1 Peter 1:8-9

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:8-9

Addressing his readers, Peter talks about their faith.  Even though they have not seen Jesus, they love him and believe in him.  This reminds me of a verse in Hebrews.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

If I recall, I remember spouting that in answer to the question "what is faith?" and being brushed off as if it was a dumb answer.  It may be a canned answer, but truth is found in God's word.  It may sounds too simple and it may not be what he was looking for, but it is the truth.

There is something else that is described at the believer and their faith.  Not only do they believe in and love Jesus whom they have never seen, but they also rejoice.  This rejoicing is described in this way: "rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory".  What is the result of this?  The result is "obtaining the outcome of your faith".  This must be faith that Peter is describing.  The result of which is as Peter says "the salvation of your souls".  The outcome of faith is salvation.  This is why being saved is "through faith" as described in Ephesians 2.

However, lest we rush ahead too quickly, let us not forget to read the rest of Ephesians 2.  We are told that is not by works that we are saved.  It is not us and it is not a work done by us.  It is by grace.  Yes, this is the outcome of our faith.  And I love how not only does Peter talk about love and belief, but he goes on to talk about rejoicing with joy.  This is part of faith as well.  How does it go in the Westminster Catechism?

Q. What is the cheif end of man?
A. Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.