1 Peter 4:18

1 Peter 4:18 ‘And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?'

‘And if it is…' -‘This verse has the same theme, but expressed this time in words taken exactly from Proverbs 11:31 (LXX)' (Grudem p. 184)

‘with difficulty' -‘If the good man is saved only with difficulty' (TCNT). Points to Note: 1. The way to God is. narrow road (Matthew 7:13; Luke 13:23). 2. God allows the righteous person to suffer in this life, even suffering severe trials (Job). Such suffering separates the truly committed from the pretenders. 3. We can have confidence in our salvation (1 Peter 1:4); but we cannot become careless with it! (Matthew 10:28; Matthew 10:32). 4. The verse could also mean that our salvation will involve “difficulty” on our part. Remaining faithful to God will involve suffering and hardship. 5. Along the same lines, if life is ‘hard' for Christians, if even Christians must encounter hardship and difficulty on their path to eternal life, then what fate awaits the sinner?

‘what will become of the godless man and the sinner?' -‘what chance will the godless have' (Tay).

‘Someone perhaps remarks, “Would God be so cruel, harsh, and brutal as to let people suffer in the fires of hell?” What shallow insight into the mind and character of Almighty God! He allows His very own children to suffer here on earth----sometimes for years on end! And during those same years, the unconverted are intent “to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:25). Why, then, would not Jehovah allow the sons of Satan to suffer in the world to come?' (Oberst p. 219)