A Heavenly Inheritance

^3 (A)Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who ^(B)according to His abundant mercy ^(C)has begotten us again to a living hope ^(D)through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance ^[a]incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, ^(E)reserved in heaven for you, ^5 (F)who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

^6 (G)In this you greatly rejoice, though now ^(H)for a little while, if need be, ^(I)you have been ^[b]grieved by various trials, ⁷ that ^(J)the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though ^(K)it is tested by fire, ^(L)may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, ^8 (M)whom having not ^[c]seen you love. ^(N)Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, ⁹ receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

Our Inheritance Through Christ’s Blood

2 Therefore, ^(A)laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, ^2 (B)as newborn babes, desire the pure ^(C)milk of the word, that you may grow ^[a]thereby, ³ if indeed you have ^(D)tasted that the Lord is gracious.

The Chosen Stone and His Chosen People^(E)

⁴ Coming to Him as to a living stone, ^(F)rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, ⁵ you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.