I Peter 1:3-7 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ..."  Peter continues this sentence with deep and vital truths that will fill our hearts with rejoicing and praises to our God! 

The Father's mercy "has caused us to be born again ..."  James says, "In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth.." ( James 1:18) .  Peter wrote in v 23.. "for you have been born again, not of seed which is perishable, but imperishable, that is through the living and abiding word of God."  It is all from Him... 

He chose us. He bore us.. He CAUSED us to be born again...  It is all of Him showing us mercy.. doing what only He can do.. bringing us to Life.  And not just that.. "to a living hope"... A promise of Life that is as imperishable as the Word that will "abide forever". 

The Father does this "through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."   The same power... that was evident.. that brought Jesus out of the tomb.. brings us to Life.  We come to real Life.. and receive an incredible gift.. "to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.."   Think of this... We have been granted a future that will never decay.. always will be perfect and pure.. that will never rust, or rot, or tarnish.  More precious than gold.  More valuable than anything the world could afford.  More important than anything we value on this earth... because our God has willingly chosen to give this to us.  Have faith!

And there is more! He has given us Life. He has promised us an inheritance. And He is protecting us.. "for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."  By His power.. His resurrection power.. His Creation power.. the "dunamis" of God.. we are sheltered and preserved for that day, when we will be delivered from these mortal and corruptible bodies.. and made perfect and whole.  

"In this you greatly rejoice.." 

Rejoice! Believe what God has said. Know that you.. yes you!.. are chosen to receive all that Christ died to give us.. a living hope.. an imperishable inheritance..  a perfect salvation.  The power of God is able and will accomplish this.. have faith!

Father in heaven we bless You and give You all our praise.  We rejoice in the Truth and cling to You by faith. Fill us with the power of Your Spirit to renew us for this day..  so that we might stand firm, our faith tested and proven.. so that it will "be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."  Amen and amen.