Judgment Begins In God's House For You And Me?

Dear Saints,

In the context of suffering for Christ, Apostle Peter says to the pilgrims:

“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now, “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” 1 Peter 4:17-19.

What exactly is Peter saying to these suffering pilgrims? Will believers in Christ receive the same judgment as those who do not believe and obey the gospel?

Peter had previously established and stated some facts that Jesus suffered for sinners; whosoever believes in Christ will be saved from God’s judgment. Also, see Romans 8:1, for there is no condemnation for all that believe and trust in Christ. Therefore, Peter must be referring to a different type of judgment.

Peter calls his audience to a higher standard of righteous living than the unbelievers. The believer is not a superior human but a Christ-transformed person, and there must be a difference in our lifestyle. We must show evidence of the fruit of the Holy Spirit -love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

God holds us to a higher standard (not as the basis of our salvation) by and through the things we suffer. The judgment here for the believer is in line with a father’s discipline.

Our Father uses anyone to conform us to Christ, especially within the church, God’s family. The judgment thus begins with us in our hearts and house.

I had such an experience this week. I was at Sam’s club to fix my flat tire and rotate them. I was called to take my car and that it was ready. I asked if the leaking tire had been repaired. They had only inflated the tires and rotated them. The technician said the tread on my tire was worn out, so he could not do anything. At this point, I was irritated (a.k.a. angry) and couldn’t believe it. How do they expect me to drive out and come back later with a leaking tire? They could have told me I needed a new tire. I argued my points vigorously.

The moment of discipline came for me. The clerk at the front desk said, sir, can you please lower your voice? I was like, oh no. I should not be so irritated to raise my voice. I immediately quieted down. I told myself, It is just a tire, not the end of the world. I was humbled for good. Finally, I bought a new tire, and they replaced the old one.

Now back to God’s judgment. Our judgment is different from that of the unbelievers who will forever be separated from the love and grace of God, and that is precisely hell. The unbelievers' judgment is described in many places in the Bible, such as Matthew 8:11-12 and Revelation 21:8:

"But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

We, the believers in Christ, will appear before the judgment seat of Christ not for condemnation but for our reward of things done for Christ here and now - 2 Corinthians 5:10. Let's live to present our good works to Jesus as love offering and not for our salvation.

But what does Peter mean by “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” How are we scarcely saved?

Again it’s in the context of suffering for Christ and being conformed to Him in righteousness. Peter says God is very serious about holy living and disciplines His children for that purpose. How much more will God judge those who are not His children, the disobedient sinners?

Saints, God is very protective of us, His children. That’s why Peter concluded:

“Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.”

Yes, we serve a loving, faithful Father and Creator. May we submit to the suffering and discipline of the Lord. If you are suffering discipline from God, keep in mind:

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” Hebrews 12:5-6.

Only bastards escape discipline, according to scripture.  Is God your Father and Jesus Christ your Savior and Lord? If not, everlasting judgment and hell are where you are heading by your choice. Friend, here is the good news. 

Today, acknowledge and repent of your sins, for we all have sinned. Ask God to forgive you and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, for He died on the cross, was buried, and rose again for you and me. Ask God to grant you His Holy Spirit to live a new transformed life in Christ. Amen. Welcome to the family of God.

This Christmas, you, the believer and child of God, go tell it on the mountain and introduce Jesus Christ, the Savior, to the unbelievers. Don’t get carried away by the excitement of the cute baby Jesus in a manger and the buying of gifts. Give the best gift of Jesus’ Gospel to someone.

Consider putting Gospel tract in your gift wrapping. Do something different this year. Pray for the salvation of your loved ones and others, and tell them about the adult Jesus Christ who died for their sins. Will you?

Lord, we “commit our souls to you.” You started the good work in us and will finish it. Amen.