4:17 What is the purpose behind the judgement of believers?
4:17 What is the purpose behind the judgement of believers?
The purpose behind the judgement of believers is to refine their faith (cp Mt 5:10-12; Lk 6:22-23; 2Cor 4:8-11, 17-18; Jas 1:2-4, 12; 1Pe 1:6-9; 4:12-16).
Trials are not sent by God to test Christians' faith, as so many in the church believe, but by Satan to destroy it, if it were possible (cp Eph 6:11-18; 1Pe 5:8-11).
Although God does not cause persecutions and trials to beset believers, He permits them for the ultimate good of believers in the purposes of God (cp Mal 3:1-4; Jn 15:2; Ro 8:18; 1Pe 1:6-9; 2:11-12, 19-20; 3:14-17; 4:19; Jas 1:1-4).
Those who are unswerving in their faith and have totally committed themselves to God's care, can unreservedly depend upon His care and protection.
They need never fear the judgement that will fall upon those who have rejected the gospel (cp Psa 31:5; 34:22; 37:5; Pr 3:5-8; 1Cor 10:13; 1Th 1:3-10; 5:9, 23-24; 2Th 3:3; 2Ti 1:12; He 10:23).
See also comments on Ro 5:3-5, Jas 1:2-4, 1Pe 5:8-11.