According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, (I Peter 1:3,4 ESV)
Permanence
One of the tools I received from my father was a sturdy, comfortable, and reliable screwdriver. I suspect it was manufactured in the 1940’s, and it was a perfect fit for my hand. It was my go-to screwdriver when Phillip’s head screws needed to be driven.
And last week the handle broke.
At first, I was devastated. But then I remembered that all things around here will not last. In a way, the screwdriver was a part of my inheritance, but it barely lasted twenty years since I received it.
But the new life God has given us will not break, bend, rust, decay, or disappear.
Peter tells us that the life we received from God is imperishable. Because it is primarily in that eternal perfect universe we call heaven, it is not subject to this creation’s pesky broken rules that cause screwdrivers to break, weeds to grow, batteries to corrode, and fenders to rust.
Peter tells us that the life we received from God is undefiled. Because it is primarily in that eternal perfect universe we call heaven, it is not affected by sin. Everything works as God intended, before Adam (and we) messed it up. Relationships are harmonious, united by Christ. Our bodies will be healthful, healed by the Father. Our emotions will be untainted and appropriate, in tune with the Spirit.
We are peculiar, our inheritance is permanent.