An Inheritance That Cannot Fade Series

Introduction: Earthly Investments

Brothers and sisters, in the previous verse, Peter told us we have been born again into a "lively hope." A hope for what? Verse 4 gives us the stunning answer. We have been born into an inheritance.

In our world, an inheritance is often something we worry about. We see earthly treasures and investments corrupted by rust and inflation. We see beautiful things stained and defiled by misuse or neglect. We see the most vibrant glories of this world—youth, beauty, power, wealth—all eventually fade away.

Think of a brand new car that gets its first scratch. Think of a pristine white garment that gets a permanent stain. Think of a beautiful flower that withers in a few days. Everything on earth is subject to decay, defilement, and fading.

But Peter describes our spiritual inheritance in direct contrast to everything we know on earth. It is an inheritance defined by what it is not. It is secure, pure, and permanent.

I. A Secure Inheritance: "Incorruptible"

The first quality of our inheritance is that it is incorruptible.

This means it is not subject to decay, rot, or destruction. It cannot rust, be eaten by moths, or be destroyed by market crashes. It is imperishable.

Earthly treasures decay: The grandest empires turn to dust. The greatest fortunes can be lost in a moment. Our physical bodies themselves grow old and fail.

Our heavenly treasure endures: But our inheritance in Christ is made of an eternal substance. It exists outside of the realm of death and decay. It cannot be diminished by time or circumstance.

Your salvation, your eternal life with God, cannot be corrupted by the failures of this world or even by your own struggles. It is eternally secure.

II. A Pure Inheritance: "Undefiled"

Second, our inheritance is undefiled.

This means it is morally and spiritually pure, free from any stain of sin or impurity.

Earthly things are stained: Even the best things on earth are touched by sin. A beautiful relationship can be defiled by selfishness. A noble cause can be defiled by pride. There is nothing on this earth that is perfectly pure.

Our heavenly reward is pure: Our inheritance is kept in heaven, a place where no sin can enter. When we receive it, it will not be tainted by sin, regret, or sorrow.

It is a perfect inheritance, free from the stains that mar every earthly pleasure. It is morally flawless.

III. A Permanent Inheritance: "That Fadeth Not Away"

Finally, Peter tells us this inheritance fadeth not away.

The Greek word used here is amarantos, from which we get the name of the amaranth flower, a flower believed to never wither. Our inheritance has a beauty that will never lose its glory.

Earthly beauty fades: The most vibrant sunset gives way to darkness. The joy of a great achievement slowly diminishes. The beauty of youth gives way to the wrinkles of age. All earthly glory is temporary.

Our heavenly glory is permanent: The glory of our inheritance will be as vibrant and breathtaking a million years from now as it is on the day we first receive it. Its colors will never dim. Its joy will never grow old. Its beauty is everlasting.

This isn't a fleeting pleasure; it is eternal glory.

Conclusion: Reserved for You

How can we be so sure of this inheritance? The final phrase gives us the ultimate comfort: it is "reserved in heaven for you."

God Himself is the one guarding it. It’s not waiting for you to claim it; it has your name on it. It is being held in the most secure place in the universe—heaven itself—by the most powerful being in the universe. It is not only a perfect inheritance; it is a personally guaranteed inheritance.

This is the substance of our living hope. When you face trials, remember your inheritance is incorruptible. When you struggle with sin, remember your inheritance is undefiled. When the joys of this world seem to fade, remember your inheritance is eternal. It is waiting for you, perfectly safe and perfectly glorious.