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| 1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; |
Christ hath suffered – As soon as the last member shall have passed into the heavenly condition, all the sufferings of The Christ will be over. R5341:3
In the flesh – As our Lord suffered in the flesh, so will also those who are members of the Church, which is his Body. However, while suffering in the flesh, we are also being developed in the spirit. R5173:4
Flesh and blood uniformly represent human nature. R611:2
Arm yourselves – If any realize that they have not been zealously and voluntarily suffering with their Savior, they should arouse themselves to appeal in prayer to the Master for grace and faith to walk in his steps of voluntary sacrifice. R4921:4
The same mind – Of determination to lay down our lives in opposition to sin. R3246:3
As Christ redeemed us by laying down his life as a willing sacrifice, so let us have this same mind, this same disposition, this same will. R5644:4
Not that we might have to experience the same amount of suffering, but the thought was with "the same mind" enabling us to be more than victorious. R2458:5*
Ceased from sin – Dead people cannot sin. The Lord's people, having consecrated themselves unto death, certainly will not commit sin wilfully. For to do so would prove that their wills had changed. They would then cease to be new creatures and it would mean second death. R3246:3
The sins of the mortal body were all cancelled through the imputation of the Advocate's merit and at that moment the old nature died and ceased its responsibility. The new creature which took possession of the mortal body is held responsible for its conduct. R4585:2
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| 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. |
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| 3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: |
For the time past – When we were natural men, before we became new creatures. R3246:6
Excess of wine – "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess." (Eph. 5:18) R509:4
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| 4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: |
Think it strange – It will cost us the good opinion and fellowship of others. E431
Those who seek for earthly offices of fame and glory now cannot understand our running for the "prize of the high calling." They consider our time wasted. R3585:3
The world will say that we are of unsound mind because we care for the better things, the heavenly things. R5094:6
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| 5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. |
Shall give account – Be dealt with, corrected and disciplined in righteousness, to bring about true reformation and finally perfection of character. R1469:5
The quick and the dead – The followers of Christ who have become dead to the things of the world and alive to the heavenly or spiritual things. Q762:3
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| 6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. |
For this cause – Reason, purpose. Q762:3; R1414:2
Because we who are dead to the world and alive toward God are being called out now, as the Lord's elect class. Q762:3
Was the gospel – The gospel is. R3247:3[R3247]
Good news of our redemption and the promise of glory; it was given to us that our lives should be influenced by it and that we should be separated from the world. R150:5
To them – The Lord's elect class. R3247:3
That are dead – We who are dead to the world. R3247:3, 704:4
Those that are reckoned dead to sin, but alive toward God and righteousness. R1414:2
In his consecration he has given up, sacrificed, his justified human nature; he reckons himself no longer of the human nature, but a new creature in Christ Jesus. R704:1
That you might have Christ formed within you--his mind and principles. R704:4
"Let the dead bury the dead." (Matt. 8:22) All mankind, from God's ss dead. Q287:4; R1987:1; CR131:5
By nature we are counted dead with the world. But because we are reckoned as having passed from death unto life in Christ, we are counted alive. Q287:4
Peter is exhorting to separateness from the world, not only of our minds but also of our bodies as ruled over by our minds. R150:5
Might be judged – By the world. R3247:3
The outward deeds. R1414:2
By the outward appearance. R1987:2
The world still judges us according to the flesh. Q287:4, 383:2; R3105:2, 762:3, 209:5, 150:5
We are reckoned as having passed from death unto life, and have our trial here for life everlasting. Q287:4
The spiritual new creatures have their judgment time in this present life and are judged in the flesh with its weakness and blemishes inherited from Adam. Q762:3; R150:5
According to men – Like other men; the world discerns not that the new creatures are different from other men. R3247:3, 3105:2, 704:4
In the spirit – Begotten to newness of life. R3247:3
God is judging us according to the spirit; according to the real motive and intention. Q383:2; R3105:2, 1987:1, 1414:2, 704:4
We are reckoned as fulfilling the highest demands of the divine law to God and to man, because we are not walking after the flesh but after the spirit. R3832:1
"For this purpose the Gospel is preached to them that are dead (those reckoned dead to sin, but alive toward God and righteousness); that they might be judged of God in spirit (according to their real motives and intentions), although judged by men merely according to (the outward deeds) the flesh." (The Greek text supports this rendering, while the common version shrouds this text in mystery.) R1414:2
This shows the double nature of one begotten of the Spirit. The body still human; the spirit of the mind divine. R150:5
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| 7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. |
End of all things – Present constitutions under the supervision of the prince of this world. R3247:4
The end of the dominion of evil, the old order of things is to be in the close of the sixth thousand years. R1187:3
The second coming of the Lord and the setting up of his Kingdom. R1187:3
The apostles perceived that a great light had come into the world, and that a turning point in history had arrived. But it was not the shining of the sunlight of the great Millennial day. R5769:3
Be sober – Not disturbed or excited in mind. R3247:4
Guard against every approach to a spirit of pride and vainglory. R1972:1
We have a great responsibility that our tongue not be used in a flippant way which would be dishonoring to God. R1938:1
Refuse the first draught of the wine of worldly-mindedness and you will not be tempted to take the second. R1187:6
And watch – The prize of the high calling is not for the easy-going Christian. They are urged to run with intensity of zeal and earnest striving to gain the prize. R2123:1
Unto prayer – Communion with God is a great privilege and an evidence of his favor. R4983:1
Pray for divine assistance, to resist even the slightest encroachment of the enemy. R1187:6
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| 8 And above all things have fervent love among yourselves: for love shall cover the multitude of sins. |
Above all things – In view of the fact that all who are the Lord's are, like yourselves, battling for the Lord and the principles of right. R3247:5
For charity – A deeply sympathetic love, a fervent (burning) love for his fellows. R3247:5
Love is one of the first essentials of the Christian character. R1187:6
Multitude of sins – Of their blemishes and imperfections; shortcomings and failures. R3247:4, 1188:1
The disposition that exposes the weaknesses of the brethren is not the love that covers. R5530:4
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| 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. |
Use hospitality – Liberality. R28:6*
It is an element of character that should be cultivated toward all men; it should be hearty and not merely because the Lord commends and commands it. R3247:5
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| 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. |
Every man – Each one. (Diaglott) Male or female. R1549:1
Received the gift – A free gift. (Diaglott) R1549:1
The favors of life. R1188:1
The Lord's grace and bounty are manifold, in things both spiritual and temporal. R3247:6
So minister the same – The responsibility of stewardship is proportionately increased. R3247:6
He who waters others shall himself be watered. (Prov. 11:25) This principle applies to R3247:6
As good stewards – Of consecrated money, goods, time and talents, and of the mysteries of God's plan. R820:1
It is required of a steward that a man be found faithful to his trust. R820:1
Not only are we stewards of the consecrated money, time and talents in our hands, be they little or much; but we are also the stewards of the mysteries of God's plans. R819:6
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| 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. |
Let him speak – All who have the truth are commissioned to declare it to others. R1356:6
Not uncertainly, not doubtfully. R1882:6
Not their own opinions. R1892:1
The oracles of God – Wisely, and in accordance with the spirit and Word of the Lord. R1937:3
Absolutely truthful, wholly reliable. R3247:6
His words should be of weight with the Church only as they are backed up by the Word and Spirit of the Lord. R1892:2
We could guess about some things, but we do not allow ourselves to guess. R5844:6
"He that hath my Word let him speak my Word faithfully." (Jer. 23:28) R1882:6
Which God giveth – And not of his own. R1357:4
Praise – Not only are we to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God but also to look up to him and give him praise for all that we have and are. R5284:5
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| 12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
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Think it not strange – It is reasonable that God should test severely the faith and love of those invited to be joint-heirs with his son. They must be loyal and trustful to the last degree. R3281:3, 1744:2
If our Lord had to be so severely tested to prove his worthiness of high exaltation, we should not think it strange that this happens to us. R1263:4
That we are caused to be a gazing stock. (Heb. 10:33) R5412:4
None of the candidates for these coming honors need wonder at the course of instruction, discipline and experience to which they are now subjected. R1164:1
Many of the beloved of the Lord do think it "strange" when the fiery trials strike them, doubtless because they do not appreciate the Lord's design. R738:3
The fiery trial – Necessary for the development of character, and for the proving of the faithful ones. OV39:T
Trials must be the portion of all who would be "overcomers." R2792:3
Chastisements and correction. R739:1
The Lord's people should not think it strange when trials come, no matter how fiery, no matter how severe. It is part of the terms and conditions of the Church's calling. R5118:3
Our severest trials come not from without, but, "From among yourselves shall arise false brethren" (Acts 20:30), to injure the flock in g R5118:3
They come like fiery darts from our great enemy--Satan. R1744:4
Through which only the gold, the silver and the precious stones will pass unharmed. R5097:5
We must not be disappointed and allow our faith to falter when the test of patient endurance is applied. R5802:6
Such chastisements are thus a demonstration of God's love for us and of his desire that we make our calling and election sure. SM650:1
It was necessary for the Captain of our salvation to be tempted and tried, tested and proved; much more is it necessary that we who are children of wrath, and justified through his grace, be thoroughly proved as respects our loyalty. R3059:6
We are to expect a testing in the end of this age, just as there was a testing of the Jewish nominal Church in the end of its age. R2496:4
Trials of faith and patience and love and endurance are as necessary to our development and our fitting for the high position to which we are called, as are the instructions of divine grace. R1744:2
The fires of the purgatory (periods of purgation) in which God has been thus destroying our weaknesses and cleansing are purifying unto himself the Gospel Church. R1316:4
The Jewish and the Gospel ages have been purgatories or periods of purgation. R1316:4
If we would purchase the gold tried in the fire, it must be at the cost of faithful and constant submission to the discipline of the Lord in the fiery trials which are necessary to consume our dross and refine our gold. R1944:2, 2971:2; NS447:5
Our Lord likens our Christian faith to a house, and represents the trials in the end of this age as a great storm which will beat upon every house, with the result that all that are founded upon the Rock will stand, and all founded upon the sand will collapse. R2496:4
Some of these trials come from the enemies without, but the Christian's greatest enemy is his old self, or carnal nature, against which the spirit within, or new nature, wars. R199:4*
"Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." (Heb. 12:6) R569:3
"No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous." (Heb. 12:11) R1744:1
"The trial of your faith being much more precious than of gold that perishes." ( 1 Peter 1:7) "He is like a refiner's fid tried." (Dan. 12:10) R1823:2
Its primary reference is to a great tribulation in the end of this age, through which all except the Little Flock may be expected to pass. NS358:5; SM726:1
Necessary that every element of the spirit of leaven, of corruption, of sin may be destroyed so far as our heart intentions are concerned. NS350:3
Which is to try you – The Church. R266:6
That is to do a purifying work. R5778:5
The Lord is the refiner purging out the dross that we may be made ready to share with Christ in the Kingdom of glory, honor and immortality. R5118:3
To prove you, strengthen your character, cause the principles of truth and righteousness to take deep root in your heart. R1744:2
All who are the Lord's people have trials and difficulties. By sharing them with our brethren in testimony meetings, we learn to sympathize with one another. F320
Our Master left us a portion of his cup that the Father poured for him. R5545:6
Since the trial of our faith worketh patience, experience and hope, and is needful for our perfecting in holiness, the Father will not hinder us from having temptations, even though he himself tempteth no man. (Jas. 1:13) R2005:3
Some strange thing – New; unforetold. R2792:3, 266:6
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| 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
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But rejoice – If the Lord's people find themselves involved in temptations and tribulations, instead of feeling downcast, they are to rejoice. R5459:6
Not that we enjoy tribulations, but we realize these are working for us characters pleasing to God. R5779:4
Knowing that these fiery trials are of the Lord; not that the Lord is the cause of them; usually it is the Adversary. R5778:6
Let us rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer for Christ's sake now, so as to be counted worthy to reign with him. R740:4; SM655:2
Inasmuch as – To the extent that. R1563:4
Christ's sufferings – Of self-denial. R1783:1
The sufferings did not end at Calvary but continue with the members of Christ's Body. From this standpoint, the first advent of Christ--in the flesh--has been a gradual one, covering a period of nearly nineteen centuries. R3192:6, 5180:4
It is one sacrifice in the sense that it is all one Body of one Priest that is offered. R4965:3
The antitypical priesthood includes all the members of the Body and so the sufferings require all of the Gospel age to complete them. T50
That we may also be sharers in his glory. R5155:5
"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Tim. 3:12) R5778:3
Those who will be found faithful unto death have fellowship in his sufferings and will also have fellowship in his glory at the marriage feast. C207
Christ's sufferings were for well-doing and for the truth's sake, not for self-will or spiritual drowsiness or failure to keep his covenant. R739:1
None of us could share in the sufferings of the anointed, unless we had first consecrated and become members of the anointed company. R739:2
The sacrifice and sufferings of Christ Jesus included every item of mental and physical pain and self-denial experienced as a result of his consecration, until it was completed in death; it included the denial of all laudable and proper human ambitions; the reproach he bore from his fellow-men for the sake of the truth; and his weariness and exhaustion caused by preaching and the giving out of his own vital energy for the good of others. SM651:2; R739:2
To the extent that we share his sufferings, it must not be as chastisement for evil nor in the renouncing of evil, but a suffering wrongfully, undeservedly. SM650:2; R739:1
Sacrifice your honor, your social standing, your good name and your broad-minded reputation; for the Truth. SM655:1; R740:1
If we had no share in these trials, how could we know that we are of the Body members? R5778:6
The sacrifice consists in denying ourselves things which are lawful and proper. R739:3
If we suffer, let it be as unto the Lord, to as good purpose as possible. R1783:2
We should be careful not to interfere with the liberties of others. R1783:2
"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (Rom. 8:17) R411:3, 1782:6
Though the sufferings of Christ were not simply the trials which he endured, yet the trials were included in the sufferings; and if they were necessary for him, they certainly are more so for us. R28:2*
It is in anticipation of our joint-heirship with Christ in glory that the fully consecrated rejoice to partake of his affliction. R1563:4
Sickness and discomfort of any sort, incurred by our energy in the service of the truth, are permitted by our Father as evidences of our fidelity and love. R2007:5
These sufferings are not such as are common to humanity, sickness, etc., incidental to sin and its penalty, death; but sufferings for Christ's sake, which means activity in Christ's service. R1782:6
In the direct service of the truth; either by telling the Gospel orally or by circulating the message in printed form or by writing of it to friends. R1783:1
The flesh is suffering; but the new mind, the new will, has joy. R5459:6
Let us be careful not to make our sufferings subjects for boasting, as though seeking the praise of men; or of continual complainings to other members who are themselves perhaps suffering more acutely. R1783:2
Even failures may become "stepping-stones" by which we rise toward God and heaven; they may lead to a strengthening of our character, a firm determination for greater watchfulness. R5459:5
When – A little while, shortly. R11:3
His glory – Part of that glory shall be to crush the serpent. R11:3
Shall be revealed – Greek, apokalupto; uncovered, unveiled. R2979:3
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| 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. |
If ye be reproached – But not as evildoers. R414:3
Any beheading socially or literally for the truth's sake becomes a witness of the spirit testifying to our faithfulness. R2007:5
Happy are ye – When we have the right focus on the subject of persecution. R5544:5
Having the witness that you are a child of God. E237, E221
The spirit of glory – The witness of the Spirit to faithfulness in the narrow way. E237
He is glorified – Nothing glorifies God's name and character more than does the grand plan which he is showing to us, and which we preach. R214:4
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| 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. |
Let none of you – Not one, at any time, under any circumstances. R5274:1
Suffer – If suffering should come upon us justly for our faults, we should not glory in it, but rather be ashamed. R2782:1
Because of ungentleness, uncouthness, or lack of the wisdom of moderation, which the Lord's Word counsels. R2493:3
Christians have been overtaken in the faults the Apostle lists but being Christians at heart meant that such wrong-doings were subsequently repented of in bitter sorrow. NS580:3
As a murderer – Brother-hater. R2609:4
As an evildoer – None of the Lord's people could willingly be evildoers; but through some weakness of the flesh or through a snare of the Adversary; evil deeds, even though unintentional, are to be guarded against carefully. R5274:1
We might be misrepresented as evildoers, but that would not be suffering for evil-doing. CR419:5
Or as a busybody – Or a gossiper. R2222:2
If you were a witness to a murder it would be a duty to society to report it to proper authorities. R4281:3
One who busies himself in the affairs of others, with which he has properly nothing whatever to do. F583
Picking motes out of another's eye and neglecting the beam in your own. (Matt. 7:3-5) F583
Contrary to the divine direction and the spirit of love; chances are that they will do spiritual injury to themselves as well as to others. R4284:1
"Sweep before your own door." Those who pay great attention to their neighbor's affairs are neglecting home duties and responsibilities. R4282:1
Mind your own affairs! If you get too busy watching others, the Adversary will take advantage of you; God neither authorized us to judge one another nor to exact justice from each other. R5274:6, 5275:4
God has never authorized his people to become inquisitors, investigators; it is a wholly mistaken idea that we are commissioned to set everybody else right. It betokens a great deal of pride to have such an idea. R5274:3, 5275:4
The Lord's consecrated people are more inclined to be busy-bodies than are others. They have higher standards than others. There is then continually a temptation to advise and to seek to regulate everybody and everything. R5274:1
Whoever is a faultfinder and busybody in the affairs of the brethren is doing this against the flesh of Jesus. (Acts 22:8) R5274:3
The punishment of the busybody in part no doubt will be the rupture of his own relationship with God. R5274:4
A source of difficulty in the Church, and all of God's people should be on guard against it. R5274:2
In some cases there seems to be a disposition to try to hunt up everything connected with each other, and to sit in judgment upon each other. R5274:2
The Adversary is on the alert to ensnare God's people and to develop in them the spirit of busy-bodying and lovelessness, under the guise of duty, love of righteousness, justice, etc. R5274:3
It is one evidence of an unsound mind; a measure of insanity. R1080:2
One half of the suffering in the Church is because of busy-bodying in other men's affairs. CR419:5
It is not necessary for us to do or say a single unkind word or act toward our friends in Babylon. R4433:1
Many bring upon themselves persecutions for being busybodies in other men's affairs. R3736:2
Our influence upon each other should be uplifting. We should not cause others to grieve. R5117:2
We are to be so busy embroidering our robe that we will not have time to meddle with other matters or affairs. Tribulations brought about by meddling add nothing to the embroidering on our robe. SM257:T
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| 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. |
Suffer – For his adherence to the doctrines of Christ. R581:3
Not the ordinary suffering common to all of fallen mankind but by following Christ's example in advocating unpopular truths and exposing popular errors. R5118:1
Either for Christian principles or Christian doctrines. R1823:4
Self-sacrificing labor, and endurance of reproach in sowing and watering Christ's doctrines. R5118:1
Suffering because the darkness hates the light and slanders the truth. This has been so from Jesus' time all the way down. R5779:4
One of Satan's devices is to make unimportant things seem important and in this way to make people think that they are contending for righteousness sake and that the sufferings they bring on themselves in this manner are for righteousness sake. R5117:2
Because of something you have done that is right, in harmony with your covenant with God. CR419:5
As Christ suffered, not for his sins, but for his right doing. R4547:5
Avoid persecutions or sufferings for evil doing of any kind. R3736:2
We need to differentiate between sufferings that come upon the Lord's people because of sin and the sufferings which are necessary to them as sons of God, in preparation for the Millennial service and glory. NS603:4
Our natural thought would be that suffering should only follow the course of sin and that when the sinful course is abandoned and the heart given to the Lord, all the suffering should cease. NS577:3
As a Christian – As they were known in early times. R584:3
Paul suffered as a Christian because he was loyal to the Lord and his Word. R3189:5, 584:6
A Christian is a follower of Christ, one who has cast in his lot to suffer with Christ. R5117:3
All of our experiences are for correction in righteousness and for educational purposes. R5117:6
Not be ashamed – Not feel disgraced; if he suffer for truth's sake, for righteousness' sake. R5779:4, 2782:1
Being thankful that he has endured something for Christ's sake. R5117:6
Paul was not ashamed of his sufferings because he realized that they were endured for Christ's sake. R3189:6
Let him glorify God – Let him be thankful for the opportunity, for on all such rests the spirit of honor; and of God. R4558:4; OV345:1
Rejoicing that they are accounted worthy to suffer for the name of Christ, and remembering that even thus also it was with our Lord Jesus. R3189:6
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| 17 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? |
Judgment – Greek, krima; final decision, sentence. F399; R2430:4
Testing, trial. This trial of the Church at its conclusion will demonstrate who are the Lord's elect. R3870:2, 569:2, 331:2, 28:6*
May be properly applied to the process of trial, or to the result of trial--the decision or verdict. In the former sense the judgment of the Church began over eighteen hundred years ago, and has been progressing ever since. But in the latter sense, it is due in the end of harvest of the Gospel age. R605:6, 414:6
During the Gospel age, the Church have been having their trial. R49:1*, 414:6, 58:3
Liberties of evil spirits with saints will be increased. The closing test or decision is in respect to character. R4311:3
Every creed of Christendom will be brought before the bar of public judgment. R1356:1
Must begin – It began with the Head of the "house of God," Christ Jesus, who was tempted (tried) in all points like as we are. (Heb. 2:18) R569:2
His first work will be with the Church, not with the world. SM511:2; R4583:2, 4208:4, 1356:1
This testing now going on separates the true and the false, the wheat and the tares in the nominal church. R414:6, 605:6
The "wheat" class may expect to escape the world's trouble, but it will have its own trouble before. R3405:3
Necessarily it must begin with those who are highest up in that house as respects light, knowledge and privileges. R4208:4
The house of God – The consecrated; the Church; the Temple class; the sanctified; the enlightened. R4191:2, 4583:2, 4208:4, 3870:2
Applies especially to the real Church, but also has a bearing upon nominal systems. After the fall of Babylon as a great millstone, the great distress of nations will come. R5348:6, 5268:5
The nominal church. OV297:3
The typical act of overthrowing the tables of the money changers indicates that in the end of this age judgment begins with the professed house of God and his great displeasure against those who make merchandise of the truth. R1795:5
To extend in the hour of temptation to all them that dwell upon the face of the whole earth. That which will begin with the Church will end with the world, producing the most awful state of affairs imaginable, "A time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation." (Dan. 12:1) R4311:3
Our anticipation is that the great conflict which will ultimately reach the whole world, and eventuate in the anarchy which will overthrow all law and order, will begin with the Church; the consecrated, the sanctified, the enlightened. R4208:3
God has been judging this class for more than eighteen hundred years, in order that they might not come into condemnation with the world. But in the end of the Gospel age, he is especially judging them. CR495:6
There is a house of God nominal, the professing millions, and the house of God actual, the consecrated ones, much fewer in number. The test will come first to the latter class, and then proceed to the others, ultimately culminating in anarchy. NS564:6
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| 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? |
If the righteous – God has promised eternal life only to the righteous. SM304:1
The Apostle is not here referring to any class of people, but to a principle of the divine law. SM304:1
Scarcely be saved – Would have nothing of left-over merit. SM305:T, 304:2
Those who pass the judgment of this age and win the prize of the high calling, will scarcely, that is, with difficulty, be saved. It will require all their faith, and all their effort. R606:1
For the elect class the Lord will provide special protection, special warnings, special assistances. R4293:2
Where – What show would they have? If the divine law provided eternal life for only those who are absolutely perfect in God's sight, what chance would there be for any sinner condemned for many or few transgressions? SM305:1
The ungodly – Those failing to recognize their responsibility to the Almighty. SM305:1
Those who do not exercise faith and put forth all their effort will not be able to stand. R606:1
It is not their privilege to claim God as their Father and Christians as their brethren. SM310:2
Those who obey not the Gospel. R4293:3
And the sinner – Any failure to do the perfect will of God is sin. SM304:1
They are "without God, having no hope in the world," (Eph. 2:12) and still "children of wr SM310:1
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| 19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. |
The will of God – For righteousness' sake. R1781:5, 1816:5, 1273:2
Souls – Lives. R28:6*
Well doing – Not in well-meaning. R1802:4*
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