1 Peter 1:4-10

1Pe 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Peter spends several verses speaking of the incorruptible and undefiled aspects of eternal salvation.  Mat 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 

He stresses the eternal protection afforded us in the redeeming sacrifice of Jesus. 

1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  We know who those kept are, it is those who show forth the fruit of the Spirit. (Gal 5:22-23)  These are the ones who have been chosen to salvation, and begotten again to an inheritance, preserved, or kept in that condition by God’s power.  As the Lord will perform the good work He has begun in us (Phil 1:6) we might say that He is faithful to preserve us, thus this in a sense is God’s faith.  We have these assurances first in Jhn 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.  

And while we continue to strive in this flesh, we have the intimate confirmation of our security by his Spirit dwelling within us. 

through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  While John tells us we have this salvation now in 1John 5:13, we don’t see the fruition of it now as we will at the redemption of these bodies.  Therefore, we daily exercise our measure of faith unto salvation.

1Pe 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  And we do greatly rejoice, as our previous condition and our new situation is brought to mind during our daily walk.  When we consider our death in trespasses and in sins, our situation without hope, changed from darkness to light at the new birth, it sets a joy before us, helping us endure the manifold temptations of life. 

1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:   We think of gold as being a substance that doesn’t perish, but in truth, even the most valuable metal in currency will fade and be destroyed.  Peter speaks of our faith during trials, much like gold tried in the fire.  Gold, when exposed to high temperatures bubbles the impurities to the surface where they can be skimmed away.  It is through this repeated refining by heat that allows gold to achieve such high purity.  Our daily trials purify us in the same manner.  

might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Not that our efforts or works or faith, are to be found praise worthy at the appearing of Jesus Christ, but rather that we might use our faith, the purifying trials to His honor and glory as we daily appear before the judgment seat of Christ.   

1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:   We love him because he first loved us. 1John 4:19 Peter saw the Lord, knew the Lord, and experienced much during Jesus’ public ministry.  He was eye-witness to both his crucifixion and his resurrection.  How different his viewpoint is from those of us who have not seen, yet love, and believe.  Peter marvels at how such can be the case, but rejoices in that it is common to all the elect upon learning of their savior. 

1Pe 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.  Our faith will end in heaven and Peter alludes to that great and coming day, yet he continues below to speak of the grace that has come to the Gentiles.

1Pe 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:  Noah and his story speaks of grace and salvation.  Abraham’s history tells of the covenant of grace.  Job spoke of salvation and mercy.  Isa 42:6 I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;   In Luke 2:32, Simeon knew of the prophecies regarding grace coming to the Gentiles.