Message from Scripture: 8/17/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is 1 Pet. 4:18: “And if a righteous person is saved with difficulty, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

 

This passage of Scripture is one most of us don’t often consider. It can be distressing to contemplate the implications of Peter’s words. Of course, that there will be those saved is clearly taught in Scripture. Jesus said, “He who has believed and has been immersed will be saved” (Mark 16:16).  He is pictured as welcoming certain ones into His eternal kingdom (Matt. 25:34).  Of course, to those who are faithful to death, they will receive the crown of life (Rev. 2:10).

 

This way of faithfulness is what Peter is writing about in the Scripture we are considering today. It is with difficulty those who are righteous are saved. There will be challenges, trials, and temptations the child of God must overcome to remain faithful. Jesus also pointed out, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  While the path is not promised to be easy, the righteous are being saved.

 

That is not said, however, about the godless and sinner, those who actively engage in wrongdoing. Peter is asking what hope is there for the sinner, if the righteous are, with difficulty, being saved?  Peter’s question implies that those who don’t obey the gospel, those who don’t live faithfully, can’t expect to escape punishment at the time of the final judgment.

 

It may be with difficulty the righteous are saved, but they are being saved.  Not so for the sinner. Today, let’s go out and serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, showing the world the way that, even with difficulty, one can have the hope of eternal life. God bless.

 

Robert