Christians have a living hope of salvation because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This living hope of salvation is “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:4-5)
It is a living hope now but it will be revealed in the last time, meaning to say when Jesus returns at the end of the earth and time as we know it. Peter says that this salvation will be revealed for those who are “being guarded through faith by God’s power.”
God is an equal opportunity God. The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. But not all men will be saved. Why not? Because many will not do what God’s grace instructs. What does God’s grace teach? “…give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world, as we wait for the blessed Day we hope for, when the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ will appear.” (Titus 2:11-14) Yes, keep yourself!
How? “Prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, and fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the return of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13) We prepare our minds for action by “seeking those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.” Our affection is not to be on “things on the earth.” (Col. 3: 1-2)
We keep ourselves “in the love of God.” (Jude 21) “Loving God means doing what he tells us to do, and really, that isn't hard at all.” (1 John 5:3) We keep ourselves as long as we “stand firm and let nothing move us.” We stand firm if we always give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:58) We stand firm if we do not leave our “first love.” (Rev. 2:4)
We keep ourselves by growing “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity.” Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)
Heaven will be worth it all. Keep yourselves.