1 Peter 4:17-19 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us… This is a verse of implication. It affirms nothing, but by its own species of argument causes us to gather some very striking lessons. I. We have implied THE MEANING OF RELIGION. "Obedience." This is God's due as — 1. Creator. 2. Father. 3. King. II. We have implied THE LAW ON WHICH OBEDIENCE IS TO BE FOUNDED. "The gospel of God." The gospel is the revelation of good — 1. On account of its Author. 2. Purport. 3. Practical influence. III. We have implied THAT THE PUNISHMENT OF THE UNBELIEVER WILL BE SEVERE. The answer, left here as a great hiatus, is fully given in other parts of Scripture — 1. In the threats which it utters. 2. In the examples it affords. 3. In the logical course of sequence. IV. We have implied A WARNING TO THE SINFUL. They stand on the brink of an awful precipice, in which at any moment they may fall. V. We have implied A CONSOLATION TO THE RIGHTEOUS. If their lot here is hard, it is nothing to that in store for the disobedient. Sin may be pleasant for a season, but it brings forth death. (Pryce Thomas.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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? |
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