³ Peter shows that salvation is not believing or faith, rather salvation is the end of faith's obedient journey: Who are kept by the power of God through faith to salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In that greatly rejoice though it is necessary to suffer a few griefs now through various trials, so that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tried with fire, might result in praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him; though you do not see him now, but believe in him, you rejoice with joy that is unspeakable and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls. 1 Pet 1:5-9.

This has been mistranslated to be: you may have to suffer; but there is no mention of may or if necessary in the Greek. The translators, themselves not having suffered at the hand of the Lord, added may and if necessary, thinking that suffering is not necessary. Yet other scriptures clearly state:

• "Indeed, all who are determined to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." 2 Tim 3:12.
  
  
• "The same sufferings are being experienced by all your brothers in the world." 1 Pet 5:9.
  
  
• "For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and scourges every son whom he accepts. If you are without discipline, of which all [true sons of God] must share, then you are illegitimate, and not sons." Heb 12:6,8.
  
  
• "It is through many trials and tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." Acts 14:22.

Salvation comes after suffering; in fact, there are seven trials every son must endure before being accepted as a son.

As Peter wrote, "you are kept by the power of God through faith to salvation;" and George Fox wrote: "by the same power of God, which is your keeper, you may come to the day of salvation; you may have the song of salvation, and joy of salvation, and comfort of salvation, and the possession of salvation, and be heirs of the same."

Believing is not salvation, as Paul and Peter repeatedly emphasize, writing to churches of believers:

1. now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed, Rom 13:11
2. continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, Phil 2:12
3. For we are saved by hope; but hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he has already seen? But if we hope for that we do not yet see, then we wait for it [salvation] with patient endurance. Rom 8:24-25
4. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. 1 Thes 5:8
5. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Cor 1:18
   (While in the inward cross of self-denial, you will see the sin slowly disappear from your life until you are free of sin.)
6. godly sorrow produces repentance that leads to salvation, 2 Cor 7:10
7. do not grieve the holy Spirit of God, by whom you are sealed unto the day of redemption [future happening]. Eph 4:30
   (Paul is speaking to believers in the church who have not yet been redeemed, which is salvation.)
8. For we are the sweet aroma of Christ unto God, to those who are being saved. 2 Cor 2:15
9. we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold firm the beginning of our confidence to the end. Heb 3:14
10. For you need endurance in order to do God’s will, so that after you may receive the promise. Heb 10:36
11. we desire that every one of you show the same diligence in realizing the full assurance of hope to the end.
    So that you are not slothful, but followers of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Heb 6:11-12
12. Who are kept by the power of God through faith to salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (future happening)
    In that greatly rejoice though it is necessary to suffer a few griefs through various trials,
    so that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes,
    though it is tried with fire, might result in praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
    Though you have not seen him, you love him; though you do not see him now,
    but believe in him, you rejoice with joy that is unspeakable and full of glory,
    Receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls. 1 Pet 1:5-9
13. As newborn babies, desire the sincere milk of the word, so that you may grow up to salvation, 1 Pet 2:2

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