1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Even in the midst of severe persecution, James focuses on the hope and joy we have in Christ Jesus. He did not open his letter with a "woe is me" kind of attitude, but with praise and adoration for God because of the wonderful mercy He imparted to His children, giving us new life in Christ. In the midst of trials and tribulations we need to remember that we have been born again unto a living hope. Our hope is not in this world or what it offers, because it has nothing of real value to offer. It is filled with evil and corruption. Our hope lies in what is to come. Just like Israel's hope was in reaching the Promised Land of Canaan, so our hope is in reaching our Promised Land, where we will be reunited with Jesus. Our hope is in the inheritance we have been promised, and that has been reserved for us in Heaven. It is an inheritance that is guarded, secure, and unlike anything we could gain here on earth. The hope that we have in seeing this inheritance is founded, not on our ability to maintain our salvation; but because our salvation and this promise are kept by the power of God through faith. One way or another, whether through death or the Lord's return, we will see this promise fulfilled, because the One who made the promise is faithful and never breaks His promises. It is in the midst of persecution and suffering that our testimony for Jesus will truly shine, if we, by faith, hold on to His unfailing promises.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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