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In the book of 1 Peter, Peter is accomplishing the Lord’s mission for His life, which was to preach the gospel and strengthen the brethren (Luke 24:48, 22:32). In the two epistles he pens, Peter is dealing with Christians who were facing brutal persecution not only from the people around them, but also from the imperial throne. 

This persecution was intense. Many Christians lost their lives as they stood for the Lord Jesus Christ. In the book of Acts chapter 7, the Bible gives us a detailed record of the kind of persecution early Christians faced from the people around them. History also details these deadly and perilous times. 

What could Peter say to encourage these early Christians? In verses 3 through 5 of 1 Peter, we read some powerful words of encouragement. Notice what the Bible says, 

Blessed 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, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

There are a lot of encouraging things we could say contained in these few verses, but notice in verse 4 the phrase, “…an incorruptible inheritance…” Something incorruptible is by definition immortal. Our incorruptible inheritance has no expiration date. It is not subject to rust or moths. Further, Peter defines the state of this inheritance as undefiled and unfading. 

Because we are used to the corruption all around us, it is hard for us to imagine anything that is incorruptible. Everything around us seems to be falling apart, including ourselves! Just the other day, my truck started making squeaking sounds—this is just another symptom of corruption. With all the corruption around us, it is a source of great comfort and hope to know that what God has given to us is incorruptible—it is forever!

The truth is that God has something extraordinary waiting for every Christian, “…reserved in heaven…”  

Determine today to shift your affections from things below to things above (Colossians 3:1-2). Yes, this world is falling apart, but glory to God, the Lord has something far greater waiting for His children that is incorruptible, undefiled, and fadeth not away.