1 Peter 1:4 Study Bible: to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that does not fade away, reserved in Heaven for you,

◄ 1 Peter 1:4 ►

and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,

and into an inheritance
The concept of "inheritance" in the biblical context is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where the land of Canaan was promised as an inheritance to the Israelites. In the New Testament, this inheritance is spiritualized, representing the eternal life and blessings promised to believers. The Greek word for inheritance, "κληρονομία" (klēronomia), implies a possession that is received as a gift, not earned. This highlights the grace of God in granting believers a share in His eternal kingdom, emphasizing the continuity of God's promises from the Old to the New Covenant.

that is imperishable
The term "imperishable" comes from the Greek "ἄφθαρτος" (aphthartos), meaning not subject to decay or corruption. This word underscores the eternal nature of the inheritance promised to believers. Unlike earthly possessions that deteriorate over time, the inheritance in heaven is eternal and unchanging. This assurance provides believers with hope and confidence, knowing that their future is secure in Christ, untouched by the ravages of time or sin.

undefiled
"Undefiled" is translated from the Greek "ἀμίαντος" (amiantos), meaning pure, untainted, or free from contamination. This word conveys the idea that the heavenly inheritance is morally and spiritually pure, untouched by the corruption of the world. In a world where sin taints even the best of human achievements, the promise of an undefiled inheritance reassures believers of the perfect and holy nature of what awaits them in heaven.

and unfading
The word "unfading" is derived from the Greek "ἀμάραντος" (amarantos), which means not losing its brightness or beauty. This term is often used to describe flowers that do not wither. The use of this word emphasizes the eternal beauty and glory of the inheritance that believers will receive. Unlike earthly glory, which is transient and fleeting, the glory of the heavenly inheritance is everlasting, providing a stark contrast to the temporary nature of worldly achievements.

reserved in heaven for you
The phrase "reserved in heaven for you" highlights the personal and secure nature of the inheritance. The Greek word "τετηρημένην" (teterēmenēn) suggests something that is kept safe, guarded, or preserved. This indicates that God Himself is the guarantor of this inheritance, ensuring its security and availability for each believer. The use of "for you" personalizes the promise, assuring each believer of their individual place in God's eternal plan. This promise of a reserved inheritance offers profound comfort and motivation for believers to persevere in their faith amidst trials and tribulations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Peter
The apostle of Jesus Christ, traditionally believed to be the author of this epistle. He writes to encourage believers who are experiencing trials.

2. Believers in Asia Minor
The recipients of Peter's letter, who were facing persecution and needed reassurance of their faith and hope in Christ.

3. Heaven
The place where the inheritance is reserved, representing the ultimate destination and hope for believers.

Teaching Points

The Nature of Our Inheritance
Our inheritance is described as imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. This emphasizes its eternal and unchanging nature, contrasting with earthly inheritances that can decay or be lost.

Security in Christ
The inheritance is "reserved in heaven for you," highlighting the security and assurance believers have in Christ. It is kept safe by God, beyond the reach of earthly corruption.

Living with Eternal Perspective
Understanding the nature of our heavenly inheritance should influence how we live our daily lives, encouraging us to focus on eternal values rather than temporary worldly gains.

Encouragement in Trials
Knowing that our inheritance is secure can provide comfort and strength during times of trial and persecution, reminding us that our ultimate reward is with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of our inheritance as "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading" impact your understanding of what God has promised to believers?

2. In what ways can the assurance of a reserved inheritance in heaven influence your response to current challenges or trials?

3. How does the concept of an eternal inheritance compare to the temporary nature of earthly possessions and achievements?

4. What other scriptures can you find that discuss the idea of inheritance for believers, and how do they expand your understanding of this promise?

5. How can you practically live out an eternal perspective in your daily life, keeping in mind the inheritance that awaits you in heaven?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ephesians 1:11-14
Discusses the inheritance believers have obtained through Christ, sealed by the Holy Spirit, guaranteeing our future redemption.

Colossians 1:12
Speaks of giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Hebrews 9:15
Refers to Christ as the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.

Sermons

The Inheritance Reserved for the Heirs	A. Maclaren	1 Peter 1:4
A Lively Hope Generated by Christ's Resurrection	H. Melvill, B. D.	1 Peter 1:3-5
A Right to Hope	H. W. Beecher.	1 Peter 1:3-5
A Seven-Fold Hymn Praise	E. A. Stuart, M. A.	1 Peter 1:3-5
A String of Pearls	C. H. Spurgeon.	1 Peter 1:3-5
An Ascription of Praise	J. J. S. Bird, B. A.	1 Peter 1:3-5
An Outburst of Praise	U. R. Thomas.	1 Peter 1:3-5
An Outburst of Praise	U.R. Thomas	1 Peter 1:3-5
Begotten to the Heavenly Inheritance	W. Arnot.	1 Peter 1:3-5
Begotten unto a Living Hope	D. Davies.	1 Peter 1:3-5
Benedictus Deus	Bp. Andrewes.	1 Peter 1:3-5
By, Through, For	A. Maclaren, D. D.	1 Peter 1:3-5
Christian Hope Well Founded	Geo. MacDonald.	1 Peter 1:3-5
Christianity Provides a Future		1 Peter 1:3-5
Divine Power and Human Faith	D. S. Brunton.	1 Peter 1:3-5
Easter Hopes	Canon Liddon.	1 Peter 1:3-5
God's Abundant Mercy	John Rogers.	1 Peter 1:3-5
God's Mercy Manifold	C. H. Spurgeon.	1 Peter 1:3-5
God's Protecting Agencies	T. G. Selby.	1 Peter 1:3-5
Great Expectations	B. D. Johns.	1 Peter 1:3-5
How God Keeps His Saints		1 Peter 1:3-5
Kept	A. G. Brown.	1 Peter 1:3-5
Man Blessing God	N. Byfield.	1 Peter 1:3-5
Of Perseverance	T. Watson.	1 Peter 1:3-5
Salvation Ready for Revelation	A. Maclaren, D. D.	1 Peter 1:3-5
Salvation Remedy	Essex Remembrancer	1 Peter 1:3-5
Shadows of the Future	F. Binns.	1 Peter 1:3-5
The Anthem of the Redeemed	Homilist	1 Peter 1:3-5
The Apostolic Benediction	W. Arnot.	1 Peter 1:3-5
The Christian Salvation Described and Acknowledged	J. Brown, D. D.	1 Peter 1:3-5
The Christian's Hope	Stanley's Life of Arnold.	1 Peter 1:3-5
The Christian's Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance	E. D. Solomon.	1 Peter 1:3-5
The Death Test		1 Peter 1:3-5
The Divine Keeping	E. A. Stuart, M. A.	1 Peter 1:3-5
The End of Salvation Ready to be Revealed	J. C. Jones, D. D.	1 Peter 1:3-5
The Heavenly Inheritance	J. C. Jones, D. D.	1 Peter 1:3-5
The Inheritance of Moral Manhood	J. Parker, D. D.	1 Peter 1:3-5
The Key-Note of the Epistle - the Believer's Hope	C. New	1 Peter 1:3-5
The Last Revelation of Salvation	W. Arnot.	1 Peter 1:3-5
The Last Time	N. Byfield.	1 Peter 1:3-5
The Lively Hope	Thos. Brookes.	1 Peter 1:3-5
The Right View of Christ's Resurrection	H. Marriott.	1 Peter 1:3-5
The Risen Lord the Christian's Hope	J. E. H. Meier.	1 Peter 1:3-5
The Security of the Faithful	J. W. Reeve, M. A.	1 Peter 1:3-5
The Security of the Inheritance	W. Arnot.	1 Peter 1:3-5
Salvation in its Completion	R. Finlayson	1 Peter 1:3-12

People

Peter

Places

Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Pontus

Topics

Doesn't, Fade, Fadeth, Fair, Heaven, Heavens, Heritage, Holy, Imperishable, Incorruptible, Inheritance, Kept, Obtain, Perish, Reserved, Spoil, Undefiled, Unfading, Waiting

Dictionary of Bible Themes

1 Peter 1:4

     5255   citizenship
     5450   poverty, spiritual
     5591   treasure
     5705   inheritance, spiritual
     6611   adoption, privileges and duties
     6705   peace, experience
     7024   church, nature of
     8701   affluence
     8813   riches, spiritual
     9130   future, the
     9137   immortality, NT

1 Peter 1:3-4

2560 Christ, resurrection
5701 heir

1 Peter 1:3-5

     1355   providence
     5292   defence, divine
     5705   inheritance, spiritual
     8106   assurance, nature of
     9122   eternity, and God
     9615   hope, results of

1 Peter 1:3-6

8289 joy, of church
8665 praise, reasons

Library

November 8 Morning
Let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.--I THES. 5:8. Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.--Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Sojourners of the Dispersion
'Peter, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered ...'--1 Peter i. 1. The words rendered 'strangers scattered' are literally 'sojourners of the Dispersion,' and are so rendered in the Revised Version. The Dispersion was the recognised name for the Jews dwelling in Gentile countries; as, for instance, it is employed in John's Gospel, when the people in Jerusalem say, 'Whither will this man go that we shall not find Him? Will he go to the Dispersion amongst the Greeks?' Obviously, therefore …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Hope Perfectly
'Wherefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end, for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.'--1 Peter i. 13. Christianity has transformed hope, and given it a new importance, by opening to it a new world to move in, and supplying to it new guarantees to rest on. There is something very remarkable in the prominence given to hope in the New Testament, and in the power ascribed to it to order a noble life. Paul goes so far as to say that …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Family Likeness
'As He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy, in all manner of conversation.'--1 Peter i. 15. That is the sum of religion--an all-comprehensive precept which includes a great deal more than the world's morality, and which changes the coldness of that into something blessed, by referring all our purity to the Lord that called us. One may well wonder where a Galilean fisherman got the impulse that lifted him to such a height; one may well wonder that he ventured to address such wide, absolute …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Father and Judge
'If ye call on Him as Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.'--1 Peter i. 17. 'If ye call on Him as Father,' when ye pray, say, 'Our Father which art in heaven.' One can scarcely help supposing that the Apostle is here, as in several other places in his letter, alluding to words that are stamped ineffaceably upon his memory, because they had dropped from Christ's lips. At all events, whether there is here a distinct …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Purifying the Soul
'... ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren.'--1 Peter i. 22. Note these three subsidiary clauses introduced respectively by 'in,' 'through,' 'unto.' They give the means, the Bestower, and the issue of the purity of soul. The Revised Version, following good authorities, omits the clause, 'through the Spirit.' It may possibly be originally a marginal gloss of some scribe who was nervous about Peter's orthodoxy, which finally found its …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

By, Through, Unto
'... Kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.'--1 Peter i. 5. The Revised Version substitutes 'guarded' for 'kept,' and the alteration, though slight, is important, for it not only more accurately preserves the meaning of the word employed, but it retains the military metaphor which is in it. The force of the expression will appear if I refer, in a sentence, to other cases in which it is employed in the New Testament. For instance, we read that …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Sorrowful, yet Always Rejoicing
'Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.'--1 Peter i. 6. You will remember the great saying of our Lord's in the Sermon on the Mount, in which He makes the last of the beatitudes, that which He pronounces upon His disciples, when men shall revile them and persecute them, and speak all manner of evil falsely against them for His sake, and bids them rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is their reward in Heaven. Now it …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The True Gold and Its Testing
'That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory ...'--1 Peter i. 7. The Apostle is fond of that word 'precious.' In both his letters he uses it as an epithet for diverse things. According to one translation, he speaks of Christ as 'precious to you which believe.' He certainly speaks of 'the precious blood of Christ,' and of 'exceeding great and precious promises,' and here in my text, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Joy in Believing
'In Whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.'--1 Peter i. 8. The Apostle has just previously been speaking about the great and glorious things which are to come to Christians on the appearing of Jesus Christ, and that naturally suggests to him the thought of the condition of believing souls during the period of the Lord's absence and comparative concealment. Having lifted his readers' hopes to that great Future, when they would attain to …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Christ and his Cross the Centre of the Universe
'Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently ... the things which are now reported unto you ... which things the angels desire to look into.'--1 Peter i. 10, 11, 12. I have detached these three clauses from their surroundings, not because I desire to treat them fragmentarily, but because we thereby throw into stronger relief the writer's purpose to bring out the identity of the Old and the New Revelation, the fact that Christ and His sufferings are the centre of the world's …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

On Perfection
"Let us go on to perfection." Heb. 6:1. The whole sentence runs thus: "Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection: Not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God;" which he had just before termed, "the first principles of the oracles of God," and "meat fit for babes," for such as have just tasted that the Lord is gracious. That the doing of this is a point of the utmost importance the Apostle intimates in the next …
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Christian's Heaviness and Rejoicing
I would have you this morning, look first of all at the Christian's heaviness: he is "in heaviness through manifold temptations;" and then, in the next place, at the Christian's great rejoicing. I. In the first place, HIS HEAVINESS. This is one of the most unfortunate texts in the Bible. I have heard it quoted ten thousand times for my own comfort, but I never understood it till a day or two ago. On referring to most of the commentaries in my possession, I cannot find that they have a right idea …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

The New Nature
In the text there are three points which, I think, will well repay our very serious attention. The apostle evidently speaks of two lives, the one, the life which is natural, born, matured, and perfected only by the flesh; the other, the life which is spiritual, born of the spirit, in antagonism with the flesh, surviving it and triumphantly rising to celestial glory. Now, in speaking of these two lives, the apostle brings out, first of all, a comparison and a contrast between the two births, for each …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Colossians iii. 17
Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. This, like the other general rules of the gospel, is familiar enough to us all in its own words; but we are very apt to forbear making the application of it. In fact, he who were to apply it perfectly would be a perfect Christian: for a life of which every word and deed were said and done in the name of the Lord Jesus, would be a life indeed worthy of the children of God, and such …
Thomas Arnold—The Christian Life

a Condition in Chastisement.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "If need be."--1 PETER i. 6. A Condition in Chastisement. Three gracious words! Not one of all my tears shed for nought! Not one stroke of the rod unheeded, or that might have been spared? Thy heavenly Father loves thee too much, and too tenderly, to bestow harsher correction than thy case requires? Is it loss of health, or loss of wealth, or loss of beloved friends? Be still! there was a need be. We are no judges of what that "need be" is; often through aching …
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

The Prophetic Theme. Rev. Gervase Smith.
"Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow."--1 PETER i. 10, 11. There is a peculiar interest attaching to the writer of this epistle. Although it was probably in old age, when a large experience of labour and sorrow had chastened his spirit, …
Knowles King—The Wesleyan Methodist Pulpit in Malvern

Kept by the Power of God
The words from which I speak, you will find in 1 Peter 1:5. The third, fourth and fifth verses are: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which . . . hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible . . . reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation." The words of my text are: "Kept by the power of God through faith." There we have two wonderful, blessed truths …
Andrew Murray—Absolute Surrender

The Negative Side
What is the relation between the Law and the saint? By the Law we refer to the Ten Commandments engraven upon the tables of stone by the finger of God; by the saint we mean, the believer living in the present dispensation. What, then, is the relation between the Christian living today and the Ten Commandments formally proclaimed in the time of Moses? It is indeed sad that such a question needs to be raised, and that the Divine answer requires to be pressed upon the people of God. There was a time …
Arthur W. Pink—The Law and the Saint

The Lord's Supper --Concluded.
We have quoted, noted, collected and compared the words of Scripture that speak of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. We now wish to ask and examine the question: What do these passages taken together and compared with one another teach? Or, in other words, what is the Bible doctrine of the Lord's Supper? Does the Bible teach the doctrine of Transubstantiation, as held and confessed by the Roman Catholic Church? If our investigation of the teachings of the Holy Scriptures convinces us that they …
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

Regeneration and Faith.
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever."--1 Peter i. 23. There is a possible objection to what has been said above concerning regeneration. It is evident that God's Word, and therefore our symbols of faith, offers a modified representation of these things which, superficially considered, seems to condemn our representation. This representation, which does not consider children, but adults, may thus be stated: Among a …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Peace
Grace unto you and peace be multiplied. I Pet 1:1. Having spoken of the first fruit of sanctification, assurance, I proceed to the second, viz., Peace, Peace be multiplied:' What are the several species or kinds of Peace? Peace, in Scripture, is compared to a river which parts itself into two silver streams. Isa 66:12. I. There is an external peace, and that is, (1.) (Economical, or peace in a family. (2.) Political, or peace in the state. Peace is the nurse of plenty. He maketh peace in thy borders, …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Perseverance
'Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.' I Pet 1:1. The fifth and last fruit of sanctification, is perseverance in grace. The heavenly inheritance is kept for the saints, and they are kept to the inheritance. I Pet 1:1. The apostle asserts a saint's stability and permanence in grace. The saint's perseverance is much opposed by Papists and Arminians; but it is not the less true because it is opposed. A Christian's main comfort depends upon this doctrine of perseverance. Take …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

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