How do you measure time? In the Greek New Testament, there are numerous terms translated as time. Each has its own connotations. The two dominant terms are chronos and kairos. Chronos measures duration. Kairos is measured by events. Now that I am in my eighth decade of life, time and the sequence of events are fading. I tend to rely on past events (Kairos) to recall the length of time between them (Chronos).

Peter, in his first epistle, wrote to believers who were scattered abroad and experiencing trials. In chapter 1, he assured them that God had not forgotten them (cf. foreknowledge v. 1:2). All that they were experiencing didn’t surprise God. He knew everything before it happened.

As they looked back over time and events, he reminded them that by believing in Christ, their present circumstances accomplished God’s purpose. He wrote:

And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8-9)

A careful examination of these two verses provides an outstanding and abiding principle.

First, not seeing, they loved Jesus Christ. The term love is agape, i.e.,  doing the will of God from the heart. Second, as believers by nature (Present Active Participle) in Christ, they continued rejoicing despite their trials. But what produced this great joy?

Looking back over time and events, they recognized how God had been with them throughout the process of accomplishing His will. They saw the end of the faith, the salvation of souls (v. 9). Note that the term your that occurs twice in the NASB is not in the best texts and obscures the meaning. In other words, looking back, they could see how God uses trials coupled with His Word to transform souls under the sun. (cf. Jas 1:21) see also.

Looking back over my life, comparing the direction I was headed before I accepted Christ as my savior, and realizing where my faith in Christ and the events have led me, I feel the overwhelming joy Peter describes. I did not accomplish all my goals. But God’s Word assures me that He has accomplished His for me. And whether I live or die, He will continue to do so. (cf. Rom 14:7-8)

Peter continued:

Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:13-14)