6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,

7 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.

8 And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

9 receiving as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

Scripture Referenced:

2 Corinthians 4:16 —18

1 Peter 4:19

Mark 8:36—37

John 20:2

Quotes:

“When they think about their future inheritance, the Christians to whom Peter is writing respond with intense ‘salvation joy’ which continues throughout their earthly lives.  He thinks such rejoicing in heavenly realities to be a normal part of the ordinary Christian life.”  (Wayne A. Grudem)

 

“The idea is that the sufferings believers experience are not the result of fate or impersonal forces of nature.  They are the will of God for believers.  The New Testament regularly sees sufferings as the road believers must travel to enter into God’s kingdom.”  (Thomas R. Schreiner) 

 

“It is the joy of heaven before heaven, experienced now in fellowship with the unseen Christ.”  (Wayne A. Grudem) 

 

“Peter’s main point in the verse is clear.  Believers who suffer are not dashed to the ground by their troubles.  They love Jesus Christ and rejoice in him, even though they have never seen him and do not see him now.  Their lives are characterized by a hope that fills the present with love and joy.”  (Thomas R. Schreiner)