“For the time has come for judgment 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?” (1 Peter 4:17).
1 Peter 4:17 introduces an unsettling truth that has far-reaching implications. At the risk of over-dramatizing this passage, the judgment referenced here ultimately serves as the destination point for all who choose to follow the broad spiritual road that leads to destruction. Our ability to endure that judgment is contingent upon whether we have sought shelter in Christ, or if we have opted to confront it alone.
But that judicial process lies in the future. The preceding verse from this chapter outlines our responsibility for today: “…if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (1 Peter 4:16). No matter how difficult things become, the sufferings, trials, and difficulties we face today will be the worst we will endure for eternity. Therefore, we should view those hardships as opportunities to glorify God.
Nevertheless, if God’s people must confront such trials and difficulties now, what will be the fate of those who reject Him? How could those individuals ever hope to stand before a morally flawless, all-knowing, and all-powerful Creator? That is the question posed by our text from 1 Peter 4:17.
Unfortunately, some may believe that the act of going to church will be enough to deflect such scrutiny. But this portion of Scripture tells us that judgment begins at the house of God. The confines of a church building offer no refuge from such judgment, regardless of whether our attendance is in person or remote.
Thus, 1 Peter 4:17 presents a sobering portion of Scripture that merits serious attention. In one sense, God’s judgment awaits in the future. Yet we also face God’s judgment today as well. For instance, how do we handle the trials we experience today? If it has become necessary to suffer as a Christian, have we sought to glorify God in that matter?
Are we suffering for any of the negative characteristics described earlier for us in 1 Peter 4:15? Are we being reproached for the name of Christ as mentioned previously in verse fourteen? This passage tells us that judgment among the members of the house of God has begun in a very real sense- and it is taking place at this moment. In light of this, we would do well to consider the verdict that might be rendered upon our lives at the end of today.