<p>1:4 <i>T</i><i>o an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away</i>- The same word is used in the parallel James 1:11 about the wealthy shall &quot;fade away&quot;. The sustained references to the unfading, eternal inheritance are therefore in contrast with the fading things of material inheritance now. This was particularly relevant to the refugees; whatever they managed to accumulate for themselves would fade away. It probably deeply grieved these older folks (see on 1:1 <i>Temporary dwellers</i>) that as refugees they had lost all and had nothing to leave as an inheritance. But they were to focus upon the eternal inheritance.</p><p><i>Reserved in heaven for you</i>- The &quot;inheritance&quot; is therefore not simply the land inheritance to Abraham to which we become heirs by identity with Christ, the seed of Abraham. It is already prepared for us, and is safely kept in Heaven. Our reward, the nature of our eternal being, is prepared uniquely and individually for us. It is prepared and present now in Heaven, and only our own wilful fighting against God's will can stop us being given it at the Lord's return.</p>