1 Peter 4:17-19 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us… I. THE CHARACTER OF THE PERSONS HERE SPOKEN OF. 1. The righteous. (1) None are such legally (Romans 3:10; Job 9:15). (2) They are such as have believed in Christ, are pardoned and justified (Romans 3:25, 26). 2. The ungodly sinner. They are such as remain in their native, unconverted state. Particularly they are such — (1) Over whom Satan exercises an uncontrolled dominion (Ephesians 2:2). (2) Alienated from the love of God (Ephesians 4:18). (3) Rebellion against God (Romans. 28-32). (4) Neglecting, perhaps rejecting, the only way of salvation by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:3; Hebrews 10:28, 29). II. THE DIFFICULTY OF THE SALVATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS. 1. The text admits that the righteous shall be saved; their salvation is certain upon their being found faithful unto death. (1) The testimony of Scripture secures it (2 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:17; 1 Peter 1:3-5. This is the purpose of God concerning them (2 Thessalonians 2:13). (3) It was the ultimate end of Christ's sufferings (Hebrews 2:10). (4) Of His ascension into heaven (Hebrews 6:20). (5) God hath promised it (Revelation 2:10). (6) The work of salvation in the righteous is already begun (Philippians 1:6). 2. Nevertheless, their salvation is here represented as being with difficulty obtained. (1) This difficulty is not owing to any deficiency in the love of God, which is universal (John 3:16). (2) Nor in the death and merit of Christ, which are infinite (Hebrews 2:9; 1 John 2:2). (3) Nor in the influence of the Spirit (John 14:16, 17; John 16:7, 8). But it is owing chiefly — (4) To the difficulty of the work they have got to do (Titus 2:11-14). (5) The opposition they meet with from the world. (6) The influence of evil example which abounds in the world (John 15:19). (7) The opposition they meet with from Satan (chap. 1 Peter 5:8). (8) The remains of corruption within. (9) The instability of some Christians (James 1:8), and the apostasy of others (1 Timothy 1:19, 20). III. THE CERTAIN AND DREADFUL MISERY THAT AWAITS THE UNGODLY SINNER. The question in the text relating to such may refer — 1. To a time of popular calamity (Luke 21:25, 26). 2. To death (Psalm 9:17). 3. To the day of judgment. Let the wicked tremble for the consequences of their conduct. Should they live and die such, their destruction is inevitable. (T. Hannam.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? |
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