The Epistles: 1 Peter

This epistle, the first that the apostle Peter write was sent to believers scattered throughout Asia. The letter is situated during the emperor Nero's reign and as such was written as an encouragement to those facing persecution to turn their gaze heaven-ward. The truth is, Christians today might not be facing the same kind of persecution but the message holds true, our inheritance is in heaven, we are temporary residents here on this earth and we must live as such. "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." 1 Peter 1:3‭-‬7 NLT. Our inheritance in Christ is priceless, it can never perish, spoil or fade. While we face trouble in this world, we remind ourselves, we are not citizens of this world, we are ambassadors of a different kingdom. "But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls." 1 Peter 2:9‭-‬11 NLT. This world is not our home, we are just passing through. I say to every Christian reading this, keep your eyes and your heart on Christ.