1 Peter 1:5
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who are kept - Φρουρουμενους· Who are defended as in a fortress or castle. There is a remarkable correspondence between the two verbs used in this sentence: the verb τηρεω, signifies to keep, watch, guard; and τηρησις, is a place of custody or prison. And φρουρεω, from φρουρος, a sentinel, signifies to keep as under a military guard. See on Gal 3:22, Gal 3:23. The true disciples of Christ are under the continual watchful care of God, and the inheritance is guarded for them. In some countries military posts are constantly kept on the confines, in order to prevent irruptions from a neighboring people; and, in many cases, heirs, while in their minority, are kept in fortified places under military guards. By the power of God - Εν δυναμει Θεου· By the mighty and miracle-working power of God; for nothing less is necessary to keep and preserve, in this state of continual trial, a soul from the contagion that is in the world. But this power of God is interested in the behalf of the soul by faith; to believe is our work, the exertion of the almighty power is of God. No persevering without the power, and no power without faith. Ready to be revealed - Or rather, Prepared to be revealed. The inheritance is prepared for you; but its glories will not be revealed till the last time - till ye have done with life, and passed through your probation, having held fast faith and a good conscience. Some by salvation understand the deliverance of the Christians from the sackage of Jerusalem, the end of the Jewish polity being called the last time; others suppose it to refer to the day of judgment, and the glorification of the body and soul in heaven.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
kept--Greek, "who are being guarded." He answers the objection, Of what use is it that salvation is "reserved" for us in heaven, as in a calm secure haven, when we are tossed in the world as on a troubled sea in the midst of a thousand wrecks? [CALVIN]. As the inheritance is "kept" (Pe1 1:4) safely for the far distant "heirs," so must they be "guarded" in their persons so as to be sure of reaching it. Neither shall it be wanting to them, nor they to it. "We are guarded in the world as our inheritance is kept in heaven." This defines the "you" of Pe1 1:4. The inheritance, remember, belongs only to those who "endure unto the end," being "guarded" by, or IN "the power of God, through faith." Contrast Luk 8:13. God Himself is our sole guarding power. "It is His power which saves us from our enemies. It is His long-suffering which saves us from ourselves" [BENGEL]. Jde 1:1, "preserved in Christ Jesus"; Phi 1:6; Phi 4:7, "keep"; Greek, "guard," as here. This guarding is effected, on the part of God, by His "power," the efficient cause; on the part of man, "through faith," the effective means. by--Greek, "in." The believer lives spiritually in God, and in virtue of His power, and God lives in him. "In" marks that the cause is inherent in the means, working organically through them with living influence, so that the means, in so far as the cause works organically through them, exist also in the cause. The power of God which guards the believer is no external force working upon him from without with mechanical necessity, but the spiritual power of God in which he lives, and with whose Spirit he is clothed. It comes down on, and then dwells in him, even as he is in it [STEIGER]. Let none flatter himself he is being guarded by the power of God unto salvation, if he be not walking by faith. Neither speculative knowledge and reason, nor works of seeming charity, will avail, severed from faith. It is through faith that salvation is both received and kept. unto salvation--the final end of the new birth. "Salvation," not merely accomplished for us in title by Christ, and made over to us on our believing, but actually manifested, and finally completed. ready to be revealed--When Christ shall be revealed, it shall be revealed. The preparations for it are being made now, and began when Christ came: "All things are now ready"; the salvation is already accomplished, and only waits the Lord's time to be manifested: He "is ready to judge." last time--the last day, closing the day of grace; the day of judgment, of redemption, of the restitution of all things, and of perdition of the ungodly.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who are kept by the power of God,.... This is a description of the persons for whom the inheritance is reserved in heaven; they are not only chosen to salvation, and begotten again to an inheritance, but they are preserved unto it; their happiness is very great; their inheritance is safe in heaven for them, and they are kept below, amidst a thousand snares and difficulties, till they safely arrive to the possession of that: they are kept, not in and by themselves, the way of man is not in himself; nor in the hands of angels, for no such trust does God put in them; but in the hands of Jesus Christ, where they are safe, and out of which none can pluck them; on him, as a foundation, and in him, as a strong hold; they are kept in the love of God, and on his heart, from whence they can never be separated, and in the covenant of grace, out of which they will never be put; and in a state of justification, and shall never enter into condemnation; and in the family of God, for, being sons, they are no more servants; and in a state of grace and holiness, in the fear of God, and faith of Christ, and love to both; and in the path of truth, from whence they can never finally and totally fall: for though they are not kept from the being of sin, and the workings of it, and slips and falls into it, yet from being destroyed by it; and though not from Satan, and his temptations, yet from being overcome by them; and though not entirely from unbelief, doubts, and fears, yet from final unbelief; for Christ prays for them, that their faith fail not; and from a final and total falling away from grace into sin: and they are kept thus, not by their own power and might, or that of any mere creature, but "by the power of God"; meaning, not the Gospel, nor the Spirit of God, but the perfection of his power; by which they are kept, as with a guard, or in a garrison, as the word here used signifies; not only angels encamp about them, and salvation is for walls and bulwarks, all around them; but God himself, in the perfection of his power, is a wall of fire to them; he is round about them from henceforth and for ever; their place of defence is the munition of rocks; his name is a strong tower, where they run and are safe: it is added, through faith; some versions read it, "and by faith", as the Syriac and Ethiopic; by that faith which is of the operation of God, of which Christ is the author and finisher, and shall never fail, it being supported by the same power the saints are kept; through faith in the power and faithfulness of God; through faith looking to Christ, leaning on him, and living upon him; by faith getting the victory over the world, and every other enemy, and being more than conquerors, through Christ. That to which the saints are kept is, "unto salvation"; salvation is already obtained for them, by the obedience and sufferings of Christ, and is applied to them in conversion, by the Spirit of Christ; but the full enjoyment of it, which is here intended, is reserved for them in heaven; and to this they are kept, being heirs of it, and shall certainly possess it: and which is ready to be revealed in the last time; it is "ready", being a kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world, and a salvation obtained by the blood of Christ, and a mansion of glory made fit for them, through the presence and intercession of their Redeemer: and it is ready "to be revealed"; in a short time it will be made manifest; at present it is much out of sight; eye has not seen, nor ear heard the full glories of it; saints themselves as yet do not know what they shall be, and have: but "in the last time", when Christ shall come a second time to judge the world, he will raise the dead bodies of his saints; and then this salvation shall be fully manifested to them; and they shall enjoy it both in soul and body to all eternity.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:5 until you receive this salvation: In the New Testament, salvation often refers to final rescue from sin and death at the time of Christ’s return. This hope encourages believers to persevere to the end (see also 1:9, 10; 2:2; 4:18). • ready to be revealed: The future revealing of God’s salvation contrasts with the present hiddenness of God and his purposes (see also 1:7, 13).
1 Peter 1:5
A Living Hope
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
A Crisis of Faith
By David Wilkerson17K56:02Faith1PE 1:5In this sermon, the preacher addresses the crisis of faith that the Church of Jesus Christ is currently facing. He highlights the disturbing events happening in the world, such as the violence carried out by groups like al-Qaeda. Despite the chaos and fear, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having unwavering faith in God. He encourages believers to be a testimony to others, especially young people, by demonstrating a steadfast and tested faith. The preacher emphasizes the need to run to God for consolation and to trust in His faithfulness.
Your Faith Is Going Into the Fire
By David Wilkerson5.1K1:00:15HEB 3:7HEB 3:121PE 1:51PE 1:7In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for the faithfulness of the Lord Jesus. He shares a testimony of a young man who was delivered from drugs and alcohol and is now serving the Lord. The preacher then invites anyone in the congregation who feels the tug of the Holy Spirit to come forward for prayer and to experience the rest and confidence that comes from being in the heart of Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of having a settled peace and not relying on external manifestations or innovations. The sermon concludes with a reminder to trust in Jesus and have faith in Him.
Commit
By Bill McLeod3.3K51:37CommitmentPSA 37:1PSA 37:3PRO 18:171PE 1:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of committal and trusting in God's plan. He uses the example of Paul and the sailors in the book of Acts who were caught in a violent storm. Despite the dire circumstances, they cast anchors and wished for the day, ultimately putting their trust in God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of letting God defend and shape our self-image instead of trying to do it ourselves. He encourages listeners to commit their work and thoughts to God, allowing Him to establish and guide them. The speaker also shares personal anecdotes about his own journey to becoming a preacher, highlighting his shyness and lack of worldly experiences.
Sifting
By Leonard Ravenhill2.1K58:30SiftingGEN 1:1LUK 14:33JHN 6:66ACT 26:181PE 1:11PE 1:5In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing a recent news event where a United States military bus was blown up in Greece. He highlights the fear and devastation caused by such events and contrasts it with the hope and freedom that believers in Christ have. The preacher emphasizes the power of God to hold the world together and the importance of relying on Him. He then talks about the Bible as a unique book that focuses on sin and salvation, showing the journey of a man from ruin to redemption. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God to teach and guide the listeners through His Word.
The Trial of Your Faith
By Willie Mullan1.9K1:02:06Trial Of FaithGEN 15:1COL 3:231TH 1:31PE 1:5In this sermon, Dr. Ivins reflects on the importance of faith and trust in God's plan. He shares personal experiences of times when he faced challenges and how God tested his faith. He emphasizes the need to understand and follow God's plan for our lives. Dr. Ivins also references the story of Abraham in the Bible, highlighting his unwavering faith in God's promises. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to have faith in God's promises and to trust in His plan for their lives.
Trust and Obey - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill1.8K41:33Trust And ObeyJHN 16:33ACT 1:8TIT 2:14HEB 10:311PE 1:51PE 4:12In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a boat crossing the Atlantic and how it triumphed despite the odds. He then talks about the power of God to keep us through faith unto salvation. The preacher also discusses the struggles of aging and encourages believers to believe and behave according to the Bible. He mentions a man who couldn't speak during a sermon and shares a story about a wealthy person who couldn't find fulfillment. The sermon emphasizes the importance of faith and the trial of one's faith being more precious than material possessions. The preacher concludes by referencing a scripture in chapter 4, verse 12.
Work Out Your Salvation
By John Murray1.6K27:26SalvationROM 11:6EPH 2:8PHP 2:122TI 1:9TIT 3:5JAS 2:171PE 1:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the idea that our working is completely dependent on God's working in us. He explains that the manifestation of God's working in us is our own working, and if we are not actively working, it means that God is not working in us. The preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on God and working out our own salvation with fear and trembling, as it is God who works within us to fulfill His good pleasure. He also highlights that it is the fact that God works in us that provides the incentive and encouragement for us to engage in good works. The sermon emphasizes the need for obedience to God's revealed will as the standard for determining what is good.
(Genesis) Genesis 27-28:15
By Joe Focht95450:15GenesisGEN 28:15MAT 28:20HEB 13:51PE 1:5JUD 1:24In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus Christ personally rather than just knowing about Him. He shares his own experience of growing up in the church and singing songs without truly understanding the significance of knowing Jesus. The speaker then references the story of Jacob in the Bible, highlighting how Jacob prophesied over his sons before his death, demonstrating the power and dignity of knowing God. The sermon also touches on the topic of witnessing and how mentioning the name of Jesus can bring light and conviction to people's hearts.
How to Keep a Clean Heart
By Samuel Logan Brengle3Maintaining a Clean HeartSpiritual GrowthEXO 33:14JOS 1:8PSA 1:2MAT 4:4ROM 10:10GAL 2:20COL 2:62TI 3:161PE 1:51PE 2:2Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clean heart through joyful consecration, steadfast faith, diligent prayer, and engagement with Scripture. He teaches that the same conditions required to receive the blessing of a clean heart are necessary to keep it, including a commitment to self-denial and active testimony. Brengle encourages believers to continually seek God's presence and guidance, reminding them that their journey may be challenging but is supported by divine companionship. He concludes by urging the faithful to strive for deeper revelations of God and to press on toward spiritual growth.
Of the Omnipotence of God.
By John Gill0Omnipotence of GodTrust in God's PowerGEN 17:1PSA 62:11MAT 28:18LUK 1:37JHN 5:28ROM 1:20EPH 3:20PHP 3:211PE 1:5REV 1:8John Gill emphasizes the omnipotence of God, asserting that His power is inherent to His nature and essential for His divine attributes. He explains that God's omnipotence is evident in creation, providence, redemption, and the perseverance of believers, highlighting that nothing is impossible for God. Gill argues that God's power is absolute and unbounded, and that it is crucial for the fulfillment of His promises and the execution of His will. He also notes that while God cannot act contrary to His nature, this does not limit His omnipotence but rather affirms it. Ultimately, Gill's sermon serves to inspire awe and trust in God's limitless power.
Prayer and Faith
By E.M. Bounds0PrayerFaithISA 26:3MAT 6:11MAT 17:20MRK 11:24LUK 18:8JHN 14:13PHP 4:6HEB 11:1JAS 1:61PE 1:5E.M. Bounds emphasizes the foundational role of faith in prayer, asserting that true prayer is an expression of faith that claims God's promises and power. He illustrates that faith is essential for a vibrant spiritual life, as it enables believers to trust in God's ability to answer prayers, even amidst delays and trials. Bounds encourages believers to focus their prayers on present needs, trusting that God will provide for tomorrow, and highlights the importance of obedience and patience in the life of faith. He concludes that faith, when centered on Christ, empowers believers to pray effectively and experience God's blessings.
He Staggered Not at the Promise of God
By Phoebe Palmer0PSA 119:105ISA 41:10MAT 21:22ROM 4:20ROM 8:31PHP 1:61TH 5:242TI 1:7HEB 11:61PE 1:5Phoebe Palmer preaches about the unwavering faith in God's promises, emphasizing the importance of fully trusting in His power and being persuaded of His ability to fulfill what He has promised. She shares a personal journey of relinquishing control and surrendering completely to God, despite facing doubts and opposition from the enemy. Through a deep spiritual experience, she discovers the beauty and significance of holiness, sanctification, and perfect love, realizing the transformative power of God's faithfulness in her life.
The Lord My Song
By Octavius Winslow0PraiseGratitudePSA 34:1PSA 100:4PSA 118:14ROM 8:28EPH 5:19COL 3:161TH 5:16HEB 13:151PE 1:5REV 5:9Octavius Winslow emphasizes that the Lord is our song and our portion, encouraging believers to cultivate a joyful and praiseful spirit. He highlights that praise is a vital expression of faith, reflecting the joy and gratitude that should characterize the believer's life. Winslow reminds us to praise God for His providential mercies, sovereign grace, and the comfort He provides through trials and tribulations. He urges believers to recognize the blessings in both good and bad times, fostering a spirit of thankfulness that can uplift and encourage others. Ultimately, he points to the eternal praise that awaits in heaven, where the glorified saints will sing the new song of the Lamb.
Epistle 300
By George Fox0GEN 26:15ROM 12:16ROM 14:171CO 2:51CO 4:202CO 6:21TH 5:19HEB 13:151PE 1:5REV 21:27George Fox preaches about the importance of standing in the power of God, which is the keeper unto the day of salvation, emphasizing that the kingdom stands in power and not in words. He encourages believers to keep their faith in the power of God, which leads to peace, joy, righteousness, holiness, and unity in the Holy Spirit. Fox reminds the congregation that Christ brings a sword and war, not peace, to break the false peace of earthly ways, religions, worships, and traditions, leading them to the true peace found in Christ alone.
February 1. an Alarm of the Spirit to the Friends of the Bridegroom.
By Jane Lead0ISA 52:1DAN 12:1MAT 24:131PE 1:5REV 7:3Jane Lead preaches a message of awakening and preparation for the distress that is coming upon all nations, urging believers to put on their body of strength and be vigilant in these troubled times. She speaks of a remnant being anointed as priests to carry salvation to others, protected by a body of might and strength amidst chaos and destruction. Lead emphasizes the need for separation from worldly distractions and a deep spiritual sequestration to be counted among those who will experience a miraculous defense and deliverance in the impending tribulation.
The Good Shepherd [A Farewell Sermon] (John 10:27-28)
By George Whitefield0PSA 23:1PSA 139:1MAT 10:22JHN 10:4ROM 8:381PE 1:5George Whitefield preaches on the assurance and security of believers in Christ, emphasizing that His sheep hear His voice, follow Him, and are known by Him. Despite facing opposition and doubt, Christ's faithful followers are promised eternal life and the assurance that they shall never perish, as no one can pluck them out of His hand. Whitefield encourages introspection to determine if one belongs to Christ's sheep, highlighting the importance of meekness, perseverance, and the continual guidance of the Good Shepherd.
Epistle 343
By George Fox0GEN 3:1ROM 1:161CO 3:41CO 15:47EPH 4:24COL 3:102TI 1:10HEB 11:10HEB 12:21PE 1:5REV 20:10George Fox preaches about the importance of staying true to the teachings of Christ and not getting caught up in divisions among believers, emphasizing the need to focus on the power of God's gospel for salvation and to keep faith in Christ alone. He warns against the deceptive spirit that led Adam and Eve astray, causing them to fall from God's grace, and highlights the ongoing spiritual battle to keep believers from falling into the same traps of disobedience and rebellion. Fox urges listeners to follow Christ's teachings, resist the adversary's attempts to lead them astray, and stay united in the spirit of Christ's peace, striving to be renewed into the image of God that man was created in before the fall.
The Penknife, the Sack and the Egg
By H. P. Barker0PSA 55:22ROM 14:42CO 12:9JAS 1:21PE 1:5H. P. Barker preaches on the assurance that believers are kept by the power of God, emphasizing the need to trust in God's strength to uphold us in times of temptation and weakness. He highlights the importance of faith as the means through which God sustains us, drawing parallels to a miller filling a sack with flour to make it stand. Barker also discusses how God uses trials and adversity to strengthen and support us, likening it to making an egg stand on its end by creating a dent through a hard knock.
Christ Our Sentinel
By Daniel Steele0PSA 46:1PSA 121:7ISA 26:3JHN 15:51CO 10:13PHP 4:132TI 1:12HEB 13:81PE 1:5Daniel Steele preaches about the importance of unwavering faith in God's keeping power, drawing parallels between the trust in physical laws for safety and the trust in God's promises for spiritual well-being. He emphasizes the need for Christians to have firm assurance in God's ability to sustain them through all trials and temptations, highlighting the superiority of the kingdom of grace over the kingdom of nature. Steele urges believers to look to Jesus as their ultimate source of strength and victory, rather than relying on their own resolutions or efforts to combat spiritual enemies.
Keep Your Heart With All Diligence (The Heart Is to Be the Temple of the Living god.)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0Spiritual RenewalGuarding the HeartPRO 4:23ISA 26:3JER 31:33EZK 36:261PE 1:5Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the critical importance of guarding our hearts, as they are the source of life and the dwelling place of God. He highlights that God desires to give us a new heart and spirit, enabling us to walk in His ways and keep His commandments. Waldvogel warns against the distractions and impurities that can defile our hearts, urging believers to focus on God's wisdom and maintain a heart dedicated to Him. He reassures that through faith, God will keep our hearts in perfect peace and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Ultimately, he calls for a heart that is perfect toward God, ready to be His temple and a vessel for His glory.
The Righteous Man's Privilege
By James Smith0PSA 5:12PSA 139:23ISA 41:10ROM 3:22EPH 2:81TH 5:16TIT 3:5HEB 13:151PE 1:5James Smith preaches on the blessings of the righteous as highlighted in Psalms 5:12. He emphasizes the importance of seeking close communion with God, striving for sincerity, sanctification, and salvation through faith in Christ. Smith explains that God blesses the righteous by making them rich, honorable, and happy, surrounding them with His favor as a shield of protection. He urges listeners to trust in the Lord, acknowledge Him, and offer continual praise for His grace and salvation.
John 6:66 to End. He Asks the Apostles Whether They Will Go Away.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0JHN 6:65JHN 10:27JHN 12:3JHN 13:21CO 16:22HEB 13:51PE 1:51PE 5:8Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the offense caused by Jesus' doctrine that no one can come to Him unless it is granted by the Father, highlighting the pride and dependency of man on God's mercy for eternal life. Despite the disciples' folly in forsaking Jesus, Peter's genuine declaration of faith and loyalty stood out, even though he would later deny his Master. Mortimer emphasizes the trials and temptations believers face, warning against the schemes of Satan and the need to remain vigilant and faithful to Christ, who is the only way to life and comfort in times of trouble.
1 Peter 1:5
By John Gill0Assurance of SalvationDivine PreservationJHN 10:281PE 1:5John Gill emphasizes that believers are kept by the power of God, ensuring their preservation until they inherit eternal salvation. This divine protection is not reliant on human strength or angelic assistance but is firmly rooted in Christ, who serves as their stronghold. Despite facing temptations and sin, believers are safeguarded from ultimate destruction and are sustained through faith in God's power and faithfulness. The ultimate salvation, prepared from the foundation of the world, awaits revelation at Christ's return, where believers will fully experience the glory of their inheritance.
Kept by the Power of God
By Andrew Murray0Faith and TrustDivine ProtectionPSA 91:1ISA 27:3JHN 4:50JHN 13:34ROM 8:282CO 12:7EPH 3:20PHP 2:13HEB 11:11PE 1:5Andrew Murray emphasizes the dual truths of being 'Kept by the Power of God' and 'Kept through Faith' as essential for believers. He explains that God's power is all-encompassing, ensuring that every part of our being is safeguarded, while our faith is the means through which we experience this divine keeping. Murray illustrates that just as a father prepares an inheritance for his children, God not only preserves our heavenly inheritance but also keeps us on earth for it. He encourages believers to trust in God's omnipotence and to recognize their own helplessness, leading to a life of continuous faith and fellowship with God. Ultimately, Murray calls for a covenant with God, trusting Him to keep us moment by moment.
Safety in the Power
By George Fox01CO 4:20EPH 3:162TI 1:71PE 1:52PE 1:3George Fox preaches about dwelling in the Power of God to experience peace, oneness, and wisdom from the Most-High. He emphasizes the importance of staying connected to the Power of God to tame unruly spirits and bring souls into alignment with God. By living in the Power, one can feel the End of Words and the Life that transcends earthly desires, leading to love, unity, and the Kingdom of the Most-High.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who are kept - Φρουρουμενους· Who are defended as in a fortress or castle. There is a remarkable correspondence between the two verbs used in this sentence: the verb τηρεω, signifies to keep, watch, guard; and τηρησις, is a place of custody or prison. And φρουρεω, from φρουρος, a sentinel, signifies to keep as under a military guard. See on Gal 3:22, Gal 3:23. The true disciples of Christ are under the continual watchful care of God, and the inheritance is guarded for them. In some countries military posts are constantly kept on the confines, in order to prevent irruptions from a neighboring people; and, in many cases, heirs, while in their minority, are kept in fortified places under military guards. By the power of God - Εν δυναμει Θεου· By the mighty and miracle-working power of God; for nothing less is necessary to keep and preserve, in this state of continual trial, a soul from the contagion that is in the world. But this power of God is interested in the behalf of the soul by faith; to believe is our work, the exertion of the almighty power is of God. No persevering without the power, and no power without faith. Ready to be revealed - Or rather, Prepared to be revealed. The inheritance is prepared for you; but its glories will not be revealed till the last time - till ye have done with life, and passed through your probation, having held fast faith and a good conscience. Some by salvation understand the deliverance of the Christians from the sackage of Jerusalem, the end of the Jewish polity being called the last time; others suppose it to refer to the day of judgment, and the glorification of the body and soul in heaven.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
kept--Greek, "who are being guarded." He answers the objection, Of what use is it that salvation is "reserved" for us in heaven, as in a calm secure haven, when we are tossed in the world as on a troubled sea in the midst of a thousand wrecks? [CALVIN]. As the inheritance is "kept" (Pe1 1:4) safely for the far distant "heirs," so must they be "guarded" in their persons so as to be sure of reaching it. Neither shall it be wanting to them, nor they to it. "We are guarded in the world as our inheritance is kept in heaven." This defines the "you" of Pe1 1:4. The inheritance, remember, belongs only to those who "endure unto the end," being "guarded" by, or IN "the power of God, through faith." Contrast Luk 8:13. God Himself is our sole guarding power. "It is His power which saves us from our enemies. It is His long-suffering which saves us from ourselves" [BENGEL]. Jde 1:1, "preserved in Christ Jesus"; Phi 1:6; Phi 4:7, "keep"; Greek, "guard," as here. This guarding is effected, on the part of God, by His "power," the efficient cause; on the part of man, "through faith," the effective means. by--Greek, "in." The believer lives spiritually in God, and in virtue of His power, and God lives in him. "In" marks that the cause is inherent in the means, working organically through them with living influence, so that the means, in so far as the cause works organically through them, exist also in the cause. The power of God which guards the believer is no external force working upon him from without with mechanical necessity, but the spiritual power of God in which he lives, and with whose Spirit he is clothed. It comes down on, and then dwells in him, even as he is in it [STEIGER]. Let none flatter himself he is being guarded by the power of God unto salvation, if he be not walking by faith. Neither speculative knowledge and reason, nor works of seeming charity, will avail, severed from faith. It is through faith that salvation is both received and kept. unto salvation--the final end of the new birth. "Salvation," not merely accomplished for us in title by Christ, and made over to us on our believing, but actually manifested, and finally completed. ready to be revealed--When Christ shall be revealed, it shall be revealed. The preparations for it are being made now, and began when Christ came: "All things are now ready"; the salvation is already accomplished, and only waits the Lord's time to be manifested: He "is ready to judge." last time--the last day, closing the day of grace; the day of judgment, of redemption, of the restitution of all things, and of perdition of the ungodly.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who are kept by the power of God,.... This is a description of the persons for whom the inheritance is reserved in heaven; they are not only chosen to salvation, and begotten again to an inheritance, but they are preserved unto it; their happiness is very great; their inheritance is safe in heaven for them, and they are kept below, amidst a thousand snares and difficulties, till they safely arrive to the possession of that: they are kept, not in and by themselves, the way of man is not in himself; nor in the hands of angels, for no such trust does God put in them; but in the hands of Jesus Christ, where they are safe, and out of which none can pluck them; on him, as a foundation, and in him, as a strong hold; they are kept in the love of God, and on his heart, from whence they can never be separated, and in the covenant of grace, out of which they will never be put; and in a state of justification, and shall never enter into condemnation; and in the family of God, for, being sons, they are no more servants; and in a state of grace and holiness, in the fear of God, and faith of Christ, and love to both; and in the path of truth, from whence they can never finally and totally fall: for though they are not kept from the being of sin, and the workings of it, and slips and falls into it, yet from being destroyed by it; and though not from Satan, and his temptations, yet from being overcome by them; and though not entirely from unbelief, doubts, and fears, yet from final unbelief; for Christ prays for them, that their faith fail not; and from a final and total falling away from grace into sin: and they are kept thus, not by their own power and might, or that of any mere creature, but "by the power of God"; meaning, not the Gospel, nor the Spirit of God, but the perfection of his power; by which they are kept, as with a guard, or in a garrison, as the word here used signifies; not only angels encamp about them, and salvation is for walls and bulwarks, all around them; but God himself, in the perfection of his power, is a wall of fire to them; he is round about them from henceforth and for ever; their place of defence is the munition of rocks; his name is a strong tower, where they run and are safe: it is added, through faith; some versions read it, "and by faith", as the Syriac and Ethiopic; by that faith which is of the operation of God, of which Christ is the author and finisher, and shall never fail, it being supported by the same power the saints are kept; through faith in the power and faithfulness of God; through faith looking to Christ, leaning on him, and living upon him; by faith getting the victory over the world, and every other enemy, and being more than conquerors, through Christ. That to which the saints are kept is, "unto salvation"; salvation is already obtained for them, by the obedience and sufferings of Christ, and is applied to them in conversion, by the Spirit of Christ; but the full enjoyment of it, which is here intended, is reserved for them in heaven; and to this they are kept, being heirs of it, and shall certainly possess it: and which is ready to be revealed in the last time; it is "ready", being a kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world, and a salvation obtained by the blood of Christ, and a mansion of glory made fit for them, through the presence and intercession of their Redeemer: and it is ready "to be revealed"; in a short time it will be made manifest; at present it is much out of sight; eye has not seen, nor ear heard the full glories of it; saints themselves as yet do not know what they shall be, and have: but "in the last time", when Christ shall come a second time to judge the world, he will raise the dead bodies of his saints; and then this salvation shall be fully manifested to them; and they shall enjoy it both in soul and body to all eternity.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:5 until you receive this salvation: In the New Testament, salvation often refers to final rescue from sin and death at the time of Christ’s return. This hope encourages believers to persevere to the end (see also 1:9, 10; 2:2; 4:18). • ready to be revealed: The future revealing of God’s salvation contrasts with the present hiddenness of God and his purposes (see also 1:7, 13).