eschatology, The End of All Things is Near (1 Pet.1-5)

We are saved through God's mercy.  And because we will still make mistakes, our salvation is kept secure because of God's grace.  And even when we are following God's will, we will still experience tests and trials, but we need to realize that this time on earth is such a short time period compared to all eternity.  When we look to God to get us through our times of suffering, we should know that we will be rewarded for that...

(1 Peter 1:3-9)  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

Even more precious than the rewards we will receive at the Bema Seat (for works done with pure motives) is the blood that Jesus shed for us.  We should be very appreciative of Him who came to die in our place, and then was raised from the dead so that we could have eternal life.  When we do so, the desire to live as should becomes stronger...

(1 Peter 1:17-25)  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; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. 20 For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you 21 who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, 23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For,

“All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass.  The grass withers, and the flower falls off,
25 But the word of the Lord endures forever.”

And this is the word which was preached to you.

Again, with the perspective of time and eternity, who knows what "near" actually means.  Whether it is the rapture that happens tonight, or if we should pass away tonight - either of these options is "soon enough".  And always, these things get closer and closer...

(1 Peter 4:7-19)  The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. 8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? 19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

Today's takeaway:  I've said this before, but I need to say it again - there is suffering in this world - for believers and for unbelievers.  I need to remind myself of that, because sometimes I can get caught up in the fear of having to suffer at all.  But it happens.  That is just part of this life in this fallen world.  So if I am going to suffer, I should prefer that it is because I'm doing something right, and not something wrong.

As church members, we should be careful not to judge one another's motives.  Equally as important, we should be careful not to judge one another as we go through times of tests and trials.  Just because a believer is suffering, does not mean that they are being disciplined by God for doing something wrong.  Let us be very loving and careful as we challenge and encourage each other to stay focused on God.

Not only is God faithful in helping us when we are suffering for His sake, but God will reward us in heaven for it.  Here we see yet another type of crown - the unfading crown of glory for those who lead by example...

(1 Peter 5:1-11)  Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. 10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 11 To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.