Free Bible Commentary
“First Peter 1:6-9”
Categories: First Peter“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so 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, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”
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We have every reason to “greatly rejoice” (verse 6) because we have been “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” and He promises us “an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven” (verses 3-4). And even though we are “protected by the power of God” (verse 5), He still allows us to be “distressed by various trial” in order to prove our faith. Earthly trials and ordeals are the crucible through which our Creator burns off the slag of sin, shapes us into useful instruments for His purposes and tempers our faith to withstand future challenges. This is especially true with we are persecuted because of our faith in Christ.
Our faith is “more precious than gold which is perishable” (verse 7). We should cling to our trust in Christ no matter what may befall us because of the treasure in heaven that He has waiting for us at the end of our earthly pilgrimage. You just can’t put a price tag on the kind of unwavering, undaunted conviction that loves Jesus and sees Him clearly with the eyes of faith through all of life’s pain, obstacles, distractions and temptations. The resurrected Jesus told Thomas after he touched His hand and side and believed, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed” (John 20:29). This is the kind of faith that provides the greatest of all rewards. “The outcome of” obedient faith in Christ is “the salvation of your souls” (verse 9).
Please read 1 Peter 1:10-13 for tomorrow. Have a blessed Lord's day!
-Louie Taylor
