Faith, Part 2 of 3预览

The goal of faith is salvation

“… obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:9)

Believing is a lifelong process with highs and lows. But today's verse calls our attention to the final goal of faith, “the salvation of your souls.” So what exactly does this final salvation mean? Prophets have been curious about that for centuries, and even angels would like to know. Little by little, more and more has been revealed to us. We know that after we die we will be with the Lord God forever. We know that He will create a new heaven and earth, where there is no more room for sin and sorrow. John even writes, “ we know that when He appears we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." (1 John 3:2)

However, the full reality and extent of salvation will only be seen and experienced in the future, when Jesus Christ returns to earth. That is why verse 13 speaks of “the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Verse 4 calls it “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” When the time comes for believers to receive that inheritance, their faith has come to its final goal. Then they may see the Lord Jesus with their own eyes. Do you long for that? What strengthens this longing?