◄ What Does 1 Peter 1:8 Mean? ►

Peter was one of the three disciples that saw the glory of God in Christ on the holy mount. Having seen this and coming to a depth of understanding of our position in Christ, he rejoices to remind us that all Christians are born for glory: "The glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth," for we are one with Him.

Peter reminds us that as we walk through this Christ-rejecting, sinful world, our miracle of new birth guarantees that we are also being kept IN this world by the power of God. We are being kept for a glory that is set before us' reserved for us in heaven.

But in addition, Peter tells us that all Christians are being prepared FOR glory through the things that we suffer. Like Christ, Who is our superlative example, we are being perfected by the things that we suffer and through our response to the various trials and tribulations we face in this life.

Our past redemption, our present sanctification, and our future glorification is ours through Christ Who loved us and gave Himself for us. And we live this life by grace, through faith in the work of the Lord Jesus on the Cross.

Our love is not based on what we see of Christ with our physical eyes. Our love for Christ is founded on all that we know of Him in our hearts by faith with thanksgiving. We love Him for all that He suffered on the Cross for us, for the life that He gives us through His Resurrection, and for the glory that He is preparing for us in heaven.

Our spiritual understanding is founded on the Word of God and revealed to us by the Spirit of God, which is poured out in full measure into our hearts. We love Him because He first loved us. He died to redeem us, He rose again to give us His life, and He is preparing a heavenly home for us in glory.

Though we have not seen Him in person, we love Him passionately. Though we do not behold Him with our physical eyes, we believe in Him and trust His Word. And we rejoice with a joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, for Jesus is our Lord and our God, our Saviour and our Friend.

Heavenly Father, how I love You and how I love the Lord Jesus Who died to save me, rose again to give me His life, and Who is preparing a home for me in heaven. How my heart rejoices. I am filled with inexpressible joy when I think of all You have done for me. Thank You, in Jesus' name, AMEN.