This is a very bold statement that Peter makes. I first learned this verse many years ago in King James Version which uses the word "reserved" for our inheritance. Every time I read or think of this verse I am reminded that 'reservations' are important. You may have plans to go to a certain restaurant for dinner but then find out, without a reservation, you are out of luck. Same goes for many things, airline reservations, hotel, golf time, etc.
So, assuming you would like to go to heaven when you leave this earth to spend eternity with God, what do you have to do to make sure that happens?
This is a test. . .true or false
1. Go to church every Sunday
2. Read the Bible, God's Word, every day
3. Tithe - give 10% of your income to the church
4. Never swear, drink alcohol or smoke.
5. None of the above
Questions 1 - 4 are false although many believe this describes a Christian.
Only #5 is true. If this be so, what then do we need to do to claim our inheritance that has been reserved for us in heaven. Notice this inheritance has been kept for us through faith and shielded by God's power. We cannot claim any credit for our salvation.
"For it is by grace you have been saved through faith - and this not from yourself, it is a gift of God, not by works, so no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8.
In Romans 4 we read we are never justified by our 'works' - then we'd have something to boost about. Rather, we are counted as 'righteous' because we believe God. . ."Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness."
God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to become our righteousness before God. Jesus went to the cross and died for the sin you and I commit daily and if we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior we will never have to pay the penalty for sin because it's already been paid for.
We judge one another based on our human behavior. We can't see into people's hearts. When you become a Christian, you want to behave in a way that will make others see 'good' rather than 'bad'. This is why God has put His Holy Spirit in those of us who believe. The Spirit reminds us who we are in Christ. I have often said, you may never get your friend, family member, neighbor, etc. to study the Bible, but they will study your life! We become a living testament to others. I am not talking about being 'religious' - in fact, it was the 'religious' people of His day that Jesus most often spoke against. He could tell the difference in those who followed Him and those who followed religious laws and sacraments.
Reach out to Jesus and claim the inheritance reserved for you in heaven. This has become a scary world during the last couple of months - life is changing, fast! We must go to our creator and Heavenly Father and know that even though we can see the suffering of the Ukrainian people on TV every night, the price of gas and groceries going up, border control out of hand. . .God is still in control and has a plan and a purpose for everything He does.
"In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will." Ephesians 1:11
Paul who wrote this letter to the Ephesians also tells them that God has done this so those who have hope in Christ might be for the praise of his glory.
Many blessings to my readers and wishing you, no matter what your circumstances, a blessed 'Resurrection Sunday'.
Keep the faith, Bobbe
Thank you Lord for dying for our sins so we could be righteous in God's eyes and live in heaven eternally.
