“who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:5).
This portion of Scripture, and its reference to those “who are kept by the power of God through faith” presents us with two important dynamics that should impact our understanding of the relationship we enjoy with God through Christ. The first dynamic involves God’s role in preserving our relationship with Him. The following passages highlight Jesus’ personal assurance in this regard…
“This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:39-40).
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand” (John 10:27-29).
Paul the Apostle also addressed this subject in the New Testament book of Romans…
“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39).
So our relationship with God, and our eternal inheritance are each under the personal protection of God himself. Since there is no force or entity that exceeds the power of the omnipotent Creator of everything, those who trust in Christ can rest in the knowledge that their eternal lives are in safe hands.
While our feelings are transient and changeable, the assurance offered to us through these passages remains unchanged. Should there come a time when we are tempted to doubt God’s eternal, providential care for us, we should call these Scriptures to mind. Then we can say along with Paul the Apostle, “…I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return” (2 Timothy 1:12 NLT). Paul knew what he believed, but more importantly, he knew whom he believed.