Are Now Saved by Grace Not by Works of The Law!(Isn’t All Forgiven)Main Scriptures: 1 Peter 4:12-19; 2 Corinthians 5:10Peter in this passage is following the O.T. pattern that God, while judging andpunishing the nations, also disciplines His children, Israel(for example, the Babylonian captivity for 70 years for their gross idolatries, see also the book of Habakkuk etc.) The purpose of these painful, tragic events was to restore His children to the right relationship with Him, but they never stopped being His children. The word “Judgment” used in 1 Peter 17 really, in context = “discipline” for the purpose of cleansing or restoration. Peter concludes that the contrast to those pagans (ungodly, sinners) who refuse to believe is great, even incomparable(verse 18) There is also a warning message from Peter to believers as to their ongoing behaviors as believers. Even though Christians are saved by grace and faith there is a faith walk for followers and they will be evaluated by the Spirit, the word and their final judgment; and while it does not affect their salvation it somehow affects their final divine evaluation (See both 2 Corinthians 5:10... receive what is “due us”; 1 Corinthians 3:15 a believer may “suffer loss”, as to their reward). Therefore not everything at the believers evaluation will be pleasant(note the judgment seat of Christ; 2 Corinthians 5:10, is different than the GreatWhite Throne of Judgment at the last days, for those who continually refused and who rebelled against Christ’s rule after His Millennial Reign(Revelation 20:11-15)Why? Because Peter is addressing the possible difficulties that Christiansmay experience in this fallen world. At times living the Christian life or certaincircumstances can be “very hard” (1 Peter 4:18, also verses 12-16) and Peterwants to encourage them to persevere and not become saintly in theirconfessions but worldly in their behaviors because salvation is solidly based onfaith and grace. The quality of our living or works, our Spirit inspired faith walk willaffect our reception in heaven(1 Peter 4:17; 1 Corinthians 3:15; II Corinthians5:10) Remember also the book of James emphasis in 3:14-26, especially 17, “...faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action/works is dead”; also Paul’sadmonition in Romans 8:4, not to live according to the flesh, but according to theSpirit: both are still within us and our behaviors will still be adjudicated(2Corinthians 5:10) even when we are still saved (1 Corinthians 3:15)ConclusionI) Salvation comes entirely by grace through faith in Christ(John 3:16-18;Ephesians 1:7; 2:9; even 1 Corinthians 3:15 admits this”... how you and I buildour lives in Christ, will count in our ultimate evaluation and even if we “suffer loss,as to our reward, we will be saved.II) Although God has no expectations that our walk will be perfect assaints (1 John 1:8-2:2) He does expect to put forth our best faith effort as to ourliving.III) Walk and live in Christ in the context that God remains our father,Jesus remains our advocate, when we do sin, and the Spirit remains ourcounselor and Power behind God’s mercy and forgiveness, and witnessAnd although sometimes it’s hard even for His adopted children to trust inHis love and mercy even with the Holy Spirit within us, the Word to informus and community of faith to encourage us, He promises to never leave usand forsake us and continue to apply His forgiveness to us as weapproach Him in humility, honesty and hunger.AmenRe-read 1 Peter 4:17-19 especially verse 19

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