Everyone understands the practical importance of preparation. Before taking a long
vacation we first take time to secure lodging, map the route, and pack every item
necessary for a successful trip. We prepare for major decisions like marriage and
childbirth. We prepare for major expenditures and investments like houses and retirement
funds. Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” By and
large everyone understands the truth of that statement as it pertains to major life events
and decisions, but we must also realize the truth of the principle as it pertains to our
eternal destiny. Heaven is the Christian’s hope but that hope should not be taken lightly.
We will not enter into the dwelling place of our God by accident. It can only be a reality if
we prepare properly right now.
Peter describes our hope of Heaven and the need to prepare for its realization in 1 Peter
1:3-21. First, Peter identifies the reality of our hope (1 Pet. 1:3-5). For faithful Christians,
Heaven is not a wish or a possibility, but a certainty. It is an “inheritance incorruptible and
undefiled and that does not fade away” (1 Pet. 1:4). It is a realistic hope because it is alive
and because it is based upon the fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1
Pet. 1:3). Second, Peter explains the need to rejoice in our hope in spite of suffering (1 Pet.
1:6-9). Trial is not enjoyable but it is inescapable and also beneficial. Third, Peter describes
the production of our hope (1 Pet. 1:10-12). Faithful men and women throughout history
played a role in the achievement of God’s scheme of redemption (cf. Heb. 11). We should
rejoice because we are the current beneficiaries of the blessings that “prophets have
inquired and searched carefully” for and “angels desire to look into” (1 Pet. 1:10, 12).
Finally, Peter discusses the need to prepare for the realization of our hope (1 Pet. 1:13-21).
Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. When the Lord returns, those who hear
“Well done good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matt. 25:21) will
not do so by accident. Rather, because they lived faithful lives of service to their Lord.
Three imperatives make up the preparation section (1 Pet. 1:13-21) and define for us how
God expects us to live in light of our hope of Heaven. First, “rest your hope” (1 Pet. 1:13),
second, “be holy” (1 Pet. 1:15-16), and third, “conduct yourselves… in fear” (1 Pet. 1:17).
To “rest your hope” on Heaven is to firmly cement our attention, desire, and expectation
there, and nowhere else. Jesus said “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matt.
6:19). We are to direct our attention to “things above” and not things of the earth (Col.
3:1). Putting stock in the possessions, pursuits, and even the people of this world is futile.
Heaven is the only sure investment. In conjunction with placing our hope correctly is living
correctly. Peter quotes Leviticus 11:44-45 to emphasize the need for Christians to live holy
lives (1 Pet. 1:15-16). Holiness is sanctification and set-apart-ness. John said, “everyone
who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3). If we are
unwilling to reject sin to live for and like the Lord now, we cannot expect to live with Him for eternity! Godly fear is the final item in the list (1 Pet. 1:17). We serve a God who “without partiality judges according to each one’s work.” Therefore, we must be ever mindful of the fact that we will stand before Him in
judgment, and fear Him. That is, a healthy respect for His authority and fear of His discipline.
According to 1 Peter 1:13-21, preparing for Heaven means resting our hope there, living holy lives, and fearing God. Practically speaking, how are these things manifested in
daily living? Consider the following questions:
• Do you pray? If so, how often? What are your prayers
mostly about? Thanksgiving? Praise? Petition? Selfimprovement?
• Do you spend time in God’s Word daily? Are you
reading scripture? Meditating? Memorizing?
Constantly looking for ways to apply it?
• Are you focusing on spiritual growth? Are you looking
for areas in which to grow, setting goals, and meeting
them?
• Are you looking for ways to serve?
• Are you growing in your love for God?
• Do you reflect on the blessings the Lord has provided?
These are just a few questions that we should ask
ourselves regularly because the answers can help us
gauge our efforts to prepare for eternity with our Lord.
Everyone understands the importance of preparing for a
long trip away from home, but infinitely more important
is our preparation for our eternal home. May God bless us
as we live faithfully in His service, preparing to be with
Him in eternity.
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