"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ," (I Peter 1:3--7).
* Among several answers given in Scripture as to why believers suffer, Peter here reveals that the refining of our faith is a reason for trials. Through the fiery furnace of afflictions the dross of doubt can be melted away. As our faith is purified, the Lord Jesus is glorified, and our lives bear testimony to His trustworthiness.
* The Bible gives numerous reasons for why Christians suffer, and in this passage Peter points to the proof of our faith. Like an exquisite diamond, faith is most strikingly evident when set against a black background.
The darker our circumstances, the more evident becomes a steadfast trust in our Lord's goodness.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment