Faith More Precious Than Gold

Read aloud

Peter says the believers greatly rejoice in the hope he has just described, even though for a little while they may have to suffer grief in various trials. Joy and grief are not treated as enemies here. A Christian can rejoice in God's promised future while admitting that the present hurts.

He compares tested faith to gold refined by fire. Gold is tested by fire, yet even gold perishes. Trials prove the genuineness of faith, which is more precious than gold. Faith has a value that reaches beyond what survives in the present world.

Their faith will result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Peter is speaking to people who have not seen Jesus, yet they love Him, believe in Him, and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy. Their trust is not based on having controlled every outcome. It is a response to the risen Christ whom they have received through the gospel.

Peter says they are receiving the goal of their faith, the salvation of their souls. Salvation is not reduced to feeling cheerful during trials. The joy can exist alongside tears because it is anchored in what God is doing and will complete.

The prophets who foretold this salvation searched and investigated carefully. The Spirit of Christ within them foretold His sufferings and the glories to follow. They searched for the time and circumstances, and learned that they were serving the believers who would later hear this news. Now the gospel has been preached to these believers by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Angels themselves long to look into these things. The good news is not ordinary information; it is the fulfillment of a long-promised work of God.