1 Peter 4:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"

NIV: And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"

NASB: AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GodLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?

CSB: And if a righteous person is saved with difficulty, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?

NLT: And also, 'If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?'

KJV: And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

NKJV: Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

Peter references Proverbs 11:31 to support his point from in the previous verse. God judges His children during life on earth, in order to strengthen and purify our faith. Those who reject Christ can expect much worse. Again, we need to be careful not to insert meaning into this passage. Peter is not saying that Christians are those who try really hard to be saved, and then just barely make it into heaven by their best efforts. We only make it into heaven by Jesus' perfect effort and perfect payment on the cross for all of our sin (1 Peter 3:18). Peter is saying that eternal salvation through faith in Christ comes "with difficulty" in this life on earth. Our loving Father treats us as children who need discipline to learn to trust Him, to learn to walk in His way.

In other words, God calls us righteous in Christ, then uses hardship in our lives to increase our trust in Him, to make us more and more like Christ.

But what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? Christians may often think of themselves as being sinners and ungodly people. Our actions might suggest that. But as used in this context, Peter isn't talking about believers; he is talking about those who "disobey the gospel of God" (1 Peter 4:17). So, if God allows the righteous in Christ to experience such hardship out of His love for us, what kind of hardship will come to those who reject God by rejecting faith in Jesus? The implied answer is that it will be much more terrible for them than it ever will be for us.

1 Peter 4:12–19 reminds Christians not to be surprised even by fiery suffering, but instead to see sharing in Christ’s afflictions as something worth rejoicing in. We will be glad when Christ’s glory is ultimately revealed, and we are currently blessed because God’s Spirit is with us. At the same time, we get no credit for the penalties of our own criminal or evil choices, or for retaliating against those who hurt us. When we're persecuted for doing good, God is able to ''judge'' His people, to strengthen our faith in Him. He will judge much more severely all those who reject faith in Christ.

Peter continues to describe how Christians should respond when faced with persecution: Take on Christ’s attitude, and expect God’s purpose for your life to include suffering. Set the course of your life away from mind-numbing pleasure seeking. Be alert so that you can pray effectively in these end times. In fact, rejoice if you share in Christ’s sufferings. God uses suffering to refine the faith of His people, and our present suffering contributes to future glory. If you suffer, keep doing good while trusting your soul to your Creator.

Peter’s letter to Christians is about how to live in the world while suffering for faith in Christ. Thus far, he has assured Christians that their future is secure with God. We are His holy people, set apart for His purposes. Christians are called to live in submission to every human authority. Now in chapter 4, Peter writes that we should take Jesus’ attitude toward suffering and expect it in this life, avoiding mind-numbing sin while loving each other earnestly. God may use suffering in this life to refine our faith, but the end of all things is near.

Some 30 years after the resurrection of Jesus, Christians are facing greater persecution for their faith. How should they respond? How should we respond to suffering today? The apostle Peter writes this letter both to comfort believers and to encourage them to stay strong. He urges them to put all their hope in their perfect future with Christ, and to obey and trust Him in the present, even in their suffering. Christ suffered greatly; now the Christ-followers have the opportunity to follow Him even in this, showing His grace and power in their hopefulness, obedience, and faith.