We’re Safe

We have come to the end of the long work week. We can SHOUT! and say, "YES it's Friday". Here is words of encouragement to prepare us for the weekend. [God] has begotten us . . . to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you. —1 Peter 1:3-4 The United States Bullion Depository in Fort Knox, Kentucky, is a fortified building that stores 5,000 tons of gold bullion and other precious items entrusted to the federal government. Fort Knox is protected by a 22-ton door and layers of physical security: alarms, video cameras, minefields, barbed razor wire, electric fences, armed guards, and unmarked Apache helicopters. Based on the level of security, Fort Knox is considered one of the safest places on earth. As safe as Fort Knox is, there’s another place that’s safer, and it’s filled with something more precious than gold: Heaven holds our gift of eternal life. The apostle Peter encouraged believers in Christ to praise God because we have “a living hope”—a confident expectation that grows and gains strength the more we learn about Jesus (1 Peter 1:3). And our hope is based on the resurrected Christ. His gift of eternal life will never come to ruin as a result of hostile forces. It will never lose its glory or freshness, because God has been keeping and will continue to keep it safe in heaven. No matter what harm may come to us in our life on earth, God is guarding our souls. Our inheritance is safe. Like a safe within a safe, our salvation is protected by God and we’re secure. —Marvin Williams For Further Thought What about your salvation brings you the greatest joy? How does it make you feel knowing that your salvation is kept safe with God? An inheritance in heaven is the safest possible place. Bible in a year: Ezra 6-8; John 21 Insight Peter begins his first letter with a complex greeting. After addressing God’s “elect” who are strangers in the world and scattered throughout different areas (v.1), Peter uses the struggles of this life to highlight the glory and security of heaven. He speaks of the permanence of their home and inheritance in heaven—it is “kept” (v.5) and can never spoil or “fade” (v.4). Peter reminds them that they are shielded by God’s own power. He reiterates the confidence Jesus gave His followers in John 10:27-29: Those who belong to God, the elect, are held safe and secure in His hand.