1 Peter 1:4
Verse
Context
A Living Hope
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,4and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,5who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To an inheritance - Called an inheritance because it belongs to the children of God. Eternal life cannot be a gift to any but these; for, even in heaven, the lot is dealt out according to law: if children, then heirs; if not children, then not heirs. Incorruptible - Αφθαρτον· It has no principles of dissolution or decay in it; and, therefore, must be totally different from this earth. Undefiled - Αμιαντον· Nothing impure can enter it; it not only has no principles or seeds of dissolution in itself, but it can never admit any; therefore its deterioration is impossible. Fadeth not away - Αμαρνατον· It cannot wither, it is always in bloom; a metaphor taken from those flowers that never lose their hue nor their fragrance. From the Greek αμαραντος we have our flowers called amaranths, because they preserve their hue and odour for a long time. Reserved in heaven - Such a place as that described above is not to be expected on earth; it is that which was typified by the earthly Canaan, and in reference to which the patriarchs endured all trials and difficulties in this life, as seeing Him who is invisible.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
To an inheritance--the object of our "hope" (Pe1 1:3), which is therefore not a dead, but a "living" hope. The inheritance is the believer's already by title, being actually assigned to him; the entrance on its possession is future, and hoped for as a certainty. Being "begotten again" as a "son," he is an "heir," as earthly fathers beget children who shall inherit their goods. The inheritance is "salvation" (Pe1 1:5, Pe1 1:9); "the grace to be brought at the revelation of Christ" (Pe1 1:13); "a crown of glory that fadeth not away." incorruptible--not having within the germs of death. Negations of the imperfections which meet us on every side here are the chief means of conveying to our minds a conception of the heavenly things which "have not entered into the heart of man," and which we have not faculties now capable of fully knowing. Peter, sanguine, impulsive, and highly susceptible of outward impressions, was the more likely to feel painfully the deep-seated corruption which, lurking under the outward splendor of the loveliest of earthly things, dooms them soon to rottenness and decay. undefiled--not stained as earthly goods by sin, either in the acquiring, or in the using of them; unsusceptible of any stain. "The rich man is either a dishonest man himself, or the heir of a dishonest man" [JEROME]. Even Israel's inheritance was defiled by the people's sins. Defilement intrudes even on our holy things now, whereas God's service ought to be undefiled. that fadeth not away--Contrast Pe1 1:24. Even the most delicate part of the heavenly inheritance, its bloom, continues unfading. "In substance incorruptible; in purity undefiled; in beauty unfading" [ALFORD]. reserved--kept up (Col 1:5, "laid up for you in heaven," Ti2 4:8); Greek perfect, expressing a fixed and abiding state, "which has been and is reserved." The inheritance is in security, beyond risk, out of the reach of Satan, though we for whom it is reserved are still in the midst of dangers. Still, if we be believers, we too, as well as the inheritance, are "kept" (the same Greek, Joh 17:12) by Jesus safely (Pe1 1:5). in heaven--Greek, "in the heavens," where it can neither be destroyed nor plundered. It does not follow that, because it is now laid up in heaven, it shall not hereafter be on earth also. for you--It is secure not only in itself from all misfortune, but also from all alienation, so that no other can receive it in your stead. He had said us (Pe1 1:3); he now turns his address to the elect in order to encourage and exhort them.
John Gill Bible Commentary
To an inheritance incorruptible,.... This is a further explanation of the "lively hope", or hope laid up in heaven, which regenerate ones are begotten to: it is an "inheritance"; a large estate, and rich possession, they are born heirs apparent to; what is not to be got by industry, or obtained by the works of the law; for they that are of the law are not heirs; but what is the pure bequest and free gift of God, as a Father to his children; for an inheritance is proper and peculiar to children, nor does it belong to any but them; and it comes to them through the death of the testator, Christ, and of it the Holy Spirit is the pledge and earnest: and here it is said to be incorruptible; it is free from corruption in itself; nor can it be corrupted by others, by moth, or rust, or other things, as gold, silver, and garments may, which are a part of earthly inheritances; nor can it be enjoyed by corrupt persons, either corrupted with sin, or clothed with frailty and mortality; wherefore, in order to inherit it, corruption must put on incorruption, in every sense; other epithets and commendations of it follow: and undefiled; it is in its own nature pure and holy, and free from any defilement of sin; nor are there any of those impurities in it which Jews and Mahometans dream of in their vainly expected earthly paradise; nor will it be possessed by any but undefiled persons, such as are made so through the blood and righteousness of Christ: and that fadeth not away; as do world, and the glory of it, and all inheritances and possessions in it; here is no continuing city, but there is one to come; in this inheritance are durable riches, everlasting habitations, an house eternal in the heavens, glories in it that will never wither and die, and pleasures which will never end, and which will be enjoyed without decrease or loathing: reserved in heaven for you; the Alexandrian copy reads, "for us"; and the Ethiopic version renders it, "for us and you"; for all the saints; for all who are the elect, according to the foreknowledge of God, and who are begotten again to a lively hope; for these this inheritance is prepared, laid up, and secured in the hands or Christ their feoffee, who has it in trust for them, and with whom they are co-heirs; and it is safe for them "in heaven"; out of the reach of men and devils: this serves both to commend the inheritance, to set forth the excellency of it, lying in such a place as heaven; for the situation of an inheritance adds oftentimes to the valuableness of it; and also the safety and security of it; it is safe, being in heaven, and more so as it is in Christ's hands there. The Jews are wont to call the future state an inheritance of the land of the living: they say (u). "this is called "an inheritance"; and add, but in this world a man has no inheritance, nor continuance; so they interpret that phrase, "by the God of thy father", in Gen 49:25 thus (w). "this is "the inheritance" of the superior place, which is called "heaven"; and sometimes they style it , "the superior inheritance", or "the inheritance above" (x); all which agrees with Peter's language, (u) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 150. 3. (w) Zohar in Gen. fol. 131. 2. (x) Zohar in Exod. fol. 34. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:4 The language of inheritance frequently refers to what God has promised his people. Originally applied to the land of Israel (see Deut 3:28), the inheritance came to mean the people of God and God’s presence with them (see Ps 33:12; Ezek 44:28). In the New Testament, the inheritance is the spiritual benefit and eternal salvation that God promises to his people (see Eph 1:11; Heb 9:15).
1 Peter 1:4
A Living Hope
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,4and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,5who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Be Ye Holy (Alternate 3)
By Leonard Ravenhill2.6K57:48HolinessMAT 16:18ACT 26:18HEB 4:91PE 1:41PE 2:221JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the ministry, which is to turn people from darkness to life and from the power of Satan to God. He references Paul's testimony before King Agrippa in Acts 26 and encourages preachers and missionaries to read this chapter regularly. The preacher also discusses the story of Joseph and how he was falsely accused but had evidence of his innocence. He highlights the difficulty of judging others and the importance of not misjudging. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the believers' inheritance in heaven, which is incorruptible and reserved for them, and the power of God that keeps them. The preacher also mentions a miniature Bible carried by the Apollo 15 astronauts and reflects on the wonder of the earth hanging in space. He challenges the idea that sin is necessary and encourages believers to live without sin.
Trust and Obey - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill2.1K58:31Trust And ObeyMAT 6:33JHN 16:8ACT 2:41HEB 1:11PE 1:4REV 1:3REV 20:15In this sermon, the preacher starts by mentioning the excitement surrounding football in England and a recent news story about a figure skater's intense training. He then criticizes Bible students for not being as dedicated to their studies. The preacher emphasizes the importance of delivering a dynamic message to awaken people and save them from hell. He also discusses the role of Peter, one of Jesus' apostles, and highlights the significance of having Jesus as a role model. The sermon concludes with a mention of the book of Revelation and the hope of an incorruptible inheritance in heaven.
Ravenhill Humor - Our Inheritance
By Leonard Ravenhill1.9K00:19Ravenhill HumorEternal PromisesSpiritual InheritanceROM 8:17EPH 1:11COL 3:24HEB 9:151PE 1:4Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the incredible nature of our spiritual inheritance, which is incorruptible and undefiled, contrasting it with the fleeting and corruptible things of this world. He uses humor to engage the audience, likening their response to auctioneering to a deaf and dumb crowd, highlighting the importance of recognizing and valuing this divine gift. Ravenhill encourages believers to appreciate the eternal promise that awaits them, which is beyond comparison to earthly possessions.
Brainwashing in Communist China (Reading)
By Richard Wurmbrand1.4K35:26Communism1PE 1:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of brainwashing in Communist China and its implications for the soul. He emphasizes the importance of preparing for eternity and accepting Christ as one's personal Savior. The speaker explains that brainwashing in Communist China involves the tormentors becoming the saviors, providing food, medical attention, and care to the helpless victims. The process includes long hours of staring into space, loss of enthusiasm and zeal, fragmented memory, and a susceptibility to believe the new voices promoting communism. Additionally, the victims are required to repeatedly write out their life's history, including personal information about themselves and others. The speaker urges listeners to turn to God and renew their minds through His divine service.
The Last Time
By Ralph Sexton1.4K33:34MAT 6:331CO 5:51PE 1:11PE 1:4JUD 1:6In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful story about a Russian mini-sub that got caught in a fishing net 620 feet under the ocean. The sailors struggled to free themselves but only became more entangled. They faced darkness, fear, and a lack of water and power. However, their friends on top managed to hook a rope to the sub and pull them up to safety. The preacher uses this story to emphasize the importance of not taking our loved ones for granted and to encourage listeners to step upon the serpent (representing the devil) through the power of God's holy words. He also highlights the fleeting nature of life and urges husbands to be loving and tender towards their wives. The sermon concludes with a call for people to take their relationship with God seriously and to seize the opportunity to come back to Him or serve Him wholeheartedly.
Glory: Wanting It, Getting It, Having It
By Peter Jensen1.3K54:13GloryGEN 12:1MAT 6:33MAT 19:26ROM 8:182CO 5:7HEB 11:11PE 1:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the theme of glory and its significance in the context of funerals. The speaker mentions that funerals are a professional interest for clergy and shares that there are often funny stories associated with them. The speaker then delves into the idea of glory, emphasizing the importance of wanting, getting, and having glory. The sermon also touches on the concept of death and dying, and the role of the gospel in understanding and navigating these subjects.
The Suffering of Christ and the Sovereignty of God
By John Piper1.1K44:27PSA 34:8PSA 103:1MAT 6:332CO 5:151PE 1:4REV 5:9REV 13:8In this sermon, Pastor John Piper explores the purpose of suffering and the glory of God. He begins by stating that the entire universe exists to display the greatness of God's grace. He supports this claim by referencing Ephesians 1:4-6, which speaks of God choosing and adopting believers for His purpose. Piper then turns to the book of Revelation, specifically chapter 13 verse 8, to further emphasize the ultimate biblical explanation for suffering. He concludes by urging listeners to find freedom from discouragement, self-pity, fear, and greed by focusing on the glory of Christ in His suffering.
The Profit Motive - Part 1
By Joshua Daniel1.0K25:16GEN 25:32ISA 55:2MAT 6:19MAT 10:36MAT 16:26MRK 8:36ROM 8:17PHP 3:8HEB 12:161PE 1:4This sermon delves into the concept of the profit motive and the story of Esau trading his birthright for a bowl of pottage, highlighting the temptation to prioritize immediate gains over eternal blessings. It emphasizes the value of faith heritage and the danger of undervaluing spiritual blessings for temporary satisfaction. The speaker urges against falling into the trap of worldly gains at the expense of losing out on the priceless salvation and empowerment offered by God.
Easter conf.shannon Hills 01
By Welcome Detweiler96139:33ACT 20:242CO 5:81PE 1:4REV 21:1REV 21:8REV 22:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of a heavenly city and how God conveys its description to us. He explains that God uses the known and the unknown to help us understand the infinite nature of the city. The speaker highlights the negatives of this world and emphasizes that those undesirable aspects will not be present in the heavenly city. He also mentions that there will be no sorrow in that city. The sermon encourages the audience to remember that this world is not their home and to look forward to the eternal city described in the Bible.
Revelation 19 (1 of 5)
By Leonard Ravenhill621:10:58Eternal CelebrationIdentity in ChristRevelationMAT 22:14JHN 17:24ROM 8:17HEB 1:81PE 1:41JN 3:2REV 19:7Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the significance of the marriage supper of the Lamb as described in Revelation 19:9, highlighting the joy and glory of being called to this divine celebration. He contrasts the eternal joy of the faithful with the impending judgment on worldly systems, urging believers to recognize their identity as part of God's eternal kingdom. Ravenhill reflects on the majesty of Christ, the King of Kings, and the profound implications of being part of His bride, encouraging the congregation to live in anticipation of this glorious event.
Say Ye to the Righteous, That It Shall Be Well With Him
By C.H. Spurgeon0Assurance in GodFaith in AdversityPSA 23:1PSA 37:25ISA 3:10JHN 6:51ROM 8:282CO 5:21EPH 1:3PHP 4:19HEB 13:51PE 1:4C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that it is always well with the righteous, regardless of their circumstances, whether in prosperity or persecution. He reassures believers that God's promises are eternal and encompass all times and situations, providing comfort and strength. The righteous are well-fed, clothed in Christ's righteousness, and securely housed in God, with their souls united to Christ. Spurgeon encourages faith in God's declarations, asserting that even if the world contradicts this truth, believers should trust in God's word above all else. Ultimately, he affirms that those blessed by God are truly blessed, and His promises are unwavering.
Epistle 155
By George Fox0Unity in FaithLight of ChristJER 32:40JHN 1:12JHN 12:36ROM 2:15ROM 5:51CO 13:62CO 4:6COL 2:191PE 1:41JN 5:4George Fox emphasizes the importance of turning to the light of Christ, which unites believers and reveals the truth about the world and its vanities. He encourages the faithful to meet together in this light, which brings peace with God and knowledge of His glory, leading to victory over worldly temptations. Fox highlights that in the light, believers are transformed into the likeness of God and are called to walk in love, unity, and truth, while remaining vigilant against the deceptions of the world. He reassures the faithful that by abiding in the light, they will experience God's promises and eternal life. Ultimately, he calls for perseverance in faith and mutual encouragement among believers.
God's Keeping
By Aaron Hills01SA 2:9PSA 91:11PSA 121:3JER 44:4MRK 13:331TH 5:232TI 3:31PE 1:41JN 5:21Aaron Hills preaches on the importance of God's keeping power and our responsibility to guard ourselves against backsliding. He emphasizes the need for constant trust, dependence on God, and faith in Jesus to maintain purity and holiness. Hills highlights the duty of watchfulness, comparing it to a lookout sailor on a ship, and stresses the role of conscience in detecting and avoiding sin. He also addresses the necessity of being dead to the world, rejecting worldly influences and embracing a life crucified to worldly desires.
The Joy of the Lord Is Your Strength
By George Mueller0Joy in the LordSpiritual LibertyNEH 8:10PSA 119:11ISA 43:4JHN 15:9ROM 8:15GAL 5:22EPH 2:1PHP 4:41PE 1:41JN 1:9George Mueller emphasizes that 'The joy of the Lord is your strength,' drawing from Nehemiah 8:10. He explains that true joy comes from understanding our spiritual liberty through Christ, which surpasses any earthly freedom. Mueller encourages believers to actively engage with God, surrendering their burdens and recognizing their identity as beloved children of God. He stresses the importance of continual growth in faith, prayer, and the study of Scripture to maintain and deepen this joy. Ultimately, he calls for a life of gratitude and love towards God, which leads to holiness and happiness.
We See Not Yet All Things Put Under Him. but We See Jesus
By A.B. Simpson0Inheritance in ChristFaithGEN 13:15MAT 28:18ROM 8:172CO 5:7EPH 1:22PHP 3:20COL 1:17HEB 2:81PE 1:4REV 21:7A.B. Simpson emphasizes the reality that while we may not see all things under our control, Jesus reigns supreme over all. He encourages believers to recognize Jesus as our representative and to claim the promises of God by looking to Him. The sermon highlights the importance of faith in realizing our inheritance, reminding us that the heavenly perspective completes our understanding of life. Simpson urges us to lift our eyes and trust in the unlimited inheritance that God has prepared for us, as all things are ultimately subject to Christ.
My Expectation Is From Him
By C.H. Spurgeon0Hope in Eternal LifeExpectation from GodPSA 37:4MAT 25:34JHN 14:2ROM 8:182CO 9:8PHP 4:19HEB 10:231PE 1:41JN 3:2REV 21:4C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that true expectation for believers should come from God rather than the world, as worldly expectations are ultimately disappointing. He encourages believers to draw from the abundant resources of God's grace and faithfulness, assuring them that God honors His promises and supplies their needs. Spurgeon highlights the hope of eternal life and the glorious expectations that await believers after death, including the promise of being welcomed into God's kingdom. He urges the faithful to live for God, glorifying Him as the source of all blessings and future glory. Ultimately, Spurgeon reassures that our expectations from God are not in vain, but filled with hope and assurance.
The Great Inheritance
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual WarfareInheritanceJOS 1:6LUK 12:32ACT 20:32ACT 26:18ROM 6:4EPH 3:20COL 1:12COL 3:1HEB 9:151PE 1:4T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the inheritance in the life of believers, drawing parallels between the Old Testament and the New Testament. He explains that the inheritance is not merely a reward but the very essence of redemption, which encompasses past, present, and future salvation. Sparks warns that many may miss this inheritance, just as the majority of Israel did in the wilderness, and stresses the necessity of a circumcised heart and spiritual readiness to claim it. He highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to overcome spiritual battles and take possession of their inheritance. Ultimately, he encourages the congregation to be strong and courageous in their pursuit of God's promises.
Transcendent, Soul-Attracting Glories
By Anne Dutton0PSA 16:111CO 15:542CO 3:182CO 5:21PE 1:4Anne Dutton preaches about the believer's anticipation of the heavenly glory awaiting them, emphasizing the eternal inheritance and joy that will be experienced in the presence of God. She expresses a deep longing for the incorruptible and undefiled blessings of heaven, free from sin and weakness, where believers will be filled with heavenly delights and the immediate vision of God and the Lamb for eternity. Despite the struggles and burdens faced in this earthly life, the hope of immortality and the prospect of being forever with the Lord bring comfort and joy, as death is seen as a gateway to eternal life and the full realization of God's glory.
The Flowers That Never Fade
By John Henry Jowett0PSA 103:151CO 2:161CO 9:25PHP 4:81PE 1:4John Henry Jowett emphasizes the eternal nature of God's inheritance compared to temporary possessions on earth, using the example of taking the landscape of Arran with him wherever he goes. He contrasts the fading praise of men with the enduring praise of God, which grows more beautiful with time and is a source of comfort even in death. Jowett encourages wearing the 'garland of God's praise' by cultivating a mindset aligned with Christ's.
Paul's Farewell Discourse at Ephesus.
By John Gill0GraceDivine GuidancePSA 33:6JHN 1:1JHN 1:14ACT 20:32ROM 14:122CO 5:192TI 1:12HEB 4:121PE 1:4JUD 1:1John Gill reflects on Paul's farewell discourse to the elders of Ephesus, emphasizing the apostle's deep affection and concern for the church. Paul commends the believers to God and the Word of His grace, highlighting the importance of divine guidance and protection against false teachings. He reminds them of their need for God's grace, wisdom, and power to build them up and secure their inheritance among the sanctified. Gill underscores that true ministers should direct souls to Christ and His grace rather than their own works, ensuring that believers find strength and encouragement in their faith. The sermon concludes with a call to trust in the boundless grace of God and the sufficiency of Christ as the Word of grace.
Faith Realizes Eternal Realities
By Thomas Brooks0FaithEternal LifeMAT 6:20JHN 14:2ROM 8:182CO 4:18PHP 3:20COL 3:22TI 4:8HEB 11:11PE 1:4REV 21:4Thomas Brooks emphasizes the power of faith in realizing eternal realities, urging believers to focus on the glory and blessedness that God has prepared for those who love Him. He explains that faith transforms the unseen into the seen, making absent joys, riches, and divine favor present to the soul. By faith, believers can perceive the invisible God and the eternal rewards awaiting them, which are far greater than anything earthly. Brooks illustrates that faith allows the soul to experience the richness of God's promises and the joy of salvation, drawing a vivid picture of the heavenly treasures that await. Ultimately, faith is the lens through which believers can grasp the profound and glorious realities of eternity.
Letter 12
By James Bourne0PSA 55:22ISA 41:10ROM 8:282CO 4:171PE 1:41PE 5:7James Bourne, in a letter to his wife in 1812, expresses his grief over his son's relapse but desires to leave everything in God's hands. Despite facing reproach and his child's sickness, he finds comfort in God's love and providence, feeling drawn to submit passively to God's will. Bourne acknowledges the necessity of tribulations for God's children and expresses a deep desire to bear adversities with patience and thankfulness, knowing that God's love is precious to him. He reflects on the brevity of life and the hope of an eternal inheritance, trusting that God will be better to him than his fears, even in facing the unknowns of the future.
I Samuel 30:20
By Chuck Smith0RestorationVictory in ChristGEN 3:24LUK 6:38JHN 15:5ROM 8:172CO 5:17EPH 1:3PHP 4:19COL 2:151PE 1:4REV 21:4Chuck Smith emphasizes that all the blessings and spoils we enjoy come through Christ, drawing parallels between David's victories and the ultimate victory of Jesus. He explains that without Christ, humanity is left with nothing, but through Him, we recover not only what was lost but also gain even more. The sermon highlights that our victories are tied to Christ's triumphs, and what we offer to Him becomes His spoil, including our hearts and lives.
Those Treasures Are Mine!
By Thomas Brooks0PerseveranceFaithPSA 48:14JHN 20:28ROM 8:172CO 5:7EPH 1:3PHP 3:14COL 3:22TI 4:8HEB 11:11PE 1:4Thomas Brooks emphasizes the power of faith in the life of a believer, illustrating how it empowers us to walk in God's ways despite discouragements. He highlights that faith allows us to claim God as our eternal guide and to embrace the promises and treasures found in Christ. By affirming that these blessings are personally ours, faith strengthens our perseverance and hope. Brooks encourages believers to recognize the sweetness and joy that come from a relationship with Christ, asserting that all these treasures belong to us through faith.
Walking by Sight, and Walking by Faith
By John Wesley0Faith vs. SightEternal PerspectiveMAT 6:19JHN 14:6ROM 8:142CO 5:7GAL 2:20COL 3:22TI 4:7HEB 11:11PE 1:41JN 2:15John Wesley emphasizes the distinction between walking by faith and walking by sight, asserting that true Christians, who are children of God, live by faith in the invisible and eternal world rather than by the visible and temporal. He explains that while the world relies on sensory perception, faith allows believers to perceive spiritual truths and realities beyond human understanding. Wesley urges his audience to evaluate their lives and desires based on eternal values rather than worldly standards, warning against the dangers of dissipation and the fleeting nature of earthly pursuits. He calls for a life that is focused on God and the eternal, encouraging believers to set their affections on things above. Ultimately, Wesley highlights that true religion is living in and walking towards eternity, grounded in faith and love.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To an inheritance - Called an inheritance because it belongs to the children of God. Eternal life cannot be a gift to any but these; for, even in heaven, the lot is dealt out according to law: if children, then heirs; if not children, then not heirs. Incorruptible - Αφθαρτον· It has no principles of dissolution or decay in it; and, therefore, must be totally different from this earth. Undefiled - Αμιαντον· Nothing impure can enter it; it not only has no principles or seeds of dissolution in itself, but it can never admit any; therefore its deterioration is impossible. Fadeth not away - Αμαρνατον· It cannot wither, it is always in bloom; a metaphor taken from those flowers that never lose their hue nor their fragrance. From the Greek αμαραντος we have our flowers called amaranths, because they preserve their hue and odour for a long time. Reserved in heaven - Such a place as that described above is not to be expected on earth; it is that which was typified by the earthly Canaan, and in reference to which the patriarchs endured all trials and difficulties in this life, as seeing Him who is invisible.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
To an inheritance--the object of our "hope" (Pe1 1:3), which is therefore not a dead, but a "living" hope. The inheritance is the believer's already by title, being actually assigned to him; the entrance on its possession is future, and hoped for as a certainty. Being "begotten again" as a "son," he is an "heir," as earthly fathers beget children who shall inherit their goods. The inheritance is "salvation" (Pe1 1:5, Pe1 1:9); "the grace to be brought at the revelation of Christ" (Pe1 1:13); "a crown of glory that fadeth not away." incorruptible--not having within the germs of death. Negations of the imperfections which meet us on every side here are the chief means of conveying to our minds a conception of the heavenly things which "have not entered into the heart of man," and which we have not faculties now capable of fully knowing. Peter, sanguine, impulsive, and highly susceptible of outward impressions, was the more likely to feel painfully the deep-seated corruption which, lurking under the outward splendor of the loveliest of earthly things, dooms them soon to rottenness and decay. undefiled--not stained as earthly goods by sin, either in the acquiring, or in the using of them; unsusceptible of any stain. "The rich man is either a dishonest man himself, or the heir of a dishonest man" [JEROME]. Even Israel's inheritance was defiled by the people's sins. Defilement intrudes even on our holy things now, whereas God's service ought to be undefiled. that fadeth not away--Contrast Pe1 1:24. Even the most delicate part of the heavenly inheritance, its bloom, continues unfading. "In substance incorruptible; in purity undefiled; in beauty unfading" [ALFORD]. reserved--kept up (Col 1:5, "laid up for you in heaven," Ti2 4:8); Greek perfect, expressing a fixed and abiding state, "which has been and is reserved." The inheritance is in security, beyond risk, out of the reach of Satan, though we for whom it is reserved are still in the midst of dangers. Still, if we be believers, we too, as well as the inheritance, are "kept" (the same Greek, Joh 17:12) by Jesus safely (Pe1 1:5). in heaven--Greek, "in the heavens," where it can neither be destroyed nor plundered. It does not follow that, because it is now laid up in heaven, it shall not hereafter be on earth also. for you--It is secure not only in itself from all misfortune, but also from all alienation, so that no other can receive it in your stead. He had said us (Pe1 1:3); he now turns his address to the elect in order to encourage and exhort them.
John Gill Bible Commentary
To an inheritance incorruptible,.... This is a further explanation of the "lively hope", or hope laid up in heaven, which regenerate ones are begotten to: it is an "inheritance"; a large estate, and rich possession, they are born heirs apparent to; what is not to be got by industry, or obtained by the works of the law; for they that are of the law are not heirs; but what is the pure bequest and free gift of God, as a Father to his children; for an inheritance is proper and peculiar to children, nor does it belong to any but them; and it comes to them through the death of the testator, Christ, and of it the Holy Spirit is the pledge and earnest: and here it is said to be incorruptible; it is free from corruption in itself; nor can it be corrupted by others, by moth, or rust, or other things, as gold, silver, and garments may, which are a part of earthly inheritances; nor can it be enjoyed by corrupt persons, either corrupted with sin, or clothed with frailty and mortality; wherefore, in order to inherit it, corruption must put on incorruption, in every sense; other epithets and commendations of it follow: and undefiled; it is in its own nature pure and holy, and free from any defilement of sin; nor are there any of those impurities in it which Jews and Mahometans dream of in their vainly expected earthly paradise; nor will it be possessed by any but undefiled persons, such as are made so through the blood and righteousness of Christ: and that fadeth not away; as do world, and the glory of it, and all inheritances and possessions in it; here is no continuing city, but there is one to come; in this inheritance are durable riches, everlasting habitations, an house eternal in the heavens, glories in it that will never wither and die, and pleasures which will never end, and which will be enjoyed without decrease or loathing: reserved in heaven for you; the Alexandrian copy reads, "for us"; and the Ethiopic version renders it, "for us and you"; for all the saints; for all who are the elect, according to the foreknowledge of God, and who are begotten again to a lively hope; for these this inheritance is prepared, laid up, and secured in the hands or Christ their feoffee, who has it in trust for them, and with whom they are co-heirs; and it is safe for them "in heaven"; out of the reach of men and devils: this serves both to commend the inheritance, to set forth the excellency of it, lying in such a place as heaven; for the situation of an inheritance adds oftentimes to the valuableness of it; and also the safety and security of it; it is safe, being in heaven, and more so as it is in Christ's hands there. The Jews are wont to call the future state an inheritance of the land of the living: they say (u). "this is called "an inheritance"; and add, but in this world a man has no inheritance, nor continuance; so they interpret that phrase, "by the God of thy father", in Gen 49:25 thus (w). "this is "the inheritance" of the superior place, which is called "heaven"; and sometimes they style it , "the superior inheritance", or "the inheritance above" (x); all which agrees with Peter's language, (u) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 150. 3. (w) Zohar in Gen. fol. 131. 2. (x) Zohar in Exod. fol. 34. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:4 The language of inheritance frequently refers to what God has promised his people. Originally applied to the land of Israel (see Deut 3:28), the inheritance came to mean the people of God and God’s presence with them (see Ps 33:12; Ezek 44:28). In the New Testament, the inheritance is the spiritual benefit and eternal salvation that God promises to his people (see Eph 1:11; Heb 9:15).