FRIDAY November 6, 2026
The Judgment of God
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
Peter’s previous points––suffering reproach for Christ and not being ashamed of the Gospel––lead perfectly into his next point: preparing for the judgment. Now to be clear, the Christian will not be judged for their sins, because sin has already been taken care of on the Cross. When we stand before God, sealed with His Holy Spirit, we shall be declared, “Not guilty!” Christ’s blood has made us white as snow. We stand before Him having Christ’s righteousness, not our own righteousness.
When Peter spoke about a time of judgment (that first begins at the house of God), he wanted believers to understand that when they die, they will be judged for their motives behind every action. Their works will be cast into the fire, and whatever comes out of the fire will be lasting:
...each one’s work will be clearly shown [for what it is]; for the day [of judgment] will disclose it, because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality and character and worth of each person’s work (1 Corinthians 3:13 AMP).
You see, whatever remains after the fire, that will be your reward––whether gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay or straw. What happens if nothing survives the fire? First Corinthians 3:15 AMP, continues to say: But if any person’s work is burned up [by the test], he will suffer the loss [of his reward]; yet he himself will be saved, but only as [one who has barely escaped] through fire. Christians escape eternal judgment. Why? Salvation is the free gift of God. We are saved by God's grace, not by our works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Peter’s statement in this verse is clear. If the Lord’s judgment begins with us first as believers, then what will happen to the lost sinners––those who choose to reject the grace of God? His fiery judgment will fall upon them.
The wrath of God burns against them, their damnation does not slumber; the pit is prepared, the fire is made ready, the furnace is now hot, ready to receive them; the flames do now rage and glow.
~Jonathan Edwards~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
