Faithful in the Face of Suffering

“For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”

(1 Peter 4:17-19 ESV)

“Judgment” is a scary word for us. It carries with it negative connotations. It speaks to us of punishment.

It brings to mind the image of a parent, issuing a consequence for disobedience. It brings to mind the sentence of a judge for a crime that’s been committed. It brings to mind the reprimand of an employer for a failure on the job. It brings to mind the condemnation of God because of our sin.

This makes the above passage concerning. It catches our eye as it tells us that judgment begins with the household of God. And this tells us that, as believers in Jesus, we’ll be judged first.

Many of us have a false picture of what this means. As we envision judgment, as we envision standing before the judgment seat of Christ, we envision all of ours sins being manifest. We envision ourselves being fully exposed before God and all creation. And, understandably, we find this idea frightening.

However, the gospel tells us that, because Jesus died in our place, because he bore the punishment of our sin, we have the forgiveness of God. It tells us that our sins have been washed away. It tells us that we are no longer subject to death and hell. And, for this reason, when we stand before God in judgment, our sin will not be manifest. It’s the righteousness of Christ that will be seen. Instead of our guilt being exposed, we’ll be declared “not guilty.”

This, then, leaves us confused when Peter speaks of judgment.  It doesn’t seem to fit with the message of the gospel. And, if we’re to understand what he is saying, we must look at the context of these words.

Peter has been talking about persecution. He’s said that we should not be surprised at the trial when it comes upon us. He tells us that, if we suffer for the name of Christ, we are blessed. And he tells us that, if we suffer as a Christian, we need not be ashamed.

This, you see, is the key to what he’s saying. Judgment will indeed begin with us.  But the basis of our judgment is not our sin. It’s not what we’ve done. It’s, instead, the merit of Christ.

The point being made is that, as we suffer persecution, we must remain faithful to him. As we suffer persecution, we must not be ashamed. If we fall away in the face of suffering, it’s this that will lead to condemnation.

For this reason, as we suffer, we must entrust ourselves to care of God. And we must do so because he is faithful. We must commend ourselves into his care as we continue to serve him.