<\/p>\n
\n\u201cFor it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?\u201d (1 Peter 4:17).<\/p>\n
WHEN PETER SPEAKS OF \u201cJUDGMENT,\u201d HE PRESENTS US WITH A SOBERING THOUGHT. The marvelous gift of the freedom of our will is accompanied by responsibility and accountability to our Creator. The time will come when we will be judged. In our conscience, we all know we are guilty of having rejected what we knew of God\u2019s will on many occasions. If there can be no forgiveness, the consequences of our sin will fall upon us inexorably.<\/p>\n
In the gospel (\u201cgood news\u201d) of Jesus Christ, forgiveness is the very thing that is offered. But the offer must be responded to. The gospel must be obeyed. And Peter\u2019s words offer no hope to those who, having heard the gospel message, refuse to obey it. \u201cWhat will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The initial terms of obedience to the gospel have been looked at on many pages in this book, but let\u2019s review them. Believing that Jesus is the Christ, we must make an open confession of our faith to others (Romans 10:9,10). Then we must do what Peter instructed the audience to do on Pentecost: \u201cRepent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins\u201d (Acts 2:38). In the act of baptism, we die with Christ, receiving God\u2019s forgiveness and also the strength and guidance He provides so that \u201cwe too might walk in newness of life\u201d (Romans 6:4).<\/p>\n Have you obeyed the gospel? Whatever others may have done, have you responded rightly to the glad tidings of salvation in Jesus Christ? The gospel is the best news in the world, but the results of refusing it would be more tragic than we can imagine.<\/p>\n I know of no better way to view obedience than to see it in terms of God\u2019s kingship.<\/em> The problem of sin is the problem of rebellion against the rule of God. Surely there can be no reconciliation without an honest return to obedience, starting with the initial terms of God\u2019s pardon and continuing for the rest of our lives. Are you willing to come back to the King and obey His gospel? If not, the only consequences you can expect are those of an outlaw.<\/p>\n \u201cI cannot say \u2018Thine is the kingdom\u2019 if I do not give the King the disciplined obedience of a loyal subject\u201d (Anonymous).<\/p>\n Gary Henry \u2013 WordPoints.com + AreYouaChristian.com<\/p>\n