1 Peter 1:3-12

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Because of his great mercy  he has given us new birth  into a living hope  through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead  and into an inheritance that is imperishable,  undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven  for you. You are being guarded by God’s power  through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.  You rejoice in this,  even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials  so that the proven character of your faith   #— #more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire   #— #may result  in praise, glory, and honor  at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  Though you have not seen  him, you love him;  though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice  with inexpressible and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Concerning this salvation, the prophets,  who prophesied about the grace that would come to you, searched and carefully investigated. They inquired into what time or what circumstances the Spirit of Christ  within them was indicating when he testified in advance  to the sufferings of Christ  and the glories  that would follow.  It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you. These things have now been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you  by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven   #— #angels long to catch a glimpse of these things.