“to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4).
We sometimes associate the idea of an “inheritance” with the money or property that belongs to the heir of an estate. Or perhaps we might look to the physical attributes, natural talents, athletic abilities, or other genetic traits that pass from a parent to a child. However, these things pale in comparison to the inheritance mentioned here in 1 Peter 1:4.
While the Biblical book of Revelation is known for its apocalyptic imagery, it also provides us with a glimpse into the inheritance that awaits God’s people…
“I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them” (Revelation 21:3 NLT).
“He will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain. These things of the past are gone forever. Then the one sitting on the throne said: I am making everything new. Write down what I have said. My words are true and can be trusted” (Revelation 21:4-5 CEV).
“Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children” (Revelation 21:7 NIV).
Therefore. as Jesus reminded us…
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).
The following commentators encourage us to maintain a similar perspective…
“For some of us this spiritual inheritance is the only one we will ever have, but its description as incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading, evokes from us the greatest possible praise to God. This inheritance is more lasting than any earthly inheritance could be. Every stone of earth will crumble, every column will fall, every arch will collapse. Diamonds chip, gold wears away, but this inheritance of ours is a truly ‘imperishable’ commodity.” (1)
“Earthly inheritances are uncertain at best. Sometimes the value of an estate drops sharply because of market declines. Sometimes wills are successfully contested by parties not mentioned in them. Sometimes people are deprived of an inheritance because of legal technicalities. But this divine inheritance is not subject to any of the changes of time, and there are no loopholes in the believer’s title to it. It is kept in the safety-vault of heaven for the child of God.” (2)
(1) Edward E. Hindson and Woodrow Michael Kroll, eds., KJV Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1994), 2601
(2) William Macdonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary (p.2251) Edited by Arthur Farstad Thomas Nelson Publishers