6 In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, 7 so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7.
As Christians look forward to Christ’s coming, their faith is tested in the here and now. As the natural gold is tested by fire for its genuineness, so also faith is tested by various trials and suffering. True faith is shown not in our prosperity but in our pain. The test of true faith in displayed in one’s unrelenting trust in Christ in the midst of loss, suffering, pain and sickness. Faith that is not tested can’t be trusted so also, faith in Christ will be tested. As Job was tested in the area of wealth, possession, relations, physical pain and loss, so also Christians will be tested in their journey towards Christ and His kingdom.
This faith in Christ Jesus is more precious than gold as it can save a soul from eternal destruction. The genuine faith will result in praise and glory and honor when Christ is revealed. Notice that the genuine, sincere faith will only be known when Christ comes back. The trails and testing will reveal whether one’s faith is real or fake! Hence, it is imperative that Christians should examine their profession in Christ. The intention and motivation of the hearts should be checked and tested. It is then, that the only genuine faith will survive the test of time and will be rewarded at Christ’s revealing.
