"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, reserved in heaven for you" (1:3-4)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" - In the Old Testament, the Fathe was creator and redeemer, now we must associate Him as Father of our Master and Savior Jesus Christ.
"who according to His great mercy" - Why did God save sinners? It was His mercy. There was nothing in us to love, nothing in us worth saving. Yet God poured out His love upon us.. "while we were still sinners". We were in a miserable and pitiful condition, slaves to sin.. and He reached down in mercy and granted us eternal life.
"born again to a living hope" - In order for us to obtain this living hope, we must be "born again". This involves a spiritual transformation, from death to life! He has given us new hearts, and now we have the ability to live for Him. We fear death no longer, for our hope lies even beyond the grave, where we will enter the glorious presence of God and live forever in fellowship with Him!
"through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" - without the resurrection, 1 Cor 15:17 says we "would still be in our sins". Christ's resurrection ensured for all time the believer's living hope in heaven, finally counquering death and ending the curse. "He who believes in Him will never die" John 14:19
"to obtain in inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you" - Just as Israel received the land as their inheritance, so the church receives a spiritual inheritance in heaven. Nothing in this world can take away our inheritance in heaven. What confidence we have in Christ! We are sons and daughters of the King, co-inheritors with Christ! This inheritance is not based upon our works, but upon God's unconditional promise. Therefore, we have no reason to fear its loss, for our heavenly Father has guaranteed it with the Spirit that lives inside us! (Eph 1:14)
Remember the audience? Peter is encouraging persecuted Christians to have hope! Though their bodies may be burned, and all possessions taken away, they have an inheritance in heaven that cannot be taken away. O ye of little faith! Take heart! God has not forsaken you yet - He has saved you and raised you to a living hope, so cling to His promises wherever you are!
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