Absolute Goodness

1 Peter 1:6-10 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
 
PETER continues to praise the wonder of salvation. The term he used for “greatly rejoice” refers to a deep spiritual joy that is above all earthly challenges. It’s the type of exceeding joy Mary exclaimed as she heard she would bring forth the Savior: Luke 1:46-47 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” She knew this blessing would never leave her.
   That is how we are to see our salvation. Salvation is eternal life, and it is all the blessings of the Christian life on earth. Consider how love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Galatians 5:23-24a) give you the means to live out of sin and into Jesus’ redemption. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:24b-26)
   Salvation also helps us anticipate the greatest blessings are to come as we enter the New Jerusalem. This future has begun. Why let the world weigh you down when the Savior has lifted you up to him? Rejoice even in the trials!
   Trials are purposeful. They refine your faith if you see them through Jesus’ love for you. You even thank God for the troubles because those difficult days help you have some understanding of Jesus’ very difficult life on earth. To bear the likeness of Jesus is to bear suffering with joy, obedience and love for the Lord, who has suffered for you.
   That’s why you love him. You know in your heart the inexpressible gift the Son of God has given to you. The Father’s will, the Son’s atonement and the Spirit’s power grant you salvation. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Jesus paid the price. (2 Corinthians 5:21) Then the Spirit gave birth to your spirit (from John 3:6b) so you will be born again. Are you not then be filled with inexpressible joy? What a grand and glorious gift to know you will stand before Jesus one day to be welcomed into eternity.