1 Peter 4:17

1 Peter 4:17 ‘For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?'

‘For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God' -The ‘judgment' under consideration from the context appears to be the severe trials which are coming upon these Christians. ‘Yet this word “judgment” does not necessarily mean “condemnation”….but is. broader term which can refer to. judgment which results in good and bad evaluations,. judgment which may issue in approval or discipline as well as condemnation.' (Grudem p. 181) (See 1 Corinthians 11:32)

‘the household of God' -Which pictures the church as. family (1 Timothy 3:15). Which means that the church is an essential relationship. ‘Can one be considered saved if they aren't. part of God's family?' It also infers that what. person must do to become. child of God, is also what. person must do to become. member of the church.

‘and if it begins with us first' -‘But this fact should not frighten the Christians or cause them to wonder, “Is this what. signed up for?” For if God is hard with the church, how much harder will he be with “those who do not obey the gospel of God?”….The Christians are better off than they appear.' (Davids pp. 171-172)

‘what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?' -Points to Note: 1. It is ridiculous to argue that God won't punish the sinner, in light of the fact that He allows the Christian to be chastened! ‘If the church, which is ever the object of God's care, is soon to fall into trial and sore persecution, how much greater must be the misery and wretchedness of those who do not rely on the Lord, and are thus without the comforting assurances of the gospel?' (Woods p. 119) 2. One hasn't accepted the gospel message until they obey its conditions for salvation. The faith that saves is. faith that will obey. In addition, note that Peter didn't say, ‘for those who do not love God'. Love of God and obeying the gospel are inseparable (John 14:15). Peter didn't believe that one could love the man but reject the plan.

‘outcome' -‘final lot' (Thayer p. 620). It is amazing that religious people who profess to be Christians do not know the answer to this question. Some say, ‘those who reject God have nothing to fear'. Others, ‘God will change His mind'. And then others, ‘The disobedient experience “hell” only in suffering the consequences of their sins in this life. The Bible has. different answer (Romans 2:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:8).