John Calvin Commentary 1 Peter 1:9

"receiving the end of your faith, [even] the salvation of [your] souls." — 1 Peter 1:9 (ASV)

Receiving the end of your faith. He reminds the faithful where they ought to direct all their thoughts: namely, to eternal salvation. For this world holds all our affections ensnared by its allurements; this life and all things belonging to the body are great impediments, which prevent us from applying our minds to the contemplation of the future and spiritual life.

Hence, the Apostle sets before us this future life as a subject of deep meditation, and he indirectly intimates that the loss of all other things is to be considered as nothing, provided our souls are saved. By saying receiving, he takes away all doubt, so that they might more cheerfully go on, being certain of obtaining salvation.

In the meantime, however, he shows what the end of faith is, lest they should be overly anxious, because it is still deferred. For our adoption ought now to satisfy us; nor ought we to ask to be introduced before the time into the possession of our inheritance. We may also understand the end as reward, but the meaning would be the same.

For we learn from the Apostle’s words that salvation is not obtained otherwise than by faith; and we know that faith leans on the sole promise of gratuitous adoption. But if this is so, doubtless salvation is not due to the merits of works, nor can it be hoped for on their account.

But why does he mention souls only, when the glory of a resurrection is promised to our bodies? As the soul is immortal, salvation is properly ascribed to it, as Paul sometimes is accustomed to speak: That the soul may be saved in the day of the Lord (1 Corinthians 5:5).

But it is the same as if he had said, “Eternal salvation.” For there is an implied comparison between it and the mortal and fading life that belongs to the body. At the same time, the body is not excluded from a participation of glory when united to the soul.