1 Peter 1

Peter greets the “elect exiles of the Dispersion” and bursts into praise: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ... to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” Though grieved “by various trials,” they rejoice, for the “tested genuineness of your faith — more precious than gold... tested by fire” — will result in “praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ,” whom they love though they have not seen Him. This salvation the prophets searched out, foretelling “the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories.” Therefore they are to set their hope fully on grace, and “as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,” knowing they were ransomed “with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish.” Having been “born again... through the living and abiding word of God,” they are to love one another earnestly.