And If The Righteous Scarcely Be Saved, Where Shall The Ungodly And The Sinner Appear? - Part 1521

Peter, an apostles of Jesus Christ is writing to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia -- the elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. (I Peter 1:1-2)

Herein, Peter is rejoicing, acknowledging that because of the abundant mercy of God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, He has begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you and I. And that, because of His abundant mercy, we are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation to be revealed in the last time. (I Peter 1:1-6)

Indeed, from the very beginning, the Lord has chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, where unto He called you by the gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (II Thessalonians 2:13)

"He hath chosen us in Him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved." (Ephesians 1:4-6)

From the scriptures, we understand that Peter endured manifold temptations and thus, understood the heaviness that overshadows one in that moment of endless tribulation. But Peter also encourages us to know that in experiencing the trial of our faith, "being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen, ye love ... yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith -- the salvation of your souls. (I Peter 1:7-9)

The reason this is important is that the prophets of old could only e/inquire and search diligently for the grace that has come unto us in these last days. Even though the Spirit of Christ which was in them then did signify (when it testified beforehand of the sufferings of Christ), and the glory that would follow; unto whom it was revealed, it did not reach unto themselves but unto us did they minister these things. (I Peter 1:11)

For you and I was the hope given, which is laid up for you and I in heaven, whereof ye heard in the Word of the truth of the gospel. (Colossians 1:5)

Why? Because the abundant grace and mercy that we behold in this day was intended specifically for us in this current dispensation of grace. Unto us did these prophets of old minister the things which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. (I Peter 1:12)

But instead, as Peter points out in his second epistle, too many have moved away from their first love for the Lord, Even though the Lord, according as His divine power hath given unto us ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue - and given unto us exceeding great and precious promises so that we can be partakers of the divine nature, we have fallen away.

Thus, if the righteous "scarcely" be saved, where shall the ungodly and sinners appear? A sad commentary when we who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, are supposed to be as a city on a hill for those who are lost, shining brightly so that those who are without could find the same truth, and partake in the same inheritance as we. So, today, like Peter, I put you always in remembrance of these things (though ye know them already) so that you too will be continually established in the present truth. (II Peter 1:12)

Don't be misled by those who cunningly devise fables to lure you away from the truth. Rather, grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. And, in pressing forward, be that light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts. Stand in the offering plate.