Introduction: Are you suffering persecution and affliction now? Just wait for your INHERITANCE! We are reminded once again in this devotion of our present day hardships. 1Peter is a great study…the word “suffering” is used 16 times. If I were to outline (1Pet 1:2-9,13), it would include this:

1. Peter reminds those being persecuted and are suffering (plus us today) of their PAST blessings – inheritance – in Jesus Christ!

“2Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.” (1Pet 1:2,3)

The word “foreknowledge” is πρόγνωσις, (prog’-no-sis), which means to know beforehand, previous determination.
Not only does our Heavenly Father know beforehand who will be saved and who will not, but He also gives man a free choice to accept or reject Jesus Christ as the Spirit of God convicts and converts.

“3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1Pet 1:3)

The word “hath begotten” (v. 3) is ἀναγεννάω,(an-ag-en-nah’-o), which means beget again, beget into a new life.
In other words, because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and as we put our faith and trust in Jesus alone, God quickens and raises our dead spirit into New Life in Him! (see Eph 2:1-10)

2. Peter reminds those being persecuted and are suffering (and us today) of their PRESENT blessings – inheritance – because of Jesus Christ!

“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1Pet 1:5)

The words “who are kept” (v5) are φρουρέω: (froo-reh’-o), which means to guard, keep, as by a military guard. This is meant for right now in the present that we are “KEPT,” guarded…and getting ready for an inheritance.

“6Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7That the trial of your faith..” (1Peter 1:6)

The words “season” of suffering – “trial of faith” (v6) is δοκιμάζω (dok-im-ad’-zo), which means put to the test, prove, examine; distinguish by testing, approve after testing…fit. This is a Testing to prove to see if one’s FAITH is genuine.

After proven, One’s FAITH… “might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1Pet 1:7)

The words “might be found” are εὑρίσκω,(hyoo-ris’-ko,), which mean find, learn, discover, especially after searching. Presently, the proven trials of our FAITH will be found when Jesus appears from heaven.

3. Peter reminds those being persecuted and are suffering (and us today) of their FUTURE blessings – inheritance – because of Jesus Christ!

“To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.” (1Pet 1:4)

The word “inheritance” is κληρονομία,(klay-ron-om-ee’-ah), which means an inheritance, an heritage.

Some define this word as the “regularly the gift of God to His chosen people, in the Old Testament: the Promised Land, in NT a possession viewed in one sense as present, in another as future; a share, participation.”

Did you notice this included both Israel and the Church?

Lastly, please look at (1Pet 1:5,7,13) which all make a reference to Jesus return. Jesus will be “revealed”- “appearing” – His “Revelation.” The word is ἀποκάλυψις, (ap-ok-al’-oop-sis), which means an unveiling, uncovering, revealing, revelation. Later, as an older man, Peter, in his second epistle, writes more details concerning this great promise of Christ Jesus return for His saints and His second coming.

Also, it would be consistent with other Scripture to integrate the event which follows the RAPTURE, namely, the JUDGMENT SEAT of Christ (2Cor 5:10).

In addition, it would not contradict other Scripture that describes the Second Coming of Jesus when He will establish His millennial reign and we shall experience His sovereignty as we take part in this special prophetic event!