In 1 Peter 1:7 Peter describes the purpose in terms of refinement. We need to know that the corner of the world in which Peter’s readers lived (present-day western Turkey) was rich in minerals. These minerals were mined, then refined; that is, through a process requiring heat the real thing was separated from impurities. Many of Peter’s readers themselves may have been involved in some way in these refining processes so that they knew exactly what Peter was talking about. More, in the Old Testament, the Lord had repeatedly mentioned the concept of refinement together with its purpose (Job 23:10; Psalm 66:10; Proverbs 17:3; Proverbs 27:21; Zechariah 13:9; Malachi 3:3). God’s purpose in sending the heat of trials was to refine and purify these exiles so that they would be better prepared to enter the land of promise (the salvation that would be revealed in the last time).
7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.