a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
“savlation ready to be revealed in the last time” – the rescue and deliverance from sin and self will reach its culmination in heaven. There, believers will become like Christ “for we shall see Him face to face” in the final state of sanctification (i.e. glorification).
“in this you greatly rejoice” – joy is the mark of all true believers, whatever state they are in. In light of the promise of eternal salvation, of course we rejoice! For we know that He is sovereign over every circumstance in our life… even the trials. Therefore, we can endure all things with patience and joy, knowing that our heavenly Father knows and rules over all – for our good! This joy is neither brief nor shallow, but is permanent and penetrates every aspect of life. It is a joy that comes from a deep-seated confidence in this protected inheritance, and it derives from the comfort of having a personal relationship with Christ.
“ even for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials” – The truth is, troubles are transitory. They are but a “momentary, light affliction” (2 Cor 4:17). Trials may be momentary, but their impact is eternal. They serve a purpose in our lives: to humble us, tear us away from worldly things, to teach us the value of relationship with Christ, enable us to help others, chastens us for sins, and helps to strengthen us spiritually.
The reason for trials? “so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes, though tested by fire” - a new perspective on trials! Standing firm amidst trials solidifies our commitment to this faith we claim. We find confidence and joy in trouble, knowing that our faith is real and it is in a proven God. This is more valuable than gold that perishes! Trials refine us, prove to us what is really worthy of our lives, and remind us that we depend solely on the Lord for everything, so cling to Him!
So that this faith “may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” – this is incredible. Believers who honor God in this life, can by their faithfulness in trials elicit praise for the Lord in the life to come. The glory that was the Son’s becomes in part, our own glory. When we see Him face to face, we shall become like Him.
One day, we shall be perfect and complete. Until then, we find grace for every trial in the shelter of His wings. His love could not want anything less than for us to find utter satisfaction in Him alone. There is nothing else worthy. So with every trial, we press on, for we live not for the temporary, but for the eternal!
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