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The Nature of Our Heavenly Hope. 1 Peter 1:3-9. 1 Peter 1:3-9.
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The Nature of Our Heavenly Hope 1 Peter 1:3-9
1 Peter 1:3-9 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith - the salvation of your souls.
Introduction to Heavenly Hope • Our hope of heaven is dependent upon the mercy of God in making us His children • The resurrection of Christ gave us evidence that there is a hope of death being overcome & reward • That hope will become reality at the resurrection of Christ if we abide in faith • Endurance of trials will prove & purify our faith “for a little while” in this life • Our glory as children takes place when we are united with God in His glory in reward
Nature of the Heavenly Reward • “Incorruptible” • Spiritual realm is beyond fleshly corruption • “Undefiled” • Nothing present to diminish or defile the joy & purity of the heavenly existence • “Does not fade away” • Our hope is not “for a little while,” but for an unending day of eternal joy & glory
Reward Is Beyond This Life • During this life, we are promised trials • 1 Peter 4:12 • James 1:2-4 • Rest only needed after labor is complete • Hebrews 4:9-11 • Revelation 14:9-13 • Focus of faithful must be on reward, not present • Matthew 5:10-12 • Hebrews 10:32-35 • Hebrews 11:24-27 • Revelation 20:4
Heaven Untouched by Sin’s Curse • This world & its inhabitants are under the abiding curse of sin (Genesis 3) • 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 50-57 • 2 Timothy 1:8-10 • Hebrews 2:14-15 • Salvation from sin makes heavenly hope possible • Revelation 21 & 22 • No separation between God & man; in His real presence • Every tear wiped away • No more death, mourning, crying or pain • Security, beauty & wonder beyond compare • Glorious light of God is without end • Nothing of associated with sin found therein
Heaven: Christian’s Ultimate Glory • Our glory is not realized in this life whatever our place or situation • Glory for God’s children is to be finally revealed in eternity • 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 • Romans 8:16-18 • 1 John 3:1-3 • Let us keep our focus on proper goal: HEAVEN • There is nothing in this world worth having or doing if it keeps us out of heaven