1 Peter 4:17 KJV
[17] “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?”
There is a lot to consider in this verse about the judgment of God. The shocking reality is that judgment does not start with sinners but begins with the saints. This is true both in this life and in eternity. God will deal with His children first because we belong to Him. He loves us too much to let us continue in sin. He will deal with us specifically and swiftly. He will chasten those that belong to Him as an earthly father would chasten his son. Chastisement is the mark that we belong to Him.
I worry about people who say that they are a child of God but continue in sin with no consequences. I cannot see their hearts, but I can inspect their fruit. When you live like the Devil and his children all of your life and say that you belong to God, it is difficult for anyone to believe you. If you can continue in sin and not face God’s judgment, it is because you don’t belong to Him.
However, we must not forget that God will judge the unsaved. He often judges them in this world. Several years ago, I knew of an individual who was not saved and caused great trouble to a man of God. This individual went so far as to attend the church that he pastored and heckled him in the service. Two days later, he was tragically and instantly killed. Now, think what you will, but I believe this was not an accident but God’s judgment on a wicked individual. We don’t hear many stories like this today, but it still happens.
Judgment will begin at God’s house in eternity as well. The Judgment Seat of Christ will take place after the Rapture. Then, God will judge the nation of Israel during the Tribulation Period. The remaining nations of this world will also face judgment during the Tribulation Period, especially in the end. After Satan has been judged and thrown into the Lake of Fire, then every lost sinner will stand in the final judgment at the Great White Throne to determine their place in the Lake of Fire. Peter says it right in this verse. “What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” The end will be an eternity without hope and without God in the Lake of Fire. Dear reader, I pray that you know Jesus Christ in the free pardon of sin. If you are saved but not right with God, repent and get right with Him today.