If the Righteous One is Scarcely Saved
Be Strong, Be Well — Friday, May 22
There are times when we need to look at things more carefully—like scriptures we have known and think we understand. Yet, when we look at them more closely, we may find there’s more to it than what we thought.
Such a passage for me (and just recently) is 1 Peter 4:17-19. “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? Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?" Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.”
My old thinking was the idea that some will be saved, but just barely. They will just squeak through the gates of heaven. The ungodly and sinner don’t stand a chance. But is this what Peter is saying?
In this passage “judgment” is not the final judgment day and the end of the earth. It’s the idea of severe trial. Peter wrote to pilgrims of the dispersion. These were Christians who had been scattered into foreign lands because of their faith.
Peter warned Christians that the time was coming when the church would be faced with severe trials and persecution.
"Scarcely" is something that is accomplished only with great difficulty. It does not mean one’s salvation is doubtful or brought into question. The early church was about to face an extremely difficult trial that would come upon them.
When the days of the great persecution came, first century Christians would barely escape the destruction. They had the Lord’s help. But the ungodly and sinner didn't have this kind of help. What will they do when the battle weighs heavy upon them?
We can rest assured, Peter was trying to comfort Christians and reassure them of our entrance into heaven. Not just barely making it, but “...an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:11).
Whatever we must face in this life, no matter how difficult, the Lord will not leave us alone. Our trials may be severe, but our salvation is not doubtful. —Chris