Hard for the Righteous

I have been wrestling with 1 Peter 4:18 lately which says, "And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

This passage is in a paragraph about the test of persecution. Amazingly, the Holy Spirit inspired Peter to write this Scripture just two years before the history making persecution of the Church under the emperor Nero. Peter was executed in that era of persecution!

Persecution is a test. It is not a test of the ungodly, but a test of God's children. God never sends calamity on his children, but as we have all experienced, will sometimes allow it. When Christians are persecuted those who treat Jesus like a Hobie are weeded out quickly. Those with a real commitment to Jesus stand out, they shine, they endure.

Because we are continuously tempted, confronted and attacked by the devil it is hard for the righteous to be saved. A person that is saved is a miracle to start with. But, miracles are not always easy. Everyone wants miracles, but not the problems that precipitate them. Everyone wants miracles, but not the kind that God gives, and then require work or effort on our part. Today we have equated miracle with easy, and that is not the case. Miracles are not easy, they are hard! Those who experience the most miracles have made the most sacrifices to God through prayer and giving themselves to serve others.

Back to 1 Peter 4:18. If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, which we have been discussing, what will become of the ungodly. There is judgement from God for those who lightly confess Christ, but have not deep commitment that stands through tests and persecution. What kind of judgement will there be then, for those who have rejected God completely?

Try reading 1 Peter 4:12-19 and tell me what you think. This is a great opportunity to create a good discussion. I will monitor my comments as closely as possible this week and let's talk. In the process, we can help each other through the persecution and temptations we are facing.