1st Peter Chapter 4 — Another Take Away

Chapter 4:12–17 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you….but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings…If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you….vs 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?”

First we learn that the trials we suffer for Christ (versus the suffering for sin) are a test of our faith, second we see if we suffer we must be true believers so it is a sign God’s glory is shinning through us, and lastly Peter is teaching us about the judgment seat of Christ. He says we will be judged first, this to me is proof that the church will be taken first (ie raptured) we will go before Christ and be judged not for salvation, but for our works and then we will receive our crowns (if any) and white robes and participate in the marriage supper of the lamb.