Do you ever consider the incredible faith it takes to believe in Jesus? For anyone who hasn’t been saved by his grace, the entire concept may sound foolish. But to those of us who believe, who know for absolute certainty the truth of the gospel, we are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy because we know that the goal of our faith is literally the salvation of our soul. First Peter 1 verses 8 and 9 says:
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
That is what it’s all about isn’t it? The salvation of our souls. When we, as believers, understand that this life if fleeting and that the afterlife is eternal, we understand that our faith is not misplaced. Actually, we have found something that is more precious than anything life can offer, the love that God gave us through his son, Jesus. With faith to believe, we have been granted eternal life in heaven, not just 80 or 90 years of happiness on this earth which so many pursue, but eternity with our creator. That is why believers are filled with this inexpressible and glorious joy. It is almost as if we know a secret that the rest of the world can’t understand. First Peter says that “though we have not seen him, we love him. And even though we don’t see him now we believe in him”. It is faith like that which saves us, and a knowledge of what’s to come after this short time on earth that fills us with inexpressible and glorious joy.
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Peter reminds us of what our faith in Jesus affords us, which should explain to those who don’t believe why we have this inexpressible and glorious joy. To me it is more of a peace, an anchor in my life that can’t be shaken. No matter what happens or doesn’t happen in life, I know the truth. The truth is that this life will end, so we should live it well by storing up treasures for our real life that we’ll spend in eternity with God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Bible tells us that life on earth is like the blink of an eye in comparison to eternity. So, we can smile, having peace in our hearts and glorious joy of what is to come. Those who don’t understand may look at us as if we have some secret that we’re hiding in our hearts. They may even harbor bitter envy because they aren’t able to understand. But in actuality, this secret is too big and too important to hide. So, I encourage you to share this joy with others. Then they too can understand and experience this inexpressible and glorious joy. If you are reading this and have no idea what I’m talking about, I encourage you to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. He is the only one who can save you from hell. He is the only one who can guarantee eternal life in paradise. When you are sealed with his blood, forgiven of your sins and presented to God as righteous; not because of what you’ve done, but only because of your faith in the one who died, transferring his righteousness as a covering for you sin, then and only then, will you really appreciate this inexpressible and glorious joy. Don’t wait, I encourage you to believe in him today.