◄ What Does 1 Peter 1:10 Mean? ►

Although we are strangers in a foreign land, we have an eternal hope set before us and an incorruptible inheritance reserved for us in heaven. Indeed, we who have trusted Christ and who have been saved by grace through faith in Him, have much about which to rejoice, despite the sobering truth that in this world all who live godly in Christ Jesus will face various trials and tribulations and may even have to face persecution and death. But praise God, for we have an assurance that we will be kept by the power of God, through faith for salvation.

Our love for our Saviour and trust in His Word is not based on our physical sight or supernatural experiences. Nor is it founded on emotional feelings or a comfortable lifestyle. Our love for Him must be founded on the truth of His holy Word. And because the love of God has been poured into our heart by His Holy Spirit, we rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory when we read: "Christ died for ours sins, according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised again on the third day, according to the Scriptures."

It was the prophets of old that foretold of the coming Messiah and prophesied of His birth, His life, His crucifixion, and Resurrection, and it was through them that signs and warnings were given in connection with His first and second comings, as well as much that will take place in the Millennial reign of Christ.

But there were also certain things that were not revealed to these faithful men of God, but were kept secret from before the foundation of the world. These were things concerning the Church (which is the Body of Christ), and God's great, eternal plan of redemption. And it was concerning this salvation of which the Old Testament prophets desired to know and about which they longed to look into, but it was kept hidden from their understanding.

Great prophets like Daniel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zechariah, and Malachi all longed to discover more concerning the salvation about which they preached. They faithfully prophesied about the grace that would come, but much was hidden from their eyes. They longed to find out what era or specific time the Spirit of the Messiah would indwell them. They longed to know what time they were referring to when they predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow.

But God in His wisdom gave them as much revelation as was meet for them to know, and raised up the apostle Paul to open up the mysteries of the Body of Christ, which is the Church: "Christ in you the hope of glory."

Today, we have the full and final revelation of God contained within the holy Scriptures. Today, we have received all that God has chosen to reveal to the Church, just as He did with His faithful prophets of old. We may desire to look into certain things that remain a mystery to us, but we must never forget that in these last days God has spoken to us by His Son Whom He appointed Heir of all things and through Whom also He made the universe. And we are called by the Father: "Listen to HIM."

The prophets of old prophesied concerning our salvation and the grace that would come to us, and although they searched and carefully investigated, much was kept hidden from their eyes. We however have been given all we need for life and godliness in this Church dispensation, and it is to be found in the Word of God for our learning. Let us study to be approved so that in these end days we are not tossed about by every wind of doctrine, nor deceived by false teachings or lying prophets.

Let us look to Jesus. Let us depend on Him and let His the holy Scriptures be our plumb-line for truth.

Heavenly Father, thank You that You have seen fit to reveal to us all that we need for life and godliness in Christ Jesus, our Saviour. Give me wisdom and understanding in this increasingly evil world. May I be content with all that You have revealed in Your Word and not seek to find out any secret knowledge that You, in Your wisdom, have chosen to be kept hidden. In Jesus' name, AMEN.