March 7, 2016 - Peter writes, “Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls” (1 Pet 1:9). There are different “stages” of salvation. For example we are to save ourselves from this evil generation (Ac. 2:40). We can be saved from our sins (Ac. 2:38). We can also be saved from the wrath of God (Lk. 3:7). But eternal salvation does not come nor is it guaranteed until the end as Peter said in the passage above. Eternal salvation is based upon our faith or faithfulness while in this life.
Notice what Peter said just prior to the above verse, “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” (1 Pet. 1:5-7).
Eternal life is not given until we have proven our faithfulness to God. Oh yes, it is reserved in heaven (1 Pet. 1:4) but it is only a reservation. Much like making a reservation for a room or a flight, it is reserved or guaranteed but we do not literally have it until we arrive and check in.
Peter said in the text that their faith was tested, they were in heaviness, had manifold temptations and tied by fire. Our endurance through such times brings about the outcome of our faith, the salvation of our souls.
Jesus said be “faithful till the end” (Rev. 2:10) in order to receive the crown. Demas was said to have left the faith (loved this present world) (2 Tim. 4:10; 1Jn. 2:15-17). The Hebrew Christians were warned to not given up their reward (Heb. 10:35-36,39).
Paul writes, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Tim. 4:7-8). He also wrote, “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible” (1 Cor. 9:25).
James also writes, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (Jm. 1:12). And Jesus said, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne” (Rev. 3:21).
Our faithfulness in this life in times of temptations and trials will bring about the end of our faith. The end or outcome of our faith will be rewarded with eternal life. A life of sin and a love of this world will cost us our inheritance in heaven and cancel our reservation of eternal life.
Let us strive to receive the end of our faith, the salvation of our souls. As we go through the many fiery trials and manifold temptations of this life let us do so with our eyes fixed on our reservation in heaven!
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