1 Peter 4:5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
This verse should have several results, depending who reads it. It functions as a strong warning for unbelievers who persecute Christians. We all have to give an account for our actions. Those who persecute Christians may not believe in God in this life. They may live to please themselves without any regard to holiness. They have become blinded by the darkness in which they live. Their consciences have become hardened so that they do not hear the Holy Spirit anymore. They have no fear of God, which causes life to deteriorate to self-pleasing disintegration. They will be surprised on the day of judgment.
This verse also offers relief to believers who are persecuted because we can be reminded that God will revenge those who have done evil (Romans 12:19; Revelation 6:10; 19:2). Justice will be done. We do not need to live in fear of what we will face in this life but live in reverence for the one to whom we must give an account.
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