1. 1 Peter 1:9 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why does Peter describe the outcome of faith as “the salvation of your souls”?

1 Peter 1:9 (ESV)

9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Note the repetition of the word “salvation,” previously used in 1 Peter 1:5. The term “soul” describes the totality of your person. If you were not to be born again, that is, you were to remain in the narrow confines of a this-worldly worldview, you would soon be choked of life and die. But being born again gives new opportunity to live and flourish. Spiritually speaking, this new opportunity to live and flourish is the blessed fruit of being reborn through the Holy Spirit. This new life knows no end (recall Jesus’ resurrection) and involves an imperishable inheritance. This package is what Peter calls the “salvation of your souls.”