Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance



Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance      

What is the most valuable thing about being a born-again follower of Jesus? 

Certainly the benefits are beyond countless but think about it ... 
Eternity is a really long time. The human mind cannot even begin to comprehend FOR-EVER. Close your eyes—right now—and try to imagine Eternity—Forever and ever and ever and ...

As promised, I’m posting the second part of the blessings found in 1 Peter 1. My previous post is titled, “Hope Alive” (posted June 6, 2017).

As a result of God’s abundance of mercy toward all people living hope comes through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Therefore the living Christ makes possible a living hope (1 Peter 1:3). And the ultimate hope that is alive in us Jesus followers is the anticipation of our eternal destiny—our place of residence following death or the catching away of the saints—which ever happens first for each of us. 

Verse four of the first chapter of 1 Peter is rich in hope, alive with glorious expectancy. The apostle Peter writes, “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” (1 Peter 1:3-4). 

The English Standard Version (ESV) puts it this way: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).

What an amazing inheritance we have! 
It is-

- incorruptible, meaning imperishable; Greek - aphthartos, meaning undecaying; not corruptible, immortal. Synonyms – indissoluble, permanent, endless, eternal, perpetual. (1) page 2118

- undefiled; Greek – amiantos, meaning unsoiled, pure, unpolluted. Synonyms – sincere, unalloyed, holy as being free from admixture of evil, sacred. (1) page 2092

- will not fade away – Greek – amarantos, meaning perpetual; unfading, hence enduring. (1) page 2091

As I was writing this post, I received word that the father of a friend died last night. I didn’t know the father but my friend’s family is confident that their loved-one is now realizing the fullness of his glorious inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled, and will never fade away. WOW! Think of it.

Of course there is sadness in the passing of a loved one, who will be missed in this earthly life, but the living hope through the resurrection of Jesus eases the pain of separation and calls out to a future reunion that is eternal and greater than anything we can imagine.

Thank You, Father God and thank You, Jesus, our Savior.

©Copyright 2017 Connie Wohlford

4 comments:

  1. Connie, after the death of my husband's mother, there was terrible fighting amongst his family over the money she left and no will. To make a long story short, to keep everyone happy, my hubby gave what would be his to the rest of the family to keep peace. We know the inheritance in the Lord will be much better than anything we can ever receive here on earth.
    Thanks for reminding me of that.

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    1. That is a sad story, Beckie. Your husband stepped up to the plate and made quite a statement. He knows Who his source is and where his treasure/inheritance is. I'm sure God will bless him for that.
      Thanks for stopping by.

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  2. Yes, what an inheritance we have!! Thank you for the reminder!

    Heather Bock
    www.glimpsesofjesus.com

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  3. Thankful for our glorious inheritance in Christ that will never perish or fade away!

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