Our spiritual inheritance kept by God
…and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:4-5 CSB
In verse 4, Peter calls our attention to the “inheritance” we received from God. This “inheritance” is the life we have because of our salvation. The word “inheritance” usually refers to the death of a person who has willed his property to immediate relatives and to charities. The writer of Hebrews puts it clearly: “Where a will exists, the death of the one who made it must be established. For a will is valid only when people die, since it is never in effect while the one who made it is living” (9:16–17). However, Peter places the context of the word “inheritance” in reference to life. It is the life we have because of the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “…and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him” (Romans 8:17). This inheritance we have is secured for it is imperishable (it cannot die), undefiled (it cannot be stained or corrupted by sin), and unfading (it cannot be affected by time; it is eternal). It is “kept in heaven for you.” The word “kept” here, in the Greek, is active, present tense, and going into the future. It is “guarded by God’s power.” The Creator of the universe guards and guarantees our salvation. This is the reason why Paul could rejoice for the life we received from God will never be taken away. “Nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 2:12 KJV). It is eternal, free from any blemish and is pure, and its beauty will never fade. Earthly inheritance is subjected to corrosion and will change but not so with the salvation we have in Christ for it is in heaven and kept by the power of God. When we are born again because of the salvation we received from God, we exchanged the passing glory of man for the eternal glory prepared for us by God. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 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, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3 KJV).
Blessings,
Isaac De Guzman
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