1 Peter 1:17
“If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth;”
There are people whose parents have important positions of authority. The president’s children are Sasha and Malia. They are under his authority on many levels. This passage says that they should shudder because the role. I’m having a hard time with this. The kids seem like they would get a pass. However, God is an impartial judge.
There are several judgements. There is the great white throne judgements. This is for nonbelievers. All those at this judgement go to eternal punishment. The one for believers is the bema seat judgement. This is the one inwhich rewards are given. No punishments. I think the reference is the great white throne judgement. While I won’t be there, I need to be respectful that my Heavenly Father is performing that very scary task.
I Peter is speaking generally. Almost as if some of his audience is a mix of christians and unbelievers. There seems to be a hint that some could be at that judgement unless they accept Christ. It doesn’t make sense that we would be fearful if we are believers. That judgement isn’t for us. Unless Peter wants us to be more respectful.
I realize that our God is also the God of the Old Testament. There were some harsh judgements. We are so ingrained with God being a loving father that it is a stretch. Proverbs tells us that the fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This is respect. This person understands the universe operates a certain way and lives in respect to that. We take His warnings.
The other problem we have is mentioned in Romans 7:19, “For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.” We often have problems following through on the things we want to do. The passage ends with a frustrated cry, “wretched man that I am. Who will free me from this body of death?” Then comes chapter 8. “There is therefore no condemnation for those in Christ.” He helps us and knows our struggles. He forgives us.
Lord, help us to obey You and Your words.