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1 Peter 4:17-19
Peter is coming to the end of this letter to the, “pilgrims of the Dispersion”… to the, “elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:1-2, NKJV). He brings the main point of his message together as he prepares for his closing comments. Peter proclaims in verse 17, “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?” Peter is striving to show the importance of having a relationship with our Creator God through salvation in Jesus Christ. Jesus teaches in Luke 13:24, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” We learn from Hebrews 10:29-31, “Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. And again, ‘The LORD will judge His people.’ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Peter instructs in verse 19 to be committed to God in doing good even through any suffering that may come, “as to a faithful Creator.”
This is a promise of the coming judgment for those who obey the gospel, and for those who do not.
Jesus teaches that narrow is the gate that leads to salvation and few find it. He also teaches that wide is the path that leads to destruction. A time is coming when we will all be required to stand before God and give an account of our lives here on earth. We will all be found guilty of sin and unworthy of God’s gift of grace and mercy; but Jesus, yes, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). If we open our hearts to Jesus while we have the opportunity here on earth, and ask of His forgiveness for our sins, when we stand before God to give an account for our lives, all He will see is Jesus, because Jesus has already paid the price for our sins on the cross.
Dear LORD,
Peter shows concern and compassion for those who are of the house of God and for those who are not. We too should show compassion and tenderheartedness for all people that we would share the gospel with our family and friends, and whoever You may put in our path and prompt us to do so that we all would hear of our Savior Jesus and the forgiveness that only He can provide that lasts for all eternity. Please prompt us to do so. In Jesus name I pray, amen.