Scripture: 1 Peter 4: 17-19
For the time has come for judgement 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? Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinners appear?” Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
Scripture Commentary: God is faithful and we can count on Him
A life of sin and indulgence in earthly desires can only unfold in the house of Satan. The ungodly will spend eternity in Satan’s house if they do not repent and ask for forgiveness.
We are all sinful by nature. We constantly go against God and not everyone recognizes their wrong ways. Not everyone repents. God allows believers to sin for the experience of consequences. God forgives those who sincerely repent. Allowing us to sin shows us our potential to do wrong. The experience encourages us to return to God. Smaller sins strengthen us against bigger temptations and condition us to truly trust in Him. If we know God will stand by us in the drizzle, we are more likely to rely on him in the storm.
If Christians need discipline from God, how much more will those who do not obey the gospel need to receive? It’s not quantifiable. Only God’s mercy saves us. People who reject Christ still have a chance at eternal life through repentance. We know God is faithful and we can count on Him to fulfill his promise to us. He will always welcome us home, as long as we are willing to do what is required to be in his kingdom.
We must follow this as a path to salvation:
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind, and Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
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1 Peter Chapter 4