“… to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away” (1 Peter 1:4).
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Unlike earthly treasures, your eternal inheritance can never be taken away from you.
Despite the benefits of bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and a myriad of other investment opportunities, every earthly inheritance eventually is lost. If someone doesn’t steal it, or if it doesn’t lose its value in a stock market crash or recession, death will separate it from you. It’s inevitable! That’s why Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal” (Matt. 6:19–20).
The influence of sin and corruption doesn’t apply only to finances—it affects everything. Paul said, “The creation was subjected to futility … in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now” (Rom. 8:20–22). Nothing on earth escapes sin’s corruption.
But your eternal inheritance is not like earthly treasures. It is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading (1 Peter 1:4). “Imperishable” means it is incorruptible and unable to decay. The Greek word used describes a land that had never been ravaged or plundered by an invading army. The idea is that your spiritual inheritance is secure and can never be violated by an intruder—not even Satan himself. “Undefiled” speaks of something unpolluted by sin. “Will not fade away” suggests a supernatural beauty that time cannot impair. Peter used the same word in 1 Peter 5:4 to speak of the unfading crown of glory faithful church leaders will receive when Christ returns.
Your inheritance is unique among treasures. No one can steal it, and nothing can corrupt or diminish it in any way. It’s yours to enjoy to its fullest throughout all eternity. Don’t let the pursuit of perishable things distract you from the joy of eternal riches.
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Suggestions for Prayer: Ask the Lord to help you keep a proper perspective on what is of greatest value in His eyes.
For Further Study: Read Matthew 6:19–34. ✧ Why shouldn’t you worry about the necessities of life? ✧ What priorities should you have?[1]
[1] MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1993). Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith (p. 219). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
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