variant to in Old Latin (and Irenus) text of Joh 3:5 , which prompted St. Peter’s Christian use of the word, see especially 1Pe 1:23 . Later it is used to describe the outward sign of baptism ( e.g. , Justin Apol. i. 51) for the benefit of pagans as to the limitation of worshippers of Isis (Apuleius, Met. xi. 26, ut renatus quodammodo staatim sacrorum obsequio desponderetur). And of Mithras (in aeternum renati). Here the regeneration of the Christian corresponds to the resurrection of Christ (Chrysostom on John) and implies a previous mystical or figurative death to sin see 1Pe 2:24 ; 1Pe 3:17 f.; 1Pe 4:1 which is repeated in the practice of their unnatural virtue (1Pe 4:1-4 ). The simple idea of regeneration underlies St. Paul’s elaborations of the doctrine of the . Hort refers to Philo, de incorruptibilitate mundi (ii. 489 M.) where is used for the more usual rebirth of the world of the Stoics. . The omission of the definite article is characteristic of St. Peter. The Hope is a recognised technical term (Act 23:6 , etc.) of the Pharisees, corresponding to . stamps the Christian hope as Divine since life is God’s prerogative ( cf. 1Pe 1:23 and the living bread, water of John) and effective ( cf. the corresponding use of dead faith, Jas 2:17 ; Jas 2:26 ). Cf. Sap. 1Pe 3:4 , . . with rather than : three prepositional clauses are thus attached to . as to (and ) in 1Pe 1:2 . The resurrection of Jesus is the means and guarantee of the spiritual resurrection of the Christian (1Co 15:14 ; 1Co 15:17 ) from the death of the sinful and fleshly life.

Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1Pe 1:3-9

3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, 8and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

1Pe 1:3 “Blessed” This term (eulogtos) is not like the one used in Matthew 5 (makarios). It is exclusively used of God in the NT. We get the English word “eulogy” from this word. This is similar to the praise to the Trinity found in Eph 1:3-14 : 1Pe 1:3-5 relate to the Father, 1Pe 1:6-9 to the Son, and 1Pe 1:10-12 the Spirit.

“the God and Father of” Thomas Aquinas attempts to prove the existence of God by focusing on

1. design

2. logical necessity of a first cause or prime mover

3. cause and effect

However, these deal with human philosophical and logical necessities. The Bible reveals God in personal categories not available to human reason or research. Only revelation reveals God as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. See SPECIAL TOPIC: FATHER at Mar 13:22.

“Lord” The Greek term “Lord” (kurios) can be used in a general sense or in a developed theological sense. It can mean “mister,” “sir,” “master,” “owner,” “husband” or “the full God-man” (cf. Joh 9:36; Joh 9:38). The OT usage of this term (Hebrew, adon) came from the Jews’ reluctance to pronounce the covenant name for God, YHWH, from the Hebrew verb “to be” (cf. Exo 3:14). See Special Topic: Names for Deity at Mar 12:26. They were afraid of breaking the Commandment, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain” (cf. Exo 20:7; Deu 5:11). Therefore, they thought if they did not pronounce it, they could not take it in vain. So when they read the Scriptures they substituted the Hebrew word adon, which had a similar meaning to the Greek word kurios (Lord). The NT authors used this term to describe the full deity of Christ. The phrase “Jesus is Lord” was probably the public confession of faith and a baptismal formula of the early church (cf. Rom 10:9-13; 1Co 12:3; Php 2:11).

“who according to His great mercy” This passage, extolling the character of God the Father (1Pe 1:3-5), may reflect an early hymn, poem, or catechismal liturgy. The main character of the Bible is God! It is His purpose, character, and actions which are fallen mankind’s only hope for acceptance and perseverance (cf. Eph 2:4; Tit 3:5).

“has caused us” This kind of phrase is used to assert God’s sovereignty as the only biblical truth related to salvation (cf. Act 11:18; Jas 1:18; Eph 1:4), but this is only half of the covenant concept. See Special Topic at Mar 14:24.

“to be born again” This is the same root (anagenna, cf. 1Pe 1:23) as in Joh 3:3 (genna). It is an aorist action participle, which speaks of a decisive act. The NT also uses other metaphors to describe our salvation: (1) “quickened” (cf. Col 2:13; Eph 2:4-5; (2) “new creation” (cf. 2Co 5:17; Gal 6:15); and (3) “partaker of Divine Nature,” (cf. 2Pe 1:4). Paul is fond of the familial metaphor “adoption” while John and Peter are fond of the familial metaphor “new birth.”

Being “born again” or “born from above” is a biblical emphasis on the need for a totally new start, a totally new family (cf. Rom 5:12-21). Christianity is not a reformation or a new morality; it is a new relationship with God. This new relationship is made possible because of

1. the Father’s mercy and grace

2. the Son’s sacrificial death and resurrection from the dead

3. the work of the Spirit (cf. 1Pe 1:2)

This divine will and action gives believers a new life, a living hope, and a sure inheritance.

“to a living hope” The adjective “living” is a recurring emphasis in 1 Peter (cf. 1Pe 1:3; 1Pe 1:23; 1Pe 2:4-5; 1Pe 2:24; 1Pe 4:5-6). All that God wills and does is “alive” and remains (i.e., word play on YHWH).

“through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” Jesus is the Father’s agent and means of redemption (as He is the Father’s agent in creation as well as judgment). Jesus’ resurrection is a central truth of the gospel (cf. Rom 1:4; 1 Corinthians 15). The resurrection is the aspect of the Christian message that the Greeks could not accept (cf. Act 17:16-34).

1Pe 1:4 “to obtain an inheritance which is” In the OT every tribe except Levi received a land inheritance. The Levites, as the tribe of priests, temple servants, and local teachers, were seen as having YHWH Himself as their inheritance (cf. Psa 16:5; Psa 73:23-26; Psa 119:57; Psa 142:5; Lam 3:24). NT writers often took the rights and privileges of the Levites and applied them to all believers. This was their way of asserting that the followers of Jesus were the true people of God and that now all believers were called to serve as priests to God (cf. 1Pe 2:5; 1Pe 2:9; Rev 1:6), as the OT asserts of all Israel (cf. Exo 19:4-6). The NT emphasis is not on the individual as a priest with certain privileges, but on the truth that all believers are priests, which demands a corporate servant attitude (cf. 1Co 12:7). The NT people of God have been given the OT task of world evangelization (cf. Gen 12:3; Exo 19:5 b; Mat 28:18-20; Act 1:8).

This is the concept of Jesus as owner of creation because He was the Father’s agent of creation (cf. Joh 1:3; Joh 1:10; 1Co 8:6; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2-3). We are co-heirs because He is the heir (cf. Rom 8:17; Gal 4:7; Col 3:24).

SPECIAL TOPIC: BELIEVERS’ INHERITANCE

“imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away” In 1Pe 1:4 three descriptive phrases are used to describe the believer’s inheritance using OT historical allusions to the Promised Land. Palestine was geographically located on the only land bridge between the empires of Mesopotamia and Egypt. This led to many invasions and much political maneuvering. The believer’s inheritance is not affected by earthly conflict.

1. it is “imperishable” or “secure from invasion”

2. it is “undefiled” or “not worn out”

3. it will “not fade away”; there is no time limit on its possession

“reserved in heaven for you” This is a perfect passive participle, which means God has guarded and continues to guard believers’ inheritance. This is a military term for a guarded or garrisoned fortress (cf. Php 4:7).

The term “heaven” is plural. This reflects the Hebrew plural. Ancient Hebrew had many plural nouns which may have been a way of emphasizing them (e.g. the later rabbinical use of the plural of Majesty used for God). The rabbis debated whether there were three levels of heaven (cf. Deu 10:14; 1Ki 8:27; Neh 9:6; 2Co 12:2) or seven heavens because seven is the perfect number (cf. Gen 2:1-3).

1Pe 1:5 “who are protected by the power of God” This is a present passive participle. As our inheritance (spiritual life) is guarded, so, too, is our person (physical life). God’s person and promises encompass every aspect of our lives. This was such a needed and helpful word of encouragement in a time of persecution, suffering, and false teaching (cf. 2 Peter). This is not to imply that believers will not be killed and tortured; rather God was with them and for them and ultimately they are victors through Him. This is theologically similar to the message of the book of Revelation.

“through faith” Notice the covenantal paradox. God is guarding them and their inheritance, but they must remain in faith. It is the tension between these biblical dialectical pairs (i.e., God’s sovereignty and human free will) which has caused the development of theological systems emphasizing only one side of the paradox. Both sides are biblical; both sides are necessary! God deals with humans by means of unconditional (God providing) and conditional (individual’s responding) covenants.

“a salvation ready to be revealed” The Bible uses all Greek verb tenses to describe salvation. We will not be fully, completely saved until Resurrection Day (cf. 1Jn 3:2). This is often called our glorification (cf. Rom 8:29-30). See Special Topic below.

SPECIAL TOPIC: SALVATION (GREEK VERB TENSES)

“in the last time” This is the later Jewish concept of two ages, but from the New Testament we realize that these two ages are overlapped. The last days began at the Incarnation in Bethlehem and will conclude at the Second Coming. We have been in the last days for almost two millennia. See SPECIAL TOPIC: THIS AGE AND THE AGE TO COME at Mar 13:8.

1Pe 1:6

NASB”In this you greatly rejoice”

NKJV”In this you rejoice”

NRSV

(footnote)”Rejoice in this”

TEV”Be glad about this”

NJB”This is great joy to you”

This is a present middle indicative (A. T. Robertson) or imperative (Barbara and Timothy Friberg). Believers continue to exalt because of their secure relationship with God (cf. 1Pe 1:3-5) even amidst a fallen world (cf. Jas 1:2-4; 1Th 5:16; Rom 5:3; Rom 8:18).

“even though now for a little while” The trials and persecutions of the present cannot compare with eternity with our Lord (cf. Rom 8:18).

“if necessary you have been distressed by various trials” This is the Greek term dei, which means required or necessary, connected to a conditional sentence. There is an assumed “to be” verb which would make it a periphrastic first class conditional, which is assumed to be true. Peter assumes that godly living will result in persecution. He repeats this theme of persecution often (cf. 1Pe 1:6-7; 1Pe 2:19; 1Pe 3:14-17; 1Pe 4:1; 1Pe 4:12-14; 1Pe 4:19; 1Pe 5:9).

“you have been distressed” This is an aorist passive participle. The unexpressed agent of the passive voice is the evil one; God uses even evil for His good purposes. Even Jesus Himself was perfected by the things He suffered (cf. Heb 5:8-9). Suffering serves a needed goal in the life of faith!

The theological dilemma is that suffering has three possible sources

1. the evil one

2. a fallen world

3. God

a. for temporal punishment of sin

b. for Christlike maturity

The problem is I never know which one it is! So I choose to believe that if it comes, yea when it comes, God will use it for His purposes. My favorite book in this area is Hannah Whithall Smith’s The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life.

“by various trials” This Greek adjective means variegated or multicolored (cf. Jas 1:2). There are many types of trials, temptations, and persecutions. In 1Pe 4:10 the same term is used to describe the variegated graces of God. We never are tried and tempted beyond His provision (cf. 1Co 10:13).

1Pe 1:7 “so that the proof of your faith” This is a hina or purpose clause. Suffering does strengthen faith. Throughout the Bible, God has tested His children (cf. Gen 22:1; Exo 15:22-25; Exo 16:4; Deu 8:2; Deu 8:16; Deu 13:3; Jdg 2:22; 2Ch 32:31; Mat 4:1; Luk 4:1-2; Rom 5:2-4; Heb 5:8-9; Jas 1:2-4).

This verse has the noun dikimon and the participle of dikimaz, both of which have the connotation of testing with a view towards strengthening and thereby approval. See Special Topic on Greek Terms for “Testing” and their Connotations at Mar 1:13 b.

“being more precious than gold” In this life our greatest gift to God is our faith (cf. Joh 20:27; 2Co 4:17). In eternity faith is changed to sight. God is honored and pleased when by faith we endure trials caused by our faith in Him (cf. 1Pe 4:12-16). Spiritual growth only comes through tested faith (cf. Rom 5:2-5; Heb 12:11; Jas 1:2-4).

“the revelation of Jesus Christ” This same word (apokalupsis) is used as the title for the last book of the NT, Revelation. It means “to uncover,” “fully disclose,” or “make known.” Here it refers to the Second Coming, a common theme in Peter’s writings (cf. 1Pe 1:7; 1Pe 1:13; 1Pe 2:12; 1Pe 4:13; 1Pe 5:4).

1Pe 1:8 “and though you have not seen Him” Even amidst suffering believers are to trust in Him. Jesus prayed for those who believe in Him but have never seen Him in Joh 17:20; Joh 20:29.

“but believe in Him” The etymological background of this term helps establish the contemporary meaning. Remember the NT authors were Hebrew thinkers writing in Koine Greek. In Hebrew it originally referred to a person in a stable stance, (his feet positioned so he could not be pushed over). It came to be used metaphorically for someone who was dependable, loyal, or trustworthy. The Greek equivalent (pistis or pisteu) is translated into English by the terms “faith,” “believe,” and “trust.” Biblical faith or trust is not primarily something we do, but someone in whom we put our trust. It is God’s trustworthiness, not ours, which is the focus. Fallen mankind trusts God’s trustworthiness, faiths His faithfulness, believes in His Beloved and in His provision. The focus is not on the abundance or intensity of human faith, but the object of that faith (cf. 1Pe 1:8; 1Pe 1:21; 1Pe 2:6-7). See Special Topic at Mar 1:15.

“you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible” The term “greatly rejoice” was used earlier in 1Pe 1:6. It refers to an intense joy usually accompanied with physical expressions such as shouting, dancing, etc. (cf. Luk 1:44; Luk 1:47; Luk 10:21; Joh 5:35; Joh 8:56). This joy, which Peter speaks of, is found even amidst suffering (cf. 1Pe 4:13; Rom 5:3; 1Th 5:17). This joy is one of the unexpected blessings of the Spirit in times of testing and persecution.

“full of glory” This is a perfect passive participle. Believers by faith (not sight yet) burst out with both inexpressible joy and full glory! This joy and glory cannot be hidden. It is a flowing fountain produced by the Spirit (cf. Joh 4:14; Joh 7:38). It is a witness to the power of the gospel to all who come into contact with gospel people under pressure. See SPECIAL TOPIC: GLORY (DOXA) at Mar 10:37.

1Pe 1:9 “obtaining as the outcome of your faith” This is a present middle participle. This implies that our joy is not only a future consummation, but also a present reality even amidst suffering because of the Triune God’s actions on our behalf (cf. 1Pe 1:2).

“the salvation of your souls” This refers to our glorification. Salvation is viewed in the NT as a decision made (aorist tense, cf. Rom 8:24), but also as an ongoing process (present tense, cf. 1Co 1:18; 1Co 15:2; 1Th 4:14) with a future consummation (i.e., future tense, cf. Rom 5:9-10; Rom 10:9). See Special Topic at 1Pe 1:5. This future aspect is often characterized as “glorification” (cf. Rom 8:29-30). Believers will one day see Jesus as He is and be changed into His likeness (cf. 1Jn 3:2).

The Greek term psuch (soul) is used often in Peter’s writings (cf. 1Pe 1:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Pe 2:11; 1Pe 2:25; 1Pe 3:20; 1Pe 4:19; 2Pe 2:8; 2Pe 2:14). It is used as a Hebraic idiom for the entire person. Humans are not two-part or three-part beings, but a single unity (cf. Gen 2:7). It is true that we as humans relate to this planet, because we are made in the image and likeness of God, we relate to the spiritual realm. We are citizens of two realms.

It is inappropriate to build a systematic theology on 1Th 5:23 and Heb 4:12 and thereby try to relate all biblical texts into these three categories (body, soul, and spirit). They simply refer to the whole person and the penetrating power of the word of God. Be careful of someone claiming that the key to the whole Bible is found in two oblique texts, proof-texted out of context and made into a theological grid through which to view all Scripture (Watchman Nee). If this was a key the Spirit would have placed it in a clear teaching context and would have repeated it often. The Bible is not a book of riddles or brain teasers! God wants to communicate with us and major truths are found in clear teaching contexts.

CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS INTO 1 Peter 1 :1Pe 1:10-21

A. 1Pe 1:10-12 deals with the Old Testament prophets’ knowledge of NT salvation in Christ.

B. “The Spirit” through the prophets, reveals three things to believers in 1Pe 1:11-12.

1. the suffering of the Messiah (Gen 3:15; Psalms 22; Isa 52:13 to Isa 53:12)

2. the glory that will follow (Isaiah 56-66)

3. the prophets were speaking of more than just their own day (i.e., Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Micah, Zechariah)

C. In 1Pe 1:13-17, Peter asks believers to do six things to protect themselves

1. gird their minds, 1Pe 1:13

2. keep sober in spirit, 1Pe 1:13

3. fix their hope on end-time grace, 1Pe 1:13

4. do not be conformed to present age, 1Pe 1:14

5. live holy lives, 1Pe 1:15

6. live in respect of God, 1Pe 1:17

7. fervently love one another (seventh added from 1Pe 1:22)

Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley

Blessed, &c. See 2Co 1:3. Eph 1:3.

Lord. App-98.

hath begotten . . . again = begat . . . again. Greek. anagennao. Only here and 1Pe 1:23.

lively = living. The hope of living again, because it is by His resurrection.

resurrection. App-178.

from the dead. App-139.

Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics

3-12.] The Apostle begins, much after the manner of St. Paul in the opening of his Epistles, with giving thanks to God for the greatness of the blessings of salvation; thus paving the way for the exhortations which are to follow. And herein, he directs his readers look, first, forward into the future (1Pe 1:3-9); then backward into the past (1Pe 1:10-12).

Fuente: The Greek Testament

1Pe 1:3. , blessed) The sentiment is, God has regenerated us. The Mode[2] (expression of feeling) is added, that is to say, an expression of thanks.-, the Father) The whole of this Epistle closely agrees with the Lords prayer, and especially with its earlier clauses. Let the sentiments be compared with one another, in their proper order.

[2] See Append. of Techn. Terms on SERMO MODALIS.

Father;1Pe 1:3; 1Pe 1:14; 1Pe 1:17; 1Pe 1:23; 1Pe 2:2.

Our; 1Pe 1:4, at the end.

In heaven; The same.

Hallowed be thy name. 1Pe 1:15-16; 1Pe 3:15.

Thy kingdom come. 1Pe 2:9.

Thy will be done. 1Pe 2:15; 1Pe 3:17; 1Pe 4:2; 1Pe 4:19.

Daily bread. 1Pe 5:7.

Forgiveness of sins. 1Pe 4:8; 1Pe 4:1.

Temptation. 1Pe 4:12.

Deliverance. 1Pe 4:18.

And Peter expressly makes many references to prayer itself, ch. 1Pe 3:7, 1Pe 4:7.- , according to His mercy) We had been in a wretched state: Eph 2:1-2.-, who has regenerated us) 1Pe 1:23; 1Pe 2:2. [From this place to 1Pe 2:10, St Peter recounts the things which GOD has done for our benefit; and from that provision for our salvation he derives most efficacious admonitions to hope, 1Pe 1:3-13; to sanctification and fear in believing, 14-21; to love, 22-2:10; introducing now and then most sweetly doctrine concerning Christ.-V. g.]-, to) A remarkable Anaphora [repetition in beginnings. Append.]: to hope, to an inheritance, to salvation.- , to a living hope) This hope is a heavenly inheritance, 1Pe 1:4 : and it is termed living, because it springs forth and flourishes from the resurrection of Christ. Peter frequently uses the epithet living, 1Pe 1:2-8; 1Pe 2:4-5; and he makes mention of hope, 1Pe 1:13; 1Pe 1:21; 1Pe 3:5; 1Pe 3:15. Comp. the epithets in the following verse. To hope, moreover, he joins faith and love, 1Pe 1:8; 1Pe 1:21-22.- , by the resurrection) This depends upon the word living. Comp. 1Pe 1:21.

Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament

1Pe 1:3-5

EULOGY AND THANKSGIVING

1Pe 1:3-5

Preparatory to the introduction of the general theme of the epistle–patience in trial and hope for the future–Peter praised the Father for the reestablishment of their faith by the resurrection of Christ, for the living hope they now experienced through it, for the inheritance reserved in heaven for them, and for the promise of preservation that was theirs. Verses 3-5 emphasize the functions of the Father, verses 6-9 the activities of the Son, and verses 10-12 the participation of the Holy Spirit in these matters.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, –Here, as elsewhere in Peter’s epistles, there is striking correspondence with sentiments expressed by Paul (2Co 1:3 Eph 1:3), indicating familiarity with Paul’s writings. It is certain that Peter was acquainted with some of the epistles of Paul (2Pe 3:15-16), and his frequent reproduction of phrases characteristic of that apostle reveals that he was influenced thereby.

“Blessed” is from the Greek eulogetos from which we derive our English words, “eulogy,” “eulogize.” The term occurs also in Rom 1:25; Rom 9:5; 2Co 1:3 and Eph 1:3. New Testament writers use it with reference to God only, though a participial form of it is sometimes applied to men. The word means to speak well of another; to praise. It is not the same word as that translated “blessed” in the beatitudes. (Mat 5:3-11.) There, the word is makarios, “spiritual prosperity.”

Who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, –The emphasis in this verse is on the word again. Peter and the other disciples of Jesus had been spiritually begotten before, but in the tragic hours of the Lord’s condemnation and death their faith had failed and was not revived until the full impact and implications of the resurrection struck them with its irresistible force. The reference here is, therefore, to the reestablishment of the faith of the disciples by the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Peter, along with all of the disciples, clung tenaciously to the view that Jesus would restore the Jewish political state and establish himself as an earthly ruler on the throne thereof, in Jerusalem. When he allowed himself to fall into the hands of the Romans and to die on the cross, the hope of the disciples was blasted and their faith failed. The attitude of all of them was feelingly expressed in the words of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, when they sadly commented, “But we hoped that it was he who should redeem Israel.” (Luk 23:21.) Peter, his faith gone, returned to his nets. But, though his hopes died with Christ on the cross, and were buried with him in Joseph’s tomb, they surged to new life, and to “a living hope” by the resurrection of the Lord from the dead. Peter describes this resurgence to hope by the word “living,” in contrast to the temporal and perishable expectations of men which, however attractive and alluring, will, with all earthly things, inevitably fail. In the quickening to new faith and life, Peter saw an exhibition of God’s “great mercy.” Unbelievers all, and apostates from the faith, they were utterly unworthy of the rich provisions of grace so wondrously afforded them, and he attributed it all to the “great mercy of God.”

The word “hope,” or its equivalents, occurs often in Peter’s phraseology. It was a sentiment especially precious to those who were suffering severe persecution (1Pe 4:12), and it buoyed them up with the expectation of deliverance in the by and by. If it is proper to style John the apostle of love, and Paul the apostle of faith, it is eminently true that Peter may be regarded as the apostle of hope. It is significant that the word “hope” does not occur in the books of Matthew, Mark or Luke. In the classical writers the word here translated “hope” means no more than expectation, the element of desire being absent. It is through the influence of Christianity, and primarily the resurrection of Christ, that to the expectation a desire for better things was added to constitute Christian hope.

4 Unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away,–While verse three deals primarily with the renewal of faith which the apostles and other disciples experienced as a result of the resurrection of Jesus, Peter’s words appear to have an extended application and to apply in a secondary sense to all who have been born again. (Joh 3:3-5; Jas 1:18; 1Co 4:16; 1Pe 1:23.) The new birth (Joh 3:5), and the relationship of children which is implied in it, suggests an inheritance awaiting. In this relationship, his children are his heirs and joint heirs with the Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom 8:17.) The figure of an inheritance to indicate future blessings is a common one to New Testament writers. (Act 20:32; Gal 3:18; Eph 1:14; Eph 1:18, and often elsewhere.)

(1) The inheritance which awaits the faithful children of God is “incorruptible” (aphthartos, immortal, imperishable, undying, enduring), and thus not affected by the lapse of ages. It is wholly unlike all earthly inheritances which, however attractive and satisfying for a time, must inevitably yield to dissolution and decay. Only the inheritance which we shall receive from the Father is incorruptible, for it alone is eternal.

(2) The inheritance is also “undefiled” (amiantos, unstained, unsoiled, therefore, pure and chaste. This word also appears in Hob. 7:26, where it is used to describe the undefilement characteristic of Jesus, our High Priest. Being undefiled, the inheritance does not partake of the contamination characteristic of the inheritance of men. The earthly Canaan was not able to escape this defilement (Lev 18:27-28), but into the heavenly Canaan nothing shall ever enter to defile or make it unclean (Rev 21:27).

(3) The inheritance is “unfading.” The words, “that fadeth not away” are translated from the beautiful word amarantos, that which does not fade, or wither. The amaranth was a fabled flower whose bloom was perpetual, and whose loveliness never faded. The inheritance which awaits the children of God will not deteriorate, nor will passing ages render it less desirable or attractive. There is an assonance obtaining between the words translated “undefiled” and “that fadeth not away,” which does not appear in English, but which may be reproduced by the English reader by pronouncing slowly the words, am i an tos and am a ran tos. The feebleness of conception characteristic of us with reference to that which awaits in the next world is indicated by the fact that the sacred writer, in describing some of its features, could only explain that it is not like the things with which we are familiar here.

Reserved in heaven for you,–Hence, not available in this life. Eternal life–the inheritance of the people of God–is not a present possession, but a promise, the realization of which must await our entrance into the world to come. (Mar 10:30; Tit 1:2; 1Jn 2:25.) This inheritance is “reserved” (tereo, to keep in watchful custody) “in heaven,” and is, therefore, not a promise the enjoyment of which will be on earth, as premillennialists contend. The saint’s future abode is in heaven, which Jesus has gone to prepare. (Joh 14:2.)

5 Who by the power of God are guarded through faith,– The children of God are thus (a) guarded; (b) guarded by (literally in) the power of God; and (c) guarded through faith. “Guarded” is from phrouomenous, present participle of phrouoreo, to protect with a garrison, or military guard. The term thus has a military connotation, and as used here, metaphorically suggests a band of soldiers thrown about the faithful to protect and to guarantee their safety so long as they remain within the stockade of faith! The present tense indicates action in progress, and the guarding is, therefore, continuous and unfailing. It is exercised by (in) the power (dunamis, from which is derived our words, dynamic, dynamo, dynamite) of God, a statement reminiscent of Rom 1:16, where we are informed that the “gospel is the power of God unto salvation”; and the guarding is through faith, and not by an independent operation of God’s power, apart from human participation or effort. It is possible for one’s faith to fail (Luk 22:31-32), a fact with which Peter was painfully conscious and there is an important sense in which one must keep himself in the love of God (Jud 1:21). Those whose faith endures are guarded effectively against the assaults of Satan, all others suffering defeat at his hands, as did Peter when his faith failed. This passage, far from teaching the impossibility of apostasy, establishes, by implication, its very definite possibility.

Unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time, –The salvation here contemplated is not that promised in Mar 16:15-16, that salvation being limited to past, or alien sins, but to the salvation of the soul in heaven. It is the equivalent of “the glory which shall be revealed to usward,” at the revelation “of the sons of God.” (Rom 8:18-19.) This salvation is not available here, and cannot be enjoyed until the last day. Verse 5 contains a warning as well as a glorious and blessed assurance. While it assures us that the Father protects his heirs, even as he guards their inheritance, it also reveals that those who cease to believe will be excluded from the inheritance.

Commentary on 1Pe 1:3-5 by N.T. Caton

1Pe 1:3-Blessed be God.

The writer breaks forth in this ejaculation of thankfulness to God for the exhibition of his mercy to the children of men. It is called an abundant mercy; that is, an overflowing mercy, a great mercy. It is a marvelous mercy that God should beget us again to a lively hope-a living hope, not a dead hope. Being begotten of God, we are his children, and as children we have this living hope-a glorious hope of a blessed, eternal existence by or through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. By the resurrection of Christ from the dead, his divinity is demonstrated, and on this our hope is based.

1Pe 1:4-To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled.

Here the apostle describes that for which we hope, and he adds to the same the fact that the elect are heirs. The word “inheritance” conveys the idea of heirship. Think of it, ye elect-heirs of God, joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit, by the pen of Peter, uses no superfluous or misleading words. Notice, then, we are begotten again unto a lively or living hope, not only to an eternal existence, but we as the elect are heirs to an inheritance, and that inheritance is described as, first, incorruptible; second, as undefiled, and, third, as unfading. What a glorious hope! What a weighty incentive to fidelity to the cause of Christ! Here let our progress be slow and observant.

1Pe 1:4 –Incorruptible.

This is, imperishable. The grandest achievements of human genius give way to the withering touch of time. So of everything in this earth-life. This we all know by observation. Now, in bold contrast to this, in Christ we are assured that our divine inheritance as the elect is not thus liable to decay, but is imperishable.

1Pe 1:4 –Undefiled.

That is, it is unstained by sin. What a stimulus to the struggling saint in his earth-life when he knows assuredly that, when once in possession of his divine inheritance, he reaches a condition in which he is above the power of sin.

1Pe 1:4 –Fadeth not away.

The divine inheritance of the elect has and possesses a beauty that is imperishable; possesses absolute permanence. The fountain of immortal youth is there, and in all the universe of God to be found there, and there alone.

1Pe 1:4 –Reserved in heaven for you.

The Syriac has it, “Which is prepared for you in heaven.” How forcibly the glorious promise of the Master is here brought to our notice: “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, ye may be also” (Joh 14:2-3).

1Pe 1:5-Who are kept by the power of God.

Kept; that is, guarded. God, by his revealed will, has made provisions by which his elect are kept or guarded or defended against the prince of evil and all of his instrumentalities, through their faith.

1Pe 1:5 –Unto salvation.

Final salvation or deliverance. This is the evident thought from the language that follows: “Ready to be revealed in the last time.” Some maintain that this referred to a salvation or deliverance when Jerusalem should be destroyed. This destruction the Savior foretold. (Mat 24:16.) This is true, and the prophecy can only apply to those Jews living at Jerusalem at the time the same should be destroyed by Titus. By observing the admonition of the Savior, the Christian Jews would escape, and their salvation or deliverance from destruction be assured. Here, however, Peter addresses Jews in dispersion and not those in Jerusalem.

Commentary on 1Pe 1:3-5 by Burton Coffman

1Pe 1:3 –Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ … The fountainhead of all blessing and salvation is God himself; and by these words Peter showed that Christianity was in no sense a departure from the God of Israel and of the Hebrew patriarchs, but was still a worship of that same God through the acceptance of God’s only begotten Son; for the same God who is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is the very one who has begotten us.

According to his great mercy … Every hope of eternal life, of forgiveness of sins, of every conceivable measure of salvation – all hope springs ultimately from the unmerited favor and mercy of an almighty God.

Begat us again unto a living hope … This makes God the Father of every Christian, the means by which that hope is conveyed to them being the new birth, of which Peter will shortly speak again.

By the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead … This does not deny that Christians are born again through obeying the word of God (1Pe 1:22), but refers to the source of that word, Jesus Christ, and the mighty act wrought by God in his resurrection of our Saviour from the tomb, the same being the enabling charter, the vast achievement which made the salvation of people possible. Thus it is quite correct to say that Christians are born again by the resurrection of Christ from the dead.

Furthermore, it is most appropriate that the apostle Peter would have focused upon the resurrection at the very outset; because, as Hunter said, “The resurrection had made all new in Peter’s life, had turned tragedy into triumph; so it is altogether fitting that his epistle should begin with this paean of it.”[10]

The word “blessed” as used of God in this verse is a special word, “consecrated to God alone in the New Testament”;[11] and it is utterly different from the term “blessed” as used in the beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount. Kelcy informs us that the word reserved for God is [@eulogetos]; and the other one is [@makarios],[12] both of which, however, are translated “blessed” in the common versions.

[10] Archibald M. Hunter, op. cit., p. 92.

[11] A. J. Mason, op. cit., p. 388.

[12] Raymond C. Kelcy, op. cit., p. 20.

1Pe 1:4 –unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

Here again the continuing contrast between the old and new Israel is in view. The inheritance that pertained to the old Israel was their literal possession of the land of Canaan; and in speaking of the marvelous reward that shall at last result from the Christian life, Peter called it an inheritance. Also, in the case of Christians, it is really an inheritance, something they are born into, through means of the new birth, just as the Israelites who possessed Canaan received it through their being the actual posterity of Abraham. Four things are stated with reference to that glorious inheritance.

Incorruptible … Paul also spoke of the Christian’s inheritance (Eph 1:14; Col 3:24), and all of the sacred writers extolled the virtues of it. Canaan, the inheritance of the old Israel, had indeed been corrupted; foreign enemies invaded it and subjected the people to slavery; evil kings arose from themselves who oppressed and devoured the land; but the heavenly inheritance cannot be corrupted. There seems also to be in this word a remembrance of what Jesus said about moth and rust corrupting earthly wealth (Mat 6:19 ff). Even the very best of earthly treasures are destined to failure and decay at last when not even the earth itself shall stand.

And undefiled … The old Israel’s inheritance (Canaan) had been indeed defiled. Again and again the people had fallen into idolatry; oppression of the poor was everywhere; even the sacred temple itself had not been exempt from the heel of the invader and the pollution of the most holy altar by the sacrifice of a sow.

And that fadeth not away … The fading nature of all earthly and temporal things contrasts with the eternal reward of the saints in Christ Jesus. No matter what wealth, honor, power, glory, popularity, beauty, or success may come to one on earth, it is only for a moment. All of the strength, achievement, and desire of mortals quickly end in the tomb, fading away, and are soon forgotten by the fleeting generations of people; but not so the everlasting inheritance of the saints in light.

Reserved in heaven for you … It is reserved for them who shall be entitled to it; it will be there ready for them; none other shall preempt it or take it away from them. Notice the emphasis upon heaven. Peter had heard the Master say, “Great is your reward in heaven” (Mat 5:10-12). The essential “other-worldliness” of the Christian faith shines in a passage like this, where the pilgrims, sojourners, and citizens of heaven are called to contemplate the eternal nature of their ultimate reward, the glory of the everlasting inheritance.

1Pe 1:5 –who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

“The word guarded here is a military term,”[13] Christians are garrisoned by the power of God and are safeguarded by the Father himself. Of course, the Christians themselves, under the terms of the Father’s will, contribute to that safety. How? The next phrase explains how.

Through faith … This cannot bear the meaning that the Christian’s sole act of believing provides any safety. “Faith” as used here means “staunch fidelity” as well as trustfulness.[14] Barnes summarized the thought of this verse thus:

The idea is that there was a faithful guardianship exercised over them to save them from danger, as a castle or garrison is watched to guard it against the approach of an enemy.[15]

A salvation ready to be revealed in the last time … Despite the fact of many New Testament writers using the expression “the last days” to mean the Christian dispensation, “the last time” here has reference to the final judgment day when Christ will raise the dead and summon all people to the judgment of the White Throne. As Wheaton noted:

In these verses salvation is seen in all its tenses (past, present and future), Christians have been born anew by the mercy of God, are being guarded by the power of God, and look forward to obtaining complete deliverance from all evil in the last time.[16]

[13] Ibid., p. 23.

[14] A. J. Mason, op. cit., p. 389.

[15] Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament, Peter (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1953), p. 114.

[16] Archibald M. Hunter, op. cit., p. 92.

Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary

A Living Hope

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.1Pe 1:3.

There is something strange to our ears at the present day both in what these words say and in the joyful, fearless tone in which they say it. We have been born and bred in the faith that Jesus Christ, who was crucified on Calvary, rose from the dead on the third day. We have also been born and bred in the faith that, when our bodies are shut up in a coffin and buried in a grave in the churchyard, that is not the end of us, but that we shall rise again to a future life. Once more, we have been born and bred in the faith that Christs rising from the dead at Jerusalem more than eighteen hundred years ago is in some way an assurance of our rising from the dead, and that therefore our hopes of a future life are naturally brought to mind by Easter Day more than by any other day of the year. All this we take rather as a matter of course. But it does not seem to bring us much nearer to St. Peters state of mind. We are willing perhaps to allow that thanks are due to God for not leaving us to perish utterly with the decay of our present bodies like sheep or cattle; but we find it hard to join quite honestly in so warmly blessing the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for it. We scarcely think of it as mercy, much less as great mercy. We should hardly of our own accord call our own feeling a lively or living hope. Above all, we cannot enter into that very peculiar saying of St. Peter, that God has begotten us again to a living hope by His Sons resurrection. It is not hard to understand how our rising from the dead to a better life might be truly called a second birth; and in that case God who will raise us from the dead might well be spoken of as begetting us again. But this is not what St. Peter says. The new life for which he blesses God is something given to us already: and its great mark is that it is a life of glowing hope.

The subject is our living hope. Take it in three divisions

I.The Source of our Hope

II.The Means of it.

III.The Nature of it.

I

The Source of our Living Hope

Its source, says St. Peter, is the mercy of God. He calls Gods mercy the great (A.V. abundant) mercy; and he calls God the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. And he blesses God for it. So we have here a blessing upon the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ on account of His great mercy.

1. Blessed.There is a distinction maintained in Scripture between blessed as applied to God, and blessed as applied to men. Although we are obliged to use the same term for both in our language, they are distinct in the Greek. That which is applied to God means to be pronounced blessed; that which is applied to men means to be made blessed. Christians are blessed in the sense that they receive blessings; God is blessed in the sense that He receives, not blessings, but praises. This formula of praise is applicable only to Him from whom are all things.

2. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.Of all the aspects and attributes of the great God, that which first leaps to the lips of this Apostle is, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. How real and vivid was spiritual life in those primitive Christians. Faith really dominated. Farm and merchandise receded into the background, and the relations of the soul with God and eternity bounded to the front. And mark how St. Peter finds it possible to draw near to God: he takes refuge in the Mediator. When he sees God as the giver of the unspeakable Gift, he comes forward with boldness. In point of fact, unless we recognize Him in that character, we cannot relish Him in any. How shall he not also with him freely give us all things? These men were skilful. They knew where consolation lay; they grasped God by His title of Father of our Lord Jesus, and were enabled to cling in fond confidence as dear children.

A father is one who, because of love, chooses to give of himself, of his own life, that there may be another one, made in his own image, with whom he may have fellowship in spirit, and partnership in service. And whatever some of our scholarly friends may do with the simple Genesis story of creation, it is impossible to get away from this, that its direct purpose was to let us know that God really fathered man. He was moved by love. He chose to have us made. He gave of His own life that we might come into life; and yet more, that we might come into His own sort of life, life like His, and that we should be in His own likeness in our life.

And if there be any doubt at all about this it disappears entirely as we stand on the foot of the hill of the Cross. A father gives of his life at the first that his child may come into life; then he gives constantly that his child may grow into fulness of matured life. And in any emergency that may arise he unhesitatingly gives of his life again, to the extreme of giving it out, that his child may be saved from death.

It was Jesus who taught us to call God Father. The word was used before, but it was used very little. He taught us the blessed habit of using that word for God. But He did infinitely more than teach us the use of a word, even of that great word. He acted the father part for God on Calvary.1 [Note: S. D. Gordon, Quiet Talks on Home Ideals, 140.]

3. According to His great mercy.It is manifest that this living hope can only be of Divine bestowment; it is at once too lofty and too lasting to come from meaner hands. And it is the gift of God to those who receive the Gospel of His Son. Faith in Christ produces it, and in proportion to the intensity of the faith does the hope increase and brighten. Now we must never forget that, like every other spiritual blessing, it is not of debt, but of grace. It is not of our prescriptive or unforfeited right, but according to His great mercy. None of those who have realized the hope will deny that its source is the mercy of God. Their conception of sin is too deep, they are too enlightened upon the magnitude of their deliverance, to hesitate upon the matter for a moment. The brow of the sceptical may darken, and the pride of the carnal may rebel; but if you interrogate the godly, you will find that his will is submissive, and his heart is full. The penitent, who has but recently believed, who yet shudders as if he felt the sliding eartha blasphemer, a persecutor, injurioustells you, amid grateful tears, but I obtained mercy. The white-haired saint, as, just ready to depart, he surveys from the Nebo-summit the whole path of his difficult climbing, gasps out his latest testimony, By the grace of God, I am what I am. The blessed ones, whose long experience of the golden streets has made them at home in heaven, fling down upon us without ceasing the melody of the same eternal song:Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.

The great question that presses upon the human mind, from age to age, is the inquiry: Is God a merciful Being, and will He show mercy? Living as we do under the light of Revelation, we know little of the doubts and fears that spontaneously rise in the guilty human soul when it is left solely to the light of nature to answer it. With the Bible in our hands, and hearing the good news of redemption from our earliest years, it seems a matter of course that the Deity should pardon sin. Nay, a certain class of men in Christendom seem to have come to the opinion that it is more difficult to prove that God is just than to prove that He is merciful. But this is not the thought and feeling of man when outside of the pale of Revelation. Go into the ancient pagan world, examine the theologizing of the Greek and Roman mind, and you will discover that the fears of the justice far outnumbered the hopes of the mercy; that Plato and Plutarch and Cicero and Tacitus were far more certain that God would punish sin, than that He would pardon it. This is the reason that there is no light, or joy, in any of the pagan religions. Except when religion was converted into the worship of Beauty, as in the instance of the later Greek, and all the solemn and truthful ideas of law and justice were eliminated from it, every one of the natural religions of the globe is filled with sombre and gloomy hues, and no others. The truest and best religions of the ancient world were always the sternest and saddest, because the unaided human mind is certain that God is just, but is not certain that He is merciful. When man is outside of Revelation, it is by no means a matter of course that God is clement, and that sin shall be forgiven. Great uncertainty overhangs the doctrine of the Divine mercy, from the position of natural religion, and it is only within the province of revealed truth that the uncertainty is removed. Apart from a distinct and direct promise from the lips of God Himself that He will forgive sin, no human creature can be sure that sin will ever be forgiven.1 [Note: W. G. T. Shedd, Sermons to the Natural Man, 359.]

II

The Means of our Living Hope

It is by means of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead that we obtain our living hope. But we are said not simply to obtain it but to be begotten again to it.

1. We are begotten again to a living hope.These words speak of a change which can be described only in language to which nothing in human experience can possibly answer. There is no such thing in nature as being begotten again, as a new and second birth. That word regeneration, which from Scripture and the Church has passed into the common phraseology of historical and political speculation, involves in its proper meaning an impossible conceptionthe conception of life once begun, beginning again; and it is no wonder that Nicodemus, with his thoughts moulded and limited by experience and custom, stumbled at it. But nothing less than this strange and violent word would suffice to express the change which the Incarnation of the Eternal Son was to work in the souls of men. And no less a word will suffice for the Apostle, to express the change made in the condition and prospects of Gods chosen by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Here, as in so many other cases, we are not startled, we are not struck, from the long effect of use and habit. These amazing words of Scripture we have heard all our life long; the language in which Prophets and Apostles set forth the wonderful works of God has been before our mindsminds often inattentive, often wandering, and anyhow seldom adequately alive to its full import. In Gods great goodness, these words have been made to us current coin; but, as in current coin, the sharpness and freshness of their first impress has been worn away by long familiarity, by the sin and the misuse of centuries, by the irreverence and unfaithfulness of human custom. If we could be carried back to the days when they were writtenif we could hear or read an Epistle of St. Paul or St. Peter, as its words fell for the first time or the second on the ears of those to whom it was originally written, and who were living in the midst of the things and events to which it referredlanguage which we now listen to with so languid an interest would take our minds captive with astonishment; what seems so trite, so tame, so vague, would start in every syllable into life and definite meaning and overpowering surprise; we should feel that we were hearing or reading of things never yet spoken of by the tongues of men, or of thoughts too mighty even for inspired minds.

The language is indeed astonishing, but not more astonishing than that which it represents. That which had come to pass in this world of ours when Jesus Christ died on the Cross and rose from the dead on the third daythat change of all beliefs, all suppositions, all hopes, all motivesthat great change required a new outfit of words for its expression. To those who could not break with what they had been accustomed to, who could not imagine it possible that the Son of God could die for men, that any breathing mortal breath could come back from the grave, the new language was simply unintelligibleunto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness. But to those who did believe it, even the loftiest and most startling language must have seemed too weak: nothing but that sustained tone of expression, raised to its highest power and boldest strain, which prevails without exception throughout the Epistles of the New Testament, could in any degree correspond to what had now become the supreme realities of mens existence. To speak of a new creation, to speak of death being swallowed up in victory, of life and immortality being brought to light, of men being born again into the sonship, and household, and inheritance of Godall this to them was no extravagance of Eastern rhetoric, but the plain words of truth and soberness. Such a change as had been in the order of things here, when Christ died and rose again, more than authorized it. How could such things happen, and all things not be made new? The anomaly would have been that men should have seen and should believe such wonders, and yet should speak only in the language to which the world had been accustomed before such things had happened.

The word is peculiar to St. Peter; it is repeated in 1Pe 1:23 : Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. In another form it occurs 1Pe 2:2 : As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word (cf. Luk 10:21). Perhaps St. Peter was not present when our Lord discussed the new birth with Nicodemus. He certainly was present on a later occasion described in St. Mar 9:33 : And Jesus came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. The house in Capernaum was probably Peters house; and the child, if not probably, at least very possibly, Peters child. The lesson of child-like simplicity inculcated both here and in the following chapter of St. Mark, where we read of Jesus blessing the infants and saying, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein, was not lost upon St. Peter. It bears fruit in this letter of his old age.1 [Note: H. A. Birks, Studies in the Life and Character of St. Peter, 226.]

This is one of the unique phrases of the Christian vocabulary. It is not to be found in systems of thought which are alien from the Christian religion. It is not to be found in the vocabulary of any of the modern schools which are severed from the facts and forces of the Christian faith. The emphasis of their teaching gathers round about terms of quite a different order, such as culture, training, discipline, education, evolution. The Christian religion has also much to say about the process of evolution. It dwells at length upon the ministries of growth, training, increasing, putting on, perfecting. But while it emphasizes growth, it directs our attention to birth. While it magnifies the necessity of wise culture, it proclaims the necessity of good seed. So while the Bible lags behind no school in urging the importance of liberal culture, it stands alone in proclaiming the necessity of right germs. You cannot by culture develop the thorn-bush into a laden vine. You cannot by the most exquisite discipline evolve the natural man into the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. If we had to do merely with perverted growths, then the trainer and pruner might twist the crooked straight. But we are confronted with more than perverted growths, we have to do with the corrupt and rotting seed. And so the Christian religion raises the previous question. It begins its ministry at a stage prior to the process of evolution. It discourses on births and generations, on seeds and germs, and proclaims as its primary postulate, Except a man be born again, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Now, man is not enamoured of that dogmatic postulate. It smites his pride in the forehead. It lays himself and his counsels in the dust. It expresses itself in an alien speech. Men are familiar with the word educate, the alien word is regenerate. Political controversy has familiarized them with the word reform, the alien word is transfigure. They have made a commonplace of the word organize, the alien word is vitalize. They have made almost a fetish of the phrase moral growth, the alien word is new birth.1 [Note: J. H. Jowett.]

2. By the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands in the forefront of all St. Peters preaching in the Acts. It stands in the forefront of his Epistle here. No one had richer experience of the abundant mercy of God upon the Resurrection Day than St. Peter himself, and no one more needed a birth and quickening to new hope upon that day. Hope that had died living again through the resurrection of Christ exactly illustrates his own experience.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the closing and culminating act of the redemption that He wrought. If the work had not thereby been completed, it would have been of no avail. The Spirit, through St. Paul, has clearly borne witness that unless the Redeemers work had been crowned by His resurrection, our hopes would have been vain (1Co 15:17). The meaning is, that the completed work of Christ saves His people from sin, and gives them a right to the eternal inheritance. Those who are born again rise with Him into resurrection life. The life that they now live in the flesh, they live by the faith of the Son of God. Earth becomes to these heirs the vestibule of heaven.

The writers of the New Testament believed that Christ was the Firstborn from the dead; and we see how this altered the whole face of the world and life. It enlarged almost infinitely the interest even of this present mortal life on earth by giving it a meaning and a future; but it transferred the scene of mans true and free perfect existence to a sphere far beyond this, far beyond the swift passage of the seventy years with their weakness and sorrow, far beyond that transitory but laborious stage, when every day, as it came and went, brought its trial, its temptation, its choice, perhaps its fallto the sphere where all was eternal and all was accomplished. And it did this, it opened this great moral hope, as never had been done before; not for the great and elect souls of the race only, but for the obscure and down-trodden crowds, the multitudes that none can numberthe slave, the lost, the abject, the miserable. For in His own person, Son of God and Son of Man, He had made the step from old things to new; and He had made it for all His brethren.1 [Note: R. W. Church, Cathedral and University Sermons, 135.]

Oer the dead King low in the dust

No ray supernal gleams;

While hope in hearts by sorrow crushed

Dies with the waning beams.

The third day dawns; hush! tis the beat

Of quivring angel-wings;

And hark! a strain, glad, clear, and sweet

High through the welkin rings.

Hail! Victor, hail! through direful strife

The Grave, Death, Hell oercome;

Crowned with the might of Risen Life

To draw Thy wandrers home.

A wandrer I, oh! living Lord;

I come, I cling to Thee;

My Brother loved, my God adored,

Life, Rest and Home for me.

III

The Nature of our Hope

1. It is called a living hope. In what sense is it living?

(1) It is the hope of a living man.A dead man cannot think, cannot wish, cannot hope, neither can a man spiritually dead possess the Christians living hope. The carnal man minds earthly things, is more or less absorbed in them; and to be carnally minded is death. In the mind of such a man this hope cannot bud and blossom, cannot, indeed, exist unless it be in a delusive form. They are opposites and cannot be brought into conjunction or companionship without a radical change in the mans nature. The Apostle, reminding the Ephesians of their carnal state, says, At that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope. There must be a change, therefore, from the carnal to the spiritual state before this hope can be planted in the soul, before a man can truly say, The Christians hope is my possession. I have it! It is mine!

There is in Scotland an old castle, where far below the ground level was discovered, some time ago, a dark and noisome dungeon. No sunbeam could find its way into its pestilential depths. The very air was laden with damp and disease, and when the workmen, letting in the light, made their way into the dungeon, they found on the wall, scratched by some miserable wretch who had met his doom there, the pitiful words, No hope. No hope.1 [Note: Quintin Hogg, 396.]

It has been well said: Death and death alone is what we must consult about life; and not some vague future or survival, in which we shall not be present. It is our own end; and everything happens in the interval between death and now. Do not talk to me of those imaginary prolongations which wield over us the childish spell of number: do not talk to meto me who am to die outrightof societies and peoples! There is no reality, there is no true duration, save that between the cradle and the grave. The rest is mere bombast, show, delusion! They call me a master because of some magic in my speech and thoughts; but I am a frightened child in the presence of death!

That is where we stand. For us death is the one event that counts in our life and in our universe. It is the point whereat all that escapes our vigilance unites and conspires against our happiness. The more our thoughts struggle to turn away from it, the closer do they press around it. The more we dread it, the more dreadful it becomes, for it battens but on our fears.2 [Note: M. Maeterlinck, Death, 1.]

(2) It centres in a living Christ.We are begotten to ithow? By the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Our hope is rooted in the resurrectionthat is, centred in Christ, not only because He once died for the sinners guilt, but because He is now alive for evermore, our Advocate with the Father, our great High Priest as well as our Sacrifice. If the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are not theologically one, practically they are. They are interlocked. They are conjoined. You cannot divorce them without destroying their redemptive worth. Without the resurrection the efficacious death would be of no avail redemptively. Hence the Apostles speak of Jesus Christ as delivered for our offences, and raised again for our justification; who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead that your faith and hope might be in God. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect? There is a bold, defiant challenge for you! How dare even an Apostle give utterance to it? Here is his reason, It is Christ that died, yea, rather, that is risen again!

It has often been a subject of wonder in modern thought that Christianity should rest the hopes of the human race so greatly on the concrete instance of Christs resurrection rather than on the general inference of the heart and of the reason. But still, as a matter of history, this concrete, particular resurrection has brought about a belief which the inference of universal reason failed to produce. Mankind has manifested a profound capacity for being influenced by concrete instances rather than by abstract speculations. It seems difficult to deny that our Lords own argument for the continued existence of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and of the dead in general, on the ground of the immortality of Him with whom they were spiritually united, has been less understood down the centuries, and far less influential in deepening the hopes of the human race, than the particular fact that He Himself rose again the third day from the dead. It is of small value to indicate by what means we should prefer the deepest convictions of humanity to have been developed. The fact remains that faith in immortality has been created and intensified by the concrete resurrection of Christ as it has been by nothing else in the world. Of course, not by that resurrection apart from the personality in that resurrection, and from all that the Divine Personality involved. It has been the fact together with its significance. Still it has been the fact rather than abstract considerations. Reason and heart, apart from Christs resurrection, have faltered and often failed. Where they have proved inconclusive or ineffective the triumphant morning in Josephs garden has determined the conviction and hopes of millions. Once more, let it be repeated that it is belief in the literal physical resurrection which has immensely strengthened and confirmed mens hope in immortality. It was not in the least that as men looked on Jesus grave their instincts told them that such human goodness had only been transplanted and must flourish elsewhere. It was not a mere faith that the good cannot really die. It was literally the reappearance in human form of Him who was dead and is alive again which wrought this mighty advancement in the hopes of the human race. It is because we are persuaded that a Person literally Divine has already immortalized our human nature in the precincts of light that we are also persuaded of our own immortality.1 [Note: W. J. S. Simpson, Our Lords Resurrection, 277.]

While Christ lay dead the widowed world

Wore willow green for hope undone:

Till, when bright Easter dews impearled

The chilly burial earth,

All north and south, all east and west,

Flushed rosy in the arising sun;

Hope laughed, and Faith resumed her rest,

And Love remembered mirth.2 [Note: C. G. Rossetti, Poems, 168.]

(3) It is contrasted with hopes that are dead.Many once-fondly cherished hopes are to be found withered and strewn on lifes pathway. How many a man has made gold his hope, and said to fine gold thou art my confidence, and has rejoiced because his hand had gotten much, who found out when too late that he had been building his life on a foundation of sand. What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul? How many have made pleasure their hope, who, when they had squandered all their life and soul forces, found that the world passeth away and the lust thereofthe power to enjoy. How many have made ambition their hope, who have found out what a poor pillow popularity makes for a dying head, what a wretched salve for a smiting conscience, and how empty it is, too, when its highest pinnacle is reached. The expectation of the wicked shall perish. Their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost. What is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul? But blessed is the man whose hope the Lord is! It is a living hope. It shall never perish, for God has pledged its realization under the seal of His own oath. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus.

Dead hopes are like dead children, beautiful, it may be, even in death, but how sad and heart-breaking to look upon. Every one, as he passes through the pilgrimage of life, has to leave behind him dead hopes which he buried with tears; the fortune which he was going to win, and which failed; the ambition which he was going to realize, and which eludes his grasp; the human love which was going to be his possession for life, and which deserts or betrays him; the child, that was going to be the strength and joy of his old age, and that death snatches from him.1 [Note: J. G. Greenhough, Christian Festivals and Anniversaries, 77.]

2. But besides being a living hope in these special ways, the hope to which we are begotten by the Resurrection has three characteristics.

(1) It is a hope that recognizes the presence of God in Christ.Who among the most favoured of Prophets could have raised their souls to the hope that the day would come when God should be made known to men, as God was made known in the Person of Jesus Christthat what their prophetic words signified was such a manifestation of God to man as the Gospels record? Who among them could have imagined that He who came and disclosed to men that mystery and nature of the Godhead which had been veiled to Moses and Isaiah, was to abide with those whom He had redeemed, till He returned to judge the world? And yet this is the living hope to which the successive generations of Christian people are heirs, by virtue of that great change in their condition made by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, was the awestruck reflection of the Prophet, even while recounting the power and providence of the God of Israel, the Saviour; and nature and conscience, His witnesses throughout all the earth, yet echoed the confessionA God that hideth Himself. This hidden God made known, made certain, this was what man sought afterthis was the Desire of all nations. And this was given. God came forth from the depths and uncertainties of nature, from the clouds and terrors and enigmas of Providence, from the veil and mystery behind which Israel worshipped Him, from the silence in which He was yet the dim hope of all the ends of the earthHe came forth and showed Himself, He came forth and gave Himself to the love and hearts of men. He taught with human words; He healed, He forgave, He blessed; He drew souls to Himself with new and Divine affections; with men and for men, He passed from this life through that dark gate of fear and humiliation which we call Death. And if this had been allif He had passed at once from the grave which could not hold Him to His glory abovewho among us knows enough to dare to ask why He should have stopped at this, why He should have vouchsafed no more, whether with only so much His promise could have been fulfilled and His work accomplished? But this, as we know, was not all. On earth itself He was again, alive from the dead. On earth again, as He had been before, and yet not as He had been before: passing across the scene of life, yet no longer mortalconversing, walking, eating with men, but vanishing the next moment from their sight; in form, in love, in power the same, but no longer bound by the body of humiliation which He had worn with His brethren; lifting their thoughts above all that is natural, carnal, earthly in the body, fixing them on all in it that is real and personal. And this was the beginning of a Presence of God which was nevermore to be withdrawn from the sons of men.1 [Note: R. W. Church, Pascal and other Sermons, 193.]

(2) It is a hope that assures us of the triumph of righteousness in the earth.Everywhere, the Apostles saw men rise on stepping stones of their dead selves to higher things, to a new life, lifted out of the grave of an unholy career into a noble and saintly manhood. How was it accomplished? It was due, not to the memory of a dead hero, worshipped and idealized, but to the vivifying power, the transfiguring energies of the ever-living Christ, with whom by faith they were united.

Now an old man, I dream dreams of great hope, when I plead with those who will carry forward what my own generation has left unattempted or unaccomplished to welcome the ideal which breaks in light upon them, the only possible ideal for man, even the fullest realization of self, the completest service of others, the devoutest fellowship with God: to strive towards it untiringly even if it seems to fade for ever and for ever as we move. The world is ruled by great ideals; the soul responds to them. If they are neglected or forgotten they reassert themselves, and in this sense truth prevails at last. Without an ideal there can be no continuity in life; with it even failures become lessons. To a surrendered soul there can be no discouragement; for, as we have been truly told, discouragement is the disenchantment of egoism. But we are Gods ministers; and the highest which we can imagine for men, for nations, for humanity falls short of Gods will for His creatures, and of the resources which He offers to us for its accomplishment.1 [Note: Westcott, Lessons from Work, 300.]

(3) It is the hope of a life to come.Man needs a hope resting on something beyond this scene of sense and time. And God has given him one, by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Our Lord indeed taught, in the plainest language, the reality of a future life. In my Fathers house are many mansions: I go to prepare a place for you. Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. These shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. God is not the God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

Passages of this kind from among the very words of Christ might be multiplied: but in teaching that man would live after death, our Lord was teaching only what, with various degrees of distinctness, pagans and Jews had taught before Him. He contributed to the establishment of this truth in the deepest convictions of men, not merely many lessons taught in words, but a fact, palpable to the senses. When, after saying that He would rise from the grave, He rose, He broke the spell of the law of death. He made it plain, within the precincts of the visible world, that a world unseen and eternal awaits us hereafter. His Resurrection converted hopes, surmises, speculations, trains of inference, into strong certainties. Because I live ye shall live also was a saying which faith, under the guidance of reason, would henceforth inscribe upon Christs empty grave. For that He had risen was not a secret whispered to a few; it was verified by the senses of five hundred witnesses; and, in face of a jealous and implacable criticism which would fain have silenced its eloquent protestation, established the fact that there is a world beyond the grave, in which Christ is King.

In a Scottish valley, beside a little brook, where there was no kindly soil, a Highlander once planted a tree. Of course it wilted and drooped. But suddenly, to the surprise of every one, it took a new start in life, and bore rich fruit. What was the source of its new life? That was the query put by all who knew it. An examination revealed the secret. With a marvellous vegetable instinct it sent out a shoot which ran along and over a narrow sheep bridge and rooted itself in the rich loam on the other side of the brook. From this rich loam it drew its new life. Even so, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ bridges the River of Death that flows between earth and Heaven.1 [Note: David Gregg, in The Treasury, July 1899, p. 248.]

Sweet Hope is soveraigne comfort of our life:

Our joy in sorrow and our peace in strife;

The dame of beggars and the queene of kings:

Can these delight in height of prosperous things

Without expecting still to keep them sure?

Can those the weight of heavy wants endure

Unless persuasion instant paine allay,

Reserving spirit for a better day?

Our God, who planted in His creatures breast

This stop, on which the wheeles of passion rest,

Hath raysd, by beames of His abundant grace,

This strong affection to a higher place.

It is the second vertue which attends

That soule whose motion to His sight ascends.

Rest here, my mind, thou shalt no longer stay

To gaze upon these houses made with clay:

Thou shalt not stoope to honours or to lands,

Nor golden balles, where sliding fortune stands;

If no false colours draw thy steps amisse,

Thou hast a palace of eternal blisse,

A paradise from care and feare exempt,

An object worthy of the best attempt.

Who would not for so rich a country fight?

Who would not runne that sees a goal so bright?

O Thou, Who art our Author and our End,

On whose large mercy chains of hope depend;

Lift me to Thee by Thy propitious hand,

For lower I can find no place to stand.2 [Note: Sir John Beaumont.]

(4) It is a hope that glorifies death.The Resurrection does not merely proclaim immortality. It declares likewise that death leads to life. It assures us that death is the portal to eternity. Thus it glorifies death; it crowns and consecrates the grave. What is the message of the Kisen Christthe Alpha and Omegato His Churches? Not merely I am he that liveth. This was a great fact, but this was not all. Read on. I am he that liveth, and I was dead. Death issuing in lifedeath the seed, and life the plant and blossom and fruitthis is the great lesson of the Gospel. I was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

There is no part of the history of Jesus which is either unimportant in itself or uninteresting to those whom He shed His hearts blood to redeem. Matters which are seemingly trivial have couched in them a grave significance, and bear directly and impressively upon the great purpose for which He came into the world. And yetsave that death which is the foundation of our hopes of lifethere is no spot more hallowed to the affections of the believer, more sacred to his pilgrim feet, than the garden in which there was a sepulchre, where, amid the flowers of the opening spring, the body of Jesus was laid. Oh! surely the heart will kindle, as we visit it, with thoughts of triumph, not of terror, for it speaks to us of a destroyed destroyerof a mighty despotism shattered for everof a deliverer, whose victory were not complete unless a rejoicing people share it.

Lift up thine eyes to seek the invisible:

Stir up thy heart to choose the still unseen:

Strain up thy hope in glad perpetual green

To scale the exceeding height where all saints dwell.

Saints, is it well with you?Yea, it is well.

Where they have reaped, by faith kneel thou to glean:

Because they stooped so low to reap, they lean

Now over golden harps unspeakable.

But thou purblind and deafened, knowest thou

Those glorious beauties unexperienced

By ear or eye or by heart hitherto?

I know whom I have trusted: wherefore now

All amiable, accessible tho fenced,

Golden Jerusalem floats full in view.1 [Note: C. G. Rossetti, Poems, 209.]

A Living Hope

Literature

Arnot (W.), The Lesser Parables and Lessons of Grace, 265, 270.

Beaumont (J. A.), Walking Circumspectly, 171.

Burrell (D. J.), God and the People, 287.

Church (R. W.), Pascal and other Sermons, 159.

Greenhough (J. G.), Christian Festivals and Anniversaries, 76.

Hodge (C.), Princeton Sermons, 156.

Hort (F. J. A.), Village Sermons, 108.

Hutton (R. E.), The Crown of Christ, ii. 47.

Jones (J. C.), Studies in the First Epistle of Peter, i. 15.

Liddon (H. P.), Easter in St. Pauls, 135.

Liddon (H. P.), Sermons (Contemporary Pulpit Library), iii. 115.

Lightfoot (J. B.), Sermons on Special Occasions, 233.

Pope (W. B.), Discourses on the Lordship of the Incarnate Redeemer, 360.

Punshon (W. M.), Sermons, ii. 80.

Spurgeon (C. H.), Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, xvi. (1870) 481.

Stuart (E. A.), Sermons (City Pulpit), iv. 77.

Thomas (W. H. G.), The Apostle Peter, 146.

Thorne (H.), Foreshadowings of the Gospel, 205.

Whitworth (W. A.), Christian Thought on Present Day Questions, 106.

Wilberforce (S.), Sermons on Various Occasions, 103.

Christian World Pulpit, i. 376 (Liddon); x. 264 (Solomon); xxiii. 163 (Hubbard); xxx. 85 (Pearse); lxxiii. 253 (Martin).

Churchmans Pulpit; Easter Day and Season: vii. 349 (Mackay), 351 (Pope).

Treasury (New York), xvii. 248 (Gregg); xviii. 946 (Hallock).

Fuente: The Great Texts of the Bible

Blessed: 1Ki 8:15, 1Ch 29:10-13, 1Ch 29:20, Psa 41:13, Psa 72:18, Psa 72:19, 2Co 1:3, Eph 1:3, Eph 1:17, Eph 3:20

which: Exo 34:6, Psa 86:5, Psa 86:15, Jon 4:2, Rom 5:15-21, Eph 1:7, Eph 2:4, Eph 2:7-10, 1Ti 1:14, Tit 3:4-6

abundant: Gr. much.

hath: 1Pe 1:23, 1Pe 2:2, Joh 1:13, Joh 3:3-8, Jam 1:18, 1Jo 2:29, 1Jo 3:9, 1Jo 4:7, 1Jo 5:1, 1Jo 5:4, 1Jo 5:18

unto: Rom 5:4, Rom 5:5, Rom 8:24, Rom 12:12, Rom 15:13, 1Co 13:13, Col 1:23, Col 1:27, 1Th 1:3, Tit 2:13, Heb 3:6, Heb 6:18, Heb 6:19, 1Jo 3:3

by: 1Pe 3:21, Isa 26:19, Rom 4:25, Rom 5:10, Rom 8:11, 1Co 15:20, Eph 2:6, 1Th 4:13

Reciprocal: Gen 14:20 – blessed Exo 18:10 – General Num 34:2 – an inheritance Deu 12:9 – General 1Ki 1:48 – Blessed 1Ch 16:36 – Blessed 2Ch 2:12 – Huram 2Ch 31:8 – blessed Neh 8:6 – blessed Neh 9:5 – bless Job 5:11 – exalted Psa 72:17 – his name Psa 108:7 – I will rejoice Psa 119:50 – for thy Psa 138:8 – forsake Isa 42:16 – and not Jer 3:19 – goodly heritage Jer 31:3 – with lovingkindness have I drawn Jer 33:6 – and will Mat 16:17 – Blessed Mat 18:14 – it is Mat 25:34 – Come Luk 1:68 – Blessed Luk 12:32 – the kingdom Luk 24:26 – General Luk 24:46 – General Joh 20:17 – I ascend Act 3:26 – sent Act 18:27 – believed Rom 5:2 – and rejoice Rom 6:23 – but the Rom 15:6 – the 1Co 8:6 – one God 1Co 15:13 – General 1Co 15:17 – ye are 2Co 11:31 – God Eph 1:18 – is Eph 1:20 – he wrought Eph 2:12 – having Eph 4:4 – as Phi 1:6 – begun Phi 2:13 – to will Phi 3:10 – and the power Phi 3:14 – the high Phi 3:20 – our Col 1:5 – laid Col 1:6 – knew Col 3:3 – your 1Th 1:5 – but 1Th 1:10 – whom 1Th 5:8 – the hope 2Th 2:16 – good Tit 1:2 – hope Tit 3:5 – according Heb 1:9 – thy God Heb 6:11 – of hope Heb 6:17 – more Heb 9:15 – eternal Jam 3:9 – bless 1Pe 1:13 – hope 1Pe 3:15 – the hope 1Pe 5:1 – a partaker Rev 21:7 – inherit Rev 22:5 – and they

Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

THE GOSPEL OF THE RESURRECTION

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.

1Pe 1:3

It was St. Peter who preached the first sermon on the Resurrection, immediately after it had happened; and his audience was the multitude assembled on the Day of Pentecost, who could have refuted him, had he been impressing on them either a delusion or an invention. Whom God hath raised up, he said, having loosed the pains of death; because it was not possible that He should be holden of it. The result was decisive and significant: Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized; and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And here we have the same St. Peter nearly thirty years afterwards, in spite of all the unceasing persecution and opposition that he had undergone, basing his message to the Christian Churches on his abiding thankfulness to God, which, according to His abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the Resurrection of Christ Jesus from the dead. His appreciation of what had happened had only increased in intensity as the years of preaching and conversion had rolled on.

I. Is man a personal individual capable of immortal life?That is the immense question which the Voice of God answers in every return of Easter. It is impossible, even in imagination, to divest the progress of Christian civilisation from its faithful acceptance of that Voice of God. Upon that acceptance depends the real sanction of all that is valuable even in worldly knowledge; still more all that is valuable in the daily conduct and motives of us frail mortal creatures; more than anything else whatever is of value in those higher thoughts which we cannot help having about God, and destiny, and mystery! Unless we can answer this momentous question, we have to say good-bye to all that is most interesting to us in our common life together as members of one nation and people, and to all that is of most importance to us as having minds that can reason and argue. It was because the Greeks and Romans could not, and would not, answer that question that there was neither hope in their national life, nor force in their moral conduct; and they sank into selfishness, despair, and ruin. If we are indeed destined to an eternal, individual existence, then a glorious responsibility belongs to all our present affections, actions, and pursuits; but if our whole being is confined within the circle of a few fleeting years, then we are only a riddle, an appearance in the universe which can never have any explanation; human life becomes a puzzle without any value, the world appears a scene of mere confusion, virtue in woman as well as in man becomes a mere delusion, the Creator an unkind and capricious, if really a conscious, Being, and all His plans and arrangements nothing but a blind self-evolving maze, into which and out of which none can find their way. If Christ be not raised, your faith is vain. Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die.

II. Think of what we should be without this answer of God to our perplexities, and if we were robbed of this priceless inheritance of well-grounded belief!

(a) We should become perfectly reckless about the future. There would be nothing to check our passions and excesses. The blot on Christian civilisation are those who care for none of these things. We should be like them. A short life and a merry, would be our motto; and it would be without scruple. Knowing how easily and painlessly life can be taken away, we should be perfectly ready to commit suicide at the first serious disappointment.

(b) We should become indifferent to everything high, good, noble, elevating. Present contentment and ease would be all for which we should care.

(c) How terribly selfish we should be! Why should we trouble ourselves at the tale of distress? To please ourselves as much as we could during the short space of our existence would be the common and general aim. Why care for humanity, when it would be, like ourselves, on the same level as the beasts that perish?

(d) There would be no reason why we should obey the Commandments. People think they would go on just as they do now under the sanctions of Christian belief, while they withdraw that belief; nothing can be more certain than that they would not so continue. The policeman would be the only authority that we should fear. We could blame neither man nor woman for every one of those degrading acts which personal responsibility has forced us to recognise as sin. If there were no future life, why should they refrain? Possibly some persons would think less well of them, but they would be forgotten in less than twenty years after they were dead.

(e) Our whole existence, in short, would be an enigma that had no answerblind, dark, hopeless. Science, instead of unfolding the laws of God for our good, would be a terrible occupation, for it would remind us how the great remorseless organism of the universe would go grinding on, countless ages after we had ceased to be. What would it matter if a man were a great discoverer or benefactor? He would die like everybody else, and be forgotten, and be as if he had never been. It would hardly be worth while for a man to believe in God; God would become a mere necessary presupposition; if it was still supposed that there was such a Being, His nature would be veiled in impenetrable and unbroken darkness, and nobody would trouble about Him. Everywhere, as it was in the days of the faithless Roman Empire, would be one grim, general gloom and despair. The death of our friends would be a loss which, if we loved them, would stun us. Certain that they had come to an abrupt end, and that by no possibility could we see them again, our despair would be in proportion to our affection.

III. The voice of God in the resurrection of His Son has given the lie to this horrible opinion. Now is Christ risen from the dead. The belief in the life beyond the grave is the common inheritance of every race of mankind; and the resurrection of the Son of God, for which the apostles and martyrs died, is the hand of God setting His seal to this common inheritance. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear! If you doubt that voice of God, if there is not a spiritual life for men pouring out ever fresh from the risen life of the Redeemer, how can you possibly account for the history of the Kingdom of Christ, and all its glorious and peaceful conquests, in spite of every possible hindrance and drawback? How can you account for the history of the world and civilisation during the past eighteen centuries, to which in all human experience there is no parallel? How can you account for the redeemed life, and the conquest of self, and the great unselfish human love, and the spiritual beauty, and the wonderful and beneficent graces, which you see in countless individual Christian men and womenyour wife, your mother, your little child, your friend? How can you account for that most true and most desirable of all experiences, the peace of God that passeth all understanding? We have listened to that voice of God, and to us it is the most priceless and vital of all our convictions. It has been to us as life from the dead; we have it day by day, and not found it wanting. I do not ask you to be always thinking of these fundamental truths; that would be impossible and overwhelming. But I do ask you, as the voice of God speaks to you anew and afresh on each Easter Day, to listen to it reverently and thankfully, and from the most secret chambers of your heart to say, Amen! And then I ask you to live with this strong conviction deep down in your inmost being: that you have each a personal and individual existence, that there is an Almighty Father, that He has spoken to us by His Son, that this Son has brought life and immortality to light, and that we have been redeemed by Him to be His grateful and radiant sons and daughters!

Archdeacon William Sinclair.

Illustration

The calm, cautious, broad-minded German critic Ewald writes: Nothing stands more historically certain than that Jesus rose from the dead, and appeared again to His followers; or than that their seeing Him thus again was the beginning of a higher faith, and all their Christian work in the world. It is equally certain that they thus saw Him, not as a common man, or as a shade or ghost risen from the grave; but as the only Son of God, already more than man at once in nature and power; and that all who thus beheld Him recognised at once and instinctively His unique Divine dignity, and firmly believed in it thenceforth. The twelve and others had, indeed, learned to look on Him, even in life, as the true Messianic King and the Son of God; but from the moment of His reappearing they recognised more clearly and fully the Divine side of His nature, and saw in Him the Conqueror of death. Yet the two pictures of Him thus fixed in their minds were, in their essence, identical. That former familiar appearance of the earthly Christ, and this higher vision of Him, with its depth of emotion and ecstatic joy, were so interrelated that, even in the first days or weeks after His death, they could never have seen in Him the heavenly Messiah, if they had not first known Him so well as the earthly.

(SECOND OUTLINE)

THE FESTIVAL OF HOPE

The season of Easter is essentially the season of Hope. What the spring, with its returning life and promise of coming glory, is to the natural year and to the life of nature, that is the season of Easter to the ecclesiastical year and to the spiritual life of man. The very word Easter is derived from the name of a Saxon goddess, whose festival was that of the returning spring. And the Fathers of our Church grafted the Christian festival of the resurrection of Christ upon the pagan festival of the resurrection of nature. The one spoke only of the sure and certain hope of animal and vegetable life; the other speaks to all Christians of the sure and certain hope of life everlasting. Both were festivals of Hopethe one of hope temporal, the other of hope eternal.

I. Hope belongs to the very nature of mans moral being.Hope, says the poet, springs eternal in the human breast (Pope). Those who have nothing else, says the ancient philosopher, have hope (Thales). O blessed hope, cries another, sole boon of man: whereby, on his straight prison walls, are painted beautiful far-stretching landscapes; and into the night of very death is shed holiest dawn! Without hope life is not worth living. The statistics of suicide are the statistics of those who have lost hope. The miserable have no other medicine except hope; and when hope is gone all love of life is gone. But, with Hope, that hovering angel girt with golden wings, infinite possibilities are before us. So long as a man has hope he is never defeated in the battle of life.

II. Hope is just as necessary in the spiritual and eternal life of man.If in this life only we have hope we are wretched indeed. The instinct of immortality has been well-nigh universal. To this causethe belief that the death of the body did not involve the extinction of the soulmay be assigned such ancient customs as the embalming of Egyptian mummies, and the placing in the graves of dead heroes their rude implements of the chase. But this belief in a life after death was but a faint and feeble hope. It was reserved for Christ to convert what was before He came but a splendid guess, into an absolute certainty. He brought life and immortality to light. And He did so not merely by His statements about the reality of the life beyond the graveby such consoling utterances as In My Fathers house are many mansionsnot merely by His teaching on this the most important of all possible subjects, but also by the historic fact of His own resurrection from the dead. For if Christ had not risen, and so overcome death, and opened for us the gates of everlasting life, then His words about the life beyond, and the immortality of man, would have had no greater authority than the words of the philosopher Plato. Immortality would still be only a beautiful probability, and heaven only a possible perhaps. We should have a hope indeed, but a hope how poor and feeble in comparison with that lively hope which God, in His abundant mercy, has given us by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Illustration

At the early age of forty-four, our great Puritan poet, John Milton, became totally blind. But so far from giving way to querulous despair, he says:

Yet I argue not

Against Heavns hand or will, nor bate one jot

Of heart or hope; but still bear up, and steer

Right onward.

And it was after this appalling affliction had overtaken him that he gave to the world his immortal poems of Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained.

Fuente: Church Pulpit Commentary

1Pe 1:3. Blessed means to be worthy of praise and it is ascribed to God. He is the Father of Christ which contradicts a theory that God and Christ are the same person; no one could be father of himself. Abundant means “much” and it is said of God’s mercy for the children of men in that He did so much for their salvation. Begotten us again is equivalent to “born again” as in Joh 3:3. Lively hope or living hope is thus described because it pertains to something that will never die. to be described in the next verse. This hope was made possible by bringing Christ from the dead.

Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary

1Pe 1:3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The gifts of Gods grace to the believer, and the believers relation to God, depend upon the prior relation between God and Christ. Hence it is as the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and neither as the God of Israel, nor yet merely as our God and Father, that the Giver of all grace is praised. The term used here for blessed, or praised, which is so frequent also in the Old Testament, and in the New is applied only to God, occurs repeatedly as an affirmativee.g., who is blessed (Rom 1:25; Rom 9:5; 2Co 11:31). Standing here not in a relative clause, but at the opening of a section, it is rather an ascription, Blessed be the God, etc. It is another form of the same verb that is applied to Mary (Luk 1:28; Luk 1:42). A totally different word is used in the Beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5), where the idea expressed is that of happiness merely. It is possible that in this doxological outburst Peter is simply adapting to Christian use an old liturgical formula of the Jewish Church, or repeating one already familiar to the Christian Church (Weiss). The similarity of phrase, however, between Peter here and Paul in 2Co 1:3, Eph 1:3, is striking, and suggests to many that the former framed his ascription on the model of that of the latter. In Ephesians, as here, the doxology introduces an exhortation which reproduces its contents, although there the exhortation does not come to expression till chap. 1Pe 4:1, while here it follows almost immediately (1Pe 1:13).

which according to his much mercy begat us again unto a living hope. The particular grace for the bestowal of which God receives this ascription is hope. And that hope is described in respect at once of its origin and of its quality. It is due to Gods regenerating grace. We have it only because He begat us again, a phrase used in the New Testament only by Peter, and by him only here and in 1Pe 1:23, embodying, however, the same truth as is conveyed in somewhat different terms by Paul (Tit 3:5; Gal 6:15), James (1Pe 1:18), and John (1Jn 3:9; 1Jn 5:1), and reflecting the Masters own instructions to Nicodemus (Joh 3:3, etc.). It is to be taken, therefore, in the full sense of the new birth or begetting, and not to be diluted into the idea of rousing out of hopelessness. The direct past (begat, not hath begotten) is used, because the change from death to life in the individual is regarded as a definite, historical act, once for all accomplished, or perhaps because the regeneration of all is regarded as virtually effected in the historical act of Christs resurrection. In the latter case Peter would be again in affinity with Paul, whose habit is to speak of all as dying in Christs death and rising in Christs resurrection (Rom 7:4; 2Co 5:14, etc.). This historical act of regeneration had its motive or standard in Gods mercy, His love being defined as mercy in reference to the natural misery of its objects, and that mercy being further described, in reference to what it had to meet and what it bestowed, as much or great. Compare the Pauline idea of Gods riches (Eph 2:4; Php 4:19). The hope which originated thus in Gods act is living. With the birth comes the quality of life which distinguishes the believers hope from all other hopes. These are at the best dim, uncertain longings, dead or dying surmises

Beads of morning

Strung on slender blades of grass,

Or a spiders web adorning

In a strait and treacherous pass.

They die often before us and we live to bury them, and see our own folly and infelicity in trusting to them; but at the utmost they die with us when we die, and can accompany us no farther. But this hope answers expectation to the full, and much beyond it, and deceives no way but in that happy way of far exceeding it (Leighton). Peters fondness for these two ideas, the hope and the living (see the adjective again applied to the Word of God, 1Pe 1:23, to Christ, and to believers, 1Pe 2:4), has been often noticed. It is for bringing us into a region of this kind that he here praises God. The unto here does not express the end or aim of Gods act (= begat us in order that we might have a living hope), but has rather the simple local sense. When we come into the new life we come into a condition or atmosphere of hope, into a region bright with hope, a hope which, like the morning, spreads itself over earth and heaven (Lillie).

Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This admits of being connected immediately either with the begat us againthe idea then being that the regeneration takes effect only through Christs resurrectionor with the preceding clause as a whole, in which case Christs resurrection becomes the event by means of which we are brought by Gods begetting into this new life of hope (so Calvin, Weiss, Huther, Alford, etc., substantially). Or, as the position of the adjective perhaps indicates, it may be connected with the term living (so Luther, Bengel, de Wette, Hofmann, etc.), the sense then being that the hope gets its quality of life through Christs resurrectionbecause He lives it cannot but survive and assert itself as a living and enlivening principle.

Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament

Observe here, 1. How our apostle breaks forth into gratulation and thankfulness to God, for those special blessings, which, by his ministry, were conferred upon these converted Christians, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Blessing and praise are due to God for the least mercies received from God, because we are less than the least, much more for spiritual and eternal blessings, which are the greatest mercies that either God can give, or we receive.

Observe, 2. The special mercy which he thus solemnly blesses, and gives thanks to God for, namely, their regeneration: for begetting them to a lively hope, by the resurrection of Christ, to an inheritance incorruptible, &c. according to his abundant mercy.

Where note, 1. The benefit declared, that they were begotten again to an hope of salvation: by means of sin, all influences of grace were suspended, and all hopes of salvation were cut off. Christ’s interposure for us makes our condition hopeful, and the fallen angels hopeless.

Note, 2. The qualification of that hope which Christians are begotten to; it is a lively hope, in opposition to a dead hope, and to a languid and languishing hope: the Christian’s hope is an effectual hope, which proceeds from faith and promotes holiness. A lively hope is an hope that makes us lively, joyful, and comfortable in our lives; an hope that puts life into us.

Note, 3. The means whereby we are begotten to this hope, and that is, by the resurrection of Christ from the dead; not by the bare act of his resurrection, but by the virtue and power of it, we are raised to a spiritual life by it, and our hopes of eternal life are thereby strengthened and confirmed. The justification of our persons, the regeneration of our natures, the resurrection of our bodies, the glorification of our souls and bodies, are singular fruits and benefits of Christ’s resurrection. Well might the apostle then say, that we are begotten to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Note, 4. The moving and impulsive cause from which regeneration, and all other spiritual blessings, do proceed and flow; the mercy and goodness of God, According to his abundant mercy he hath begotten us again.

In the matters of salvation nothing is owing to our merit; for demerit cannot merit, but all is due to divine goodness, and undeserved mercy; that is the fontal cause of all our favours.

Note, 5. The nature of that happiness which believers are begotten to a lively hope and expection of; it is here styled an inheritance. Heaven is an inheritance, and as such it is given to children, to all God’s children, to none but his children; it is an inheritance dearly purchased, yet freely given: Christ is the sole purchaser of it; no joint-purchaers; yet remember, that though we cannot purchase this inheritance in a way of merit, we may forfeit it by our demerit, and provoke our heavenly Father to disinherit us.

Note, 6. The properties and excellences of this inheritance which believers are raised by Christ to the expectation of: it is an inheritance incorruptible; an enduring possession; not subject to decay, having nothing in it that can corrupt it, or corrupt us in the enjoyment of it.

Undefiled, heaven is an holy habitation; the holiness of heaven is the most considerable part of its happiness; sinners therefore that despise holiness, despise the richest jewel in the crown of glory.

It fadeth not away, it withereth not; glory is a flower which will eternally retain its freshness and verdure.

Reserved in the heavens for us; heaven is the country where the saints’ inheritance lies; here it is reserved or laid up safe, by the purpose and pleasure of God, by the purchase, possession, and intercession of Christ; and to be able to say, For us, and be particularly assured of heaven, is a special comfort.

Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament

Praise God!

The word “blessed,” which is used in 1Pe 1:3 , is not the word translated blessed in the beatitudes, which describes an inner happiness of the spiritual man. Instead, Thayer tells us it means “praised.” It comes from the same Greek word from which the word eulogy comes (see also Rom 1:25 ; Rom 9:5 ; 2Co 1:3 and Eph 1:3 ).

God is to particularly be praised because of his great mercy which is displayed in Christians being allowed to be born again ( Joh 3:1-8 ; Rom 6:1-11 ; Jas 1:18 ). That birth is into a life with a hope that lives with real promise. Those in the church were without hope before they were born into Christ Jesus ( Eph 2:12-13 ). The word “again” is reminiscent of the apostles’ lost hope on the night of Christ’s crucifixion ( Luk 24:21 ). The Christians’ hope is alive because Christ is alive from the grave and God can make them alive from the grave ( 1Co 15:16-20 ; 1Th 4:13-14 ).

Peter also describes the Christians’ living hope as an inheritance, which is appropriate since verse 3 had talked of them being born like children into a family ( 1Pe 1:4 ; Act 20:32 ; Rom 8:13-17 ). Earthly inheritances are temporary and perishable ( Mat 6:19-20 ). The Christian’s inheritance is permanent, lasting. It is also undefiled, in the sense that no sin or impurity will be allowed in heaven ( Rev 21:27 ). Woods says the words “that does not fade away” come from the Greek word “amarantos.” “The amaranth was a fabled flower whose bloom was perpetual, and whose loveliness never failed.” The Christians’ inheritance, then, will not run out, nor will its beauty be lost with the passage of time. The word “reserved” comes from a Greek word which indicates a military guard is keeping watch over the inheritance which is in heaven. Christians do not possess eternal life while on earth except in God’s promise. It is kept for those who faithfully pursue God’s will ( 1Jn 2:25 ; Mar 10:28-30 ; Tit 1:2 ).

Just as a Christian’s inheritance is guarded, so is the Christian guarded by God ( 1Pe 1:5 ; Rom 8:28 ; Php 4:7 ). God guards the Christian through his faith. It is essential to realize, as Peter did, that one’s faith can fail. So, each should do all within his power to avoid such failing ( Luk 22:31-32 ; 1Ti 1:19-20 ; Heb 3:12 ). He should desire to keep that faith constant until the last time, or day of judgment, when his final, complete, salvation will be revealed.

Fuente: Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books

1Pe 1:3-4. Blessed be the God and Father, or, God even the Father, of our Lord Jesus Christ His only-begotten and beloved Son; who, according to his abundant mercy His compassion for us in our state of ignorance and guilt, depravity and weakness; his undeserved love and goodness, the source of all our blessings, temporal, spiritual, and eternal: hath begotten us again Regenerated us; to a lively , living, hope A hope which implies true spiritual life, is the consequence of repentance unto life, living faith, justification by faith, and a birth from above, by which we pass from death unto life; a hope which revives the heart, and makes the soul lively and vigorous: by the resurrection of Christ Which not only proved him to be the Son of God, (Rom 1:4,) and demonstrated the truth and importance of his doctrine, which brought life and immortality to light, but manifested the acceptableness and efficacy of the sacrifice he offered for sin, opened an intercourse between God and man, made way for our receiving the Holy Ghost, and is a pledge and earnest of our resurrection, he having risen the first-fruits of them that sleep in him. To an inheritance For if we are children, then are we heirs; incorruptible Not like earthly inheritances or possessions, of whatever kind, which are both corruptible in themselves, tending in their own nature to dissolution and decay; and are possessed by that which is corruptible, even through the medium of the body, with its senses and members, all tending to decay and dissolution. But the inheritance we expect is neither corruptible in itself, nor shall we that enjoy it be corruptible, either in soul or body. Undefiled Every thing here is therefore corruptible, because it has been defiled with the sin of man, and laid under a curse, so that vanity and misery are attached to the enjoyment of every thing; and we ourselves, having been defiled in soul and body, have all the seeds of vanity and misery sown in our frame. But the inheritance reserved for us has not been defiled by any sin, and therefore has no curse, vanity, or misery attached to it: Rev 22:3. And we ourselves, when admitted into that world, shall be perfectly pure, and shall have in our frame no hinderance to the most perfect enjoyment. And fadeth not away As every thing in this world does, decaying in lustre and glory, in sweetness, or the pleasure it yields in the enjoyment, and in value to us, who can only have a life estate in any thing; whence, whatever we possess is continually decreasing in value to us, as the time approaches when we are to be dispossessed of it. But the inheritance above, on the contrary, will not decay in any of these respects: its value, its glory and sweetness, or the pleasure it yields in the enjoyment, will continue the same to all eternity; or rather, will continually increase; new glories opening upon us, new pleasures offering themselves to our enjoyment, and new riches not ceasing to be conferred upon us from the inexhaustible stores of divine and infinite beneficence. Reserved in heaven And therefore not subject to such changes as are continually taking place here on earth; for you Who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory, honour, and immortality.

Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

ARGUMENT 3

FULL SALVATION AND THE SECOND COMING

3… Having begotten us into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Remember once for all, throughout the New Testament begotten and born are precisely synonymous, both being translations of gennaoo. From this fact the logical sequence follows that the natural analogy in this case does not obtain in the spiritual kingdom, but the very moment the Holy Ghost begets a soul, that soul is born of God. This undeniable fact, revealed in the inspired Greek, sweeps from the field some very foolish theology which I have heard proclaimed from the pulpit, i.e., begotten by the Word and born of the water. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, was a sunburst, reviving and gloriously vitalizing the waning hope of Israel, verifying all the Messianic prophecies, which had held the nations spellbound four thousand weary years, and flooding the world with the living hope of universal salvation.

4. Having been reserved in the heavens for you. Ouranois, heavens, is here, as uniformly in the New Testament, in the plural number, corroborating the astronomical revelation of innumerable worlds, constituting the celestial universe, the enormous number of one billion and one hundred and seventy millions of worlds already reached by the telescope, which, we have ample reasons to believe, constitute but a fraction of Gods boundless dominions. How glorious it will be in coming eternity to wing our flight from world to world, exploring the illimitable glories of Omnipotence.

5… Unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last dispensation. This is final salvation consummated in the transfiguration of the body when our Lord descends to steal away his Bride. It constituted the climax of Christian hope in the Apostolic age, waning with the apostasy of the Church and finally, with the other great spiritual truths, sinking into total eclipse. God used Luther and his compeers to restore the long lost experience of justification by faith independently of priestly manipulation; Wesley and his comrades to restore the glorious experience of entire sanctification, instantaneously received by faith. It is the glory of the present holiness movement to restore divine healing, womans ministry, the Lords coming, and the transfiguration of the Bride. Salvation in this final, complete and triumphant sense was the constant and flowing inspiration of the Apostolical saints. It is much to be regretted that this most potent of all incentives to a holy experience in life was ever forfeited by the Church. The restoration of the Apostolic hope of the glorious privileges of the transfigured bridehood is becoming the most transcendent stimulant to entire sanctification, holy living and heroic achievement in the conquest of the world for Christ.

6. Here we have indirect allusion to the bloody persecutions everywhere developing which very soon after this writing nailed Peter to the cross, decapitated Paul and opened the bloody Coliseum to fatten the lions on the saints of God.

7. Here God tells us that the true heroic faith which will not flicker amid persecutions is more valuable than gold. If the people only believed it, what a wonderful revolution would supervene in the revelation of Jesus Christ. This means the revilement of the glorified personal Christ, who now encumbers the Mediatorial throne, back to this world, where He wilt again be visible to human eyes, and His voice again audible on the earth. We now live amid a grand culmination of prophecies assuring us that the time is at hand when our glorious Lord shall again appear. What an inspiration to us all to be under the blood robed and ready and on the constant outlook.

8… Ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Gods salvation is the same in all ages. Here we see how the saints in the Apostolic age were literally transported with delight in contemplation of the Lords glorious descension to this world, which is a confirmatory proof that they were fully sanctified and filled with the Spirit as none others will be competent to meet Him with a shout, thus vividly illustrating the true Bible standard of Christianity in all ages, i.e., emptied of sin and filled with the Holy Ghost.

9. Receiving the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls. How wonderfully simple is Apostolic preaching. Here you see that all salvation is by faith. If you are not fully, completely and triumphantly saved with the clear attestation of the Holy Spirit, rest assured faith is still deficient. The Holy Spirit is with you to give you all you need, forever ejecting all doubt, enabling you to believe with a perfect faith, and thus appropriate entire sanctification.

10. The wonderful Pentecostal experience of the complete soul victory in the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire, constituting the normal standard and the crowning glory of the Gospel dispensation, moved in gorgeous panoramic visions before the inspired gaze of the old prophets, thrilling them with enthusiasm and inundating them with utter bewilderment.

11. Searching into what, or what kind of a dispensation the Spirit of Christ, who was in them, witnessing the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories, did reveal. John Wesley says this is the glory of holiness, which was destined to supervene after the suffering of Christ, the wonderful plan of salvation having been thoroughly perfected forever, verifying and satisfying the violated law, lifting forever the dark veil of condemnation from a sinking world, and irradiating all the dismal hell dens of earth with the transcendent possibility of an uttermost salvation, and the population of heaven with the teeming millions of a sin debauched earth. No wonder these prophetic visions astounded and thrilled the prophets of a moonlit dispensation.

12… Which are now proclaimed unto you by those who preach the Gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost, who has been sent down from heaven. The personal Holy Ghost, the predicted successor of the ascended Christ, came down on the day of Pentecost and filled the disciples, thus inaugurating the full orbed Gospel dispensation. The antediluvian world had skylight, the patriarchal age starlight, and the Mosaic Church moonlight. Day dawned with John the Baptist, the sun rose when Jesus was born, and the glorious noonday culminated at Pentecost, never to wane, but to brighten into the perennial glory of Gods millennial day. It was not the Divine plan that the Church should ever be dragged back into the moonshine dispensation by unsanctified Gospel preachers. Hence He positively forbade His own apostles to go preaching till after the reception of the Pentecostal baptism. Peter and all the disciples had received the personal in-dwelling Holy Ghost sanctifying them to preach the everlasting Gospel of full salvation to all nations. Oh, the blessedness of those who preach the Gospel with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven, and transcendent felicity of those who hear! Into which things the angels desire, bending over to look. Here Peter has a vision, including earth and heaven, in which he sees the blood-washed and fire-baptized sons and daughters of Zion standing amid the slums and jungles of sin and misery preaching the Gospel with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. Meanwhile he sees the angels in heaven strolling around over the golden pavements, bending over the celestial battlements with seraphic eyes looking down upon the scene enraptured with the sight of Gods humble children filled with the Holy Ghost, preaching the everlasting Gospel to a dying world.

Fuente: William Godbey’s Commentary on the New Testament

1Pe 1:3-12. The section contains a deep and rich thanksgiving to God for the certainty of an eternal fellowship with Christ. This no sufferings can mar, nor death itself break. He is the unseen Friend, and since they know Him by the power of faith, they have a richer inheritance than the prophets, and in their joy is a note that is wanting even in the song of angels.

1Pe 1:7. revelation: lit. apocalypse. Thus was every manifestation of Christ regarded. He is always present, sometimes more clearly seen.

1Pe 1:11. Spirit of Christ is regarded as the inspirational power of the prophets. As by Paul (2Co 3:18) the Lord and the Spirit are identified.

1Pe 1:12. minister: Rendel Harris, by a slight alteration of the original word, secures a very much clearer meaning, viz. to them it was revealed that they got this intelligence not for themselves but for you (Moffatts NT). The ordinary reading leads us to think of the prophets as servants of God for our sakes, doing tasks whose full import they could not understand (cf. 2Es 13:16-20). For the angels share in this joyful mystery, see Eph 3:10*. The Jewish apocalyptic books (e.g. Enoch) had much to say of the angels concern in human affairs, and these may be the sources of the ideas in the NT.

Fuente: Peake’s Commentary on the Bible

Verse 3

Hath begotten us again; created us anew.–A lively hope; an animating hope.

Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament

1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a {c} lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

(c) Everlasting hope.

Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes

A. Our great salvation 1:3-12

The first part of this section on who we are as Christians is a revelation of our great salvation. Some have called it "the Great Doxology." In it Peter reminded us of our hope, our joy, and the witnesses of our salvation. He did this so we would appreciate how greatly God has blessed us.

Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)

II. THE IDENTITY OF CHRISTIANS 1:3-2:10

The essentially chiastic structure of thought in the letter, excluding the introduction and conclusion, can be visualized in the outline (above). The recurrence of the direct address "Beloved" in 1Pe 2:11 and 1Pe 4:12 divides this letter into three main parts.

"The theme of the first part is the identity of the people of God established on the basis of the great salvation Christ has accomplished (and is accomplishing) on their behalf. Their identity as a ’chosen’ people is affirmed programmatically in the address (1Pe 1:1-2) and confirmed in the concluding pronouncements of 1Pe 2:9-10 so as to form an inclusio. More broadly, there is an inclusion between the emphasis on the identity of Christians in the first section (1Pe 1:1-12) and last section (1Pe 2:1-10) of part one. In the first section, they are ’chosen’ as heirs of divine salvation, while in the last their election is confirmed by the metaphor of priesthood." [Note: Michaels, p. xxxiv.]

Peter began the body of this epistle by reminding his readers of their identity as Christians. He did this to enable them to rejoice in the midst of present suffering. They could do this since they would ultimately experience glorification. The tone of this entire epistle is warm, pastoral, and full of encouragement. In it Peter partially fulfilled Jesus’ instructions to him to "tend (shepherd) my [Jesus’] lambs . . . sheep" (Joh 21:15-17).

Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)

1. The hope of our salvation 1:3-5

Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)

Peter called his readers to bless (praise) God for giving us a living hope. This undying hope has its roots in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because He lives, we shall live. Our new birth gave us this life. Consequently our hope is both alive within us and part of our new life in Christ.

"Just as ’faith’ can be subjective (the act or state of believing), or objective (the content of belief), so ’hope’ can refer either to an anticipation (even a certainty) of good things to come or to the content of that anticipation, the good things themselves. The ’living hope’ of which Peter speaks here is better understood in the second, objective, sense. As such, it appropriately parallels, and is further explained by, the ’inheritance’ of 1Pe 1:4 and the ’salvation’ of 1Pe 1:5 (cf. Col 1:5 . . .)." [Note: Ibid., p. 19.]

Many popular writers have called Paul the apostle of faith, John the apostle of love, and Peter the apostle of hope. They have done so because of the dominant emphasis each of these writers made in the New Testament. Peter had much to say about hope in this epistle. [Note: See Geerhardus Vos, "A Sermon on 1 Peter 1:3-5," Kerux 1:2 (September 1986):4-17.]

"While Peter’s teaching on how salvation is applied gave attention to the beginning and continued process of living as a Christian, the actual words for ’salvation’ have a predominantly future orientation in 1 Peter." [Note: Fanning, p. 447.]

"Born again" (cf. 1Pe 1:23) describes the Christian who experienced spiritual regeneration (Joh 3:3). The phrase stresses the great change that takes place at conversion and our resultant participation in the life of God. God has been exceedingly merciful in giving us this blessing (cf. Rom 11:30-32; Rom 15:9; Eph 2:1-7; Tit 3:5). One writer considered salvation the major theme of this epistle. [Note: Paul A. Cedar, James , 1, 2 Peter, Jude, p. 120.]

Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)

Chapter 2

THE HEAVENLY INHERITANCE

1Pe 1:3-9

“OUT of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh,” words true of all this letter, but of no part more true than of the thanksgiving with which it opens. The Apostle recalls those dark three days in which the life he bore was worse than death. His vaunted fidelity had been put to the proof, and had failed in the trial; his denial had barred the approach to the Master whom he had disowned. The crucifixion of Jesus had followed close upon His arrest, and Peters bitter tears of penitence could avail nothing. He to whom they might have appealed was lying in the grave. The Apostles repentant weeping saved him from a Judas-like despair, but dreary must have been the desolation of his soul until the Easter mornings message told him that Jesus was alive again. We can understand the fervency of his thanksgiving: “Blessed be God, which hath begotten us again by the resurrection of Christ from the dead.” No better image than the gift of a new life could he find to describe the restoration that came with the words of the angel from the empty tomb, “He is risen; go your way: tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee.” The Lord forgave His sinning, sorrowing servant, and through this forgiveness he lived again, and bears printed forever on his heart the memory of that life-giving. The very form of his phrase in this verse is an echo from the resurrection morning. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Only in a few passages resembling this in St. Pauls epistles is God called “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ.” But Peter is, mindful of the Lords own words to Mary, “Go unto My brethren and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father and your Father, and My God and your God”; {Joh 20:17} and now that he is made one of Christs heralds, the feeder of His sheep, he publishes the same message which was the source of his own highest joy, and which he would make a joy for them likewise. That God is called theirs, even as He is Christs, is an earnest that Jesus has made them His brethren indeed. To the doctrine of their election according to the foreknowledge of the Father he now adds the further grace which couples the Fatherhood of God with the brotherhood of Christ.

That these gifts are purely of Gods grace he also implies: “He begat us again.” Just as in natural birth the child is utterly of the will of the parents, so is it in the spiritual new birth. “According to Gods great mercy” we are born again and made heirs of all the consequent blessings. This passage from death unto life is rich, in the first place, in immediate comfort. Witness the rejoicing amidst his grief which St. Peter experienced when he could cry to the Master, “Lord, Thou knowest all things: Thou knowest that I love Thee.” But the new life looks forever onward. It will be unbroken through eternity. Here we may taste the joy of our calling, may learn something of the Fathers love, of the Saviors grace, of the Spirits help; but our best expectations center ever in the future. The Apostle terms these expectations a lively, or rather a living, hope. The Christians hope is living because Christ is alive again from the dead. It springs with ever-renewed life from that rent tomb. The grave is no longer a terminus. Life and hope endure beyond it. And more than this, there is a fresh principle of vitality infused into the soul of the newborn child of God. The Spirit, the Life-giver, has made His abode there; and death is swallowed up of victory.

In continuing his description of the living hope of the believer, the Apostle keeps in mind his simile of Fatherhood and sonship, and gives to the hope the further title of an inheritance. As sons of Adam, men are heirs from their birth, but only to the sad consequences of the primal transgression. Slaves they are, and not free men, as that other law in their members gives them daily proof. But in the resurrection of Jesus the agonized cry of St. Paul, “Who shall deliver me?,” {Rom 7:24} has found its answer. Christians are begotten again, not to defeat and despair, but to a hope which is eternal, to an inheritance which will endure beyond the grave. And as in their spiritual growth they are ever aspiring to an ideal above and beyond them, in respect to the saintly inheritance they have a like experience. They begin to grasp it now in part, and have even here a precious earnest of the larger blessedness; they are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise and marked as the redeemed of Gods own possession. {Eph 1:13-14} But that which shall be is rich with an exceeding wealth of glory; Christ keeps the good wine of His grace to the last. How beggared earthly speech appears when we essay by it to picture the glory that shall be revealed for us! The inheritance of the Christians hope demands for its description those unspeakable words which St. Paul heard in paradise, but could not utter. The tongues of men are constrained to fall back upon negatives. What it will be we cannot express. We only know some evils from which it will be free. It shall be incorruptible, like the God and Father {Rom 1:23} who bestows it. Eternal, it shall contain within it no seed of decay, nothing which can cause it to perish. Neither shall it be subject to injury from without. It shall be undefiled, for we are to share it with our elder Brother, our High-priest, {Heb 7:26} who is now made higher than the heavens. Earthly possessions are often sullied, now by the way they are attained, now by the way they are used. Neither spot nor blemish shall tarnish the beauty of the heavenly inheritance. It shall never fade away. It is amaranthine, like the crown of glory {1Pe 5:4} which the chief Shepherd shall bestow at His appearing; it is as the unwithering flowers of paradise.

Nor are these the only things which make the heavenly to differ from the earthly inheritance. In this life, ere a son can succeed to heirship, the parent through whom it is derived must have passed away; while the many heirs to an earthly estate diminish, as their number increases, the shares of all the rest. From such conditions the Christians future is free. His Father is the Eternal God, his inheritance the inexhaustible bounty of heaven. Each and all who share therein will find an increase of joy as the number grows of those who claim this eternal Fatherhood, and with it a place in the Fathers home.

St. Peter adds another feature which gives further assurance to the believers hope. The inheritance is reserved. Concerning it there can be no thought of dwindling or decay. It is where neither rust nor moth can corrupt, and where not even the arch-thief Satan himself can break through to steal. There needs no preservation of the incorruptible and undefiled, but it is especially kept for those for whom it is prepared. He who has gone before to make it ready said, “I go to prepare it for you.” The Apostle has made choice of his preposition advisedly. He says, -on your behalf; for your own possession. The inheritance is where Christ has gone before us, in heaven, of which we can best think, as Himself hath taught us, as the place “where He was before,” {Joh 6:62} the Fathers house, in which are many mansions. There it is in store, till we are made ready for it.

For the present life is only a preparation-time. Ere we are ready to depart we must pass through a probation. God suffers His beloved ones to be chastened, but He sends with the trial the means of rescue. They are guarded. The word which St. Peter here uses is one applicable to a military guard, such as would be needed in the country of an enemy. God sees what we stand in need of. For we are still in the territory of the prince of this world. But mark the abundant protection: “by the power of God through faith.” The Apostles language sets our guardianship forth under a double aspect. The Christian is in () the power of God. Here is the strength of our wardship. Under such care the believer is enabled to walk amid the trials of the world unscathed. Yet the Divine shield around him is not made effective unless he do his part also. Through faith the shelter becomes impregnable. The Christian goes forward with full assurance, his eyes fixed on the goal of duty which his Master has set before him, and, heedless of assailants, perseveres in the struggles which beset him. Then, even in the fiercest fires of trial, he beholds by his side the Son of God, and hears the voice, “It is I; be not afraid.”

Thus to the faithful warfarer the victory is sure. And to this certainty St. Peter points as he continues, and calls the heavenly inheritance a salvation. This will be the consummation. “Sursum corda” is the believers constant watchword. The completed bliss will not be attained here. But when the veil is lifted which separates this life from the next, it is ready to be manifested and to ravish the sight with its glory. The sense of this salvation ready to be revealed nerves the heart for every conflict. By faith weakness grows mighty. Thus comes to pass the paradox of the Christian life, which none but the faithful can comprehend: “When I am weak, then I am strong”; “I can do all things through Christ, that giveth me power.”

Hence comes the wondrous spectacle, which St. Peter was contemplating, and which amazed the heathen world, exceeding joy in the midst of sufferings. “Wherein ye greatly rejoice,” he says. Some have thought him to be referring to a mental realization of the last time, about which he has just spoken-a realization so vivid to the faith of these converts that they could exult in the prospect as though it had already arrived. And this exposition is countenanced in some degree by words which follow (1Pe 1:9), where he describes them as now receiving the end of their faith, even the salvation of their souls.

But it seems less forced to consider the Apostle as speaking with some knowledge of the circumstances of these Asian Christians, a knowledge of the trials they had to undergo, and how hope was animating them to look onwards towards their inheritance, which was but a little while in reversion, towards the salvation which was so soon to be revealed. Full of this hope, he says, ye greatly rejoice, though ye have had many things to suffer. Then he proceeds to dwell on some of the grounds for their consolation. Their trials, they knew, were but for a little while, not a moment longer than the need should be. Their sorrow would have an end; their joy would last for evermore.

The form of St. Peters words, it is true, seems to imply that there must always be the need for our chastening. And what else can the children of Adam expect? But it is He, the Father in heaven, who fixes both the nature and the duration of His childrens discipline. Some men have felt within themselves the need of chastisement so keenly that they have devised systems for themselves whereby they should mortify the flesh, and prepare themselves for the last time. But of self-appointed chastenings the Apostle does not speak. Of such the converts to whom he writes had no need. They “had been put to grief in manifold temptations.”

We can gather from the Epistle itself some notion of the troublous life these scattered Christians had amid the crowd of their heathen neighbors. They were regarded with contempt for refusing to mingle in the excesses which were so marked a feature of heathen life and heathen worship. They were railed upon as evil-doers. They suffered innocently, were constantly assailed with threatenings, and passed their time oft in such terror that St. Peter describes their life as a fiery trial.

Yet in the word () which he here employs to picture the varied character of their sufferings we seem to have another hint that these did not fall out without the permission and watchful control of God Himself. It is a word which, while it tells of a countless variety, tells at the same time of fitness and order therein. The trials are meted out fitly, as men need and can profit by them. The Masters eye and hand are at work through them all; and the faithful God keeps always ready a way of deliverance. In this wise does St. Peter proclaim that the putting to grief may be made unto us a dispensation of mercy. Himself had been so put to grief by the thrice repeated question, “Lovest thou Me?”. {Joh 21:17} But a way was opened thereby for repentance of his triple denial, and that he might thrice over be entrusted with the feeding of Christs flock. Such was the putting to grief of the Corinthian Church {2Co 7:9} by St. Pauls first letter, for it wrought in them repentance, so that they sorrowed after a godly sort. And such sorrow can exist side by side with-yea, be the source of-exceeding joy. The Apostle of the Gentiles is a witness when he says that he and his fellow-laborers are “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.” {2Co 6:10} The Christian does not allow troubles to overwhelm him. The very comparison which St. Peter here institutes, speaking though it does of a furnace of trial, bears within it somewhat of consolation. Gold that is proved by the fire loses all the dross which clung about it and was mingled with it before the refining. It comes forth in all its purity, all its worth; and so shall it be with the believer after his probation. The things of earth will lose their value in his eyes; they will fall away from him, neither will he load himself with the thick clay of the worlds honors or wealth. The ties of such things have been sundered by his trials, and his heart is free to rise above the anxieties of time. And better even than the most refined gold, which, be it never so excellent, will yet be worn away, the faith of the believer comes forth stronger for all trial, and he shall hear at the last the welcome of the Master, “Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord,” the joy which He bestows, the joy which He shares with those that follow Him.

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ of which St. Peter speaks. This is the praise which through His atonement His servants shall find, and shall become sharers of the glory and honor which the Father has bestowed upon Him. To Christ then turns every affection. “Whom not having seen ye love.” This is the test since Christs ascension, and has the promise of special blessing. To His doubting Apostle Christ vouchsafed the evidence he desired, for our teaching as well as for his; but He added therewith, “Blessed are they which have not seen and yet have believed.” And their joy is such as no tongue can tell. Not for that are they silent in their rejoicing; their hearts overflow, and their voices go forth in constant songs of praise. But ever there remains with them the sense, “The half has not been told.”

For faith anticipates the bliss which God hath prepared for them that love Him, and enters into the unseen. The Holy Spirit within the soul is ever making fuller revelation of the deep things of God. The believers knowledge is ever increasing; the eye-salve of faith clears his spiritual vision. The thanksgivings of yesterday are poor when considered in the illumination of today. His joy also is glorified. As his aspirations soar heavenward, the glory from on high comes forth, as it were, to meet him. By gazing in faith on the coming Lord, the Christian progresses, through the power of the Spirit, from glory to glory; and the ever-growing radiance is a part of that grace which no words can tell. But so true, so real, is the sense of Christs presence that the Apostle describes it as full fruition. Believers “receive even now the end of their faith, the salvation of their souls.” So assured does He make them of all which they have hoped for that they behold already the termination of their journey, the close of all trial, and are filled with the bliss which shall be fully theirs when Christ shall come to call His approved servants to their inheritance of salvation.

Fuente: Expositors Bible Commentary

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