“17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,

‘If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?’

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” NIV

There is a form of ‘’judgment’’ the church experiences now. It seems to me Peter is saying if the church suffers now; if there is this testing, disciplining, chastening work going on among God’s people, what will it be like on judgment day for those who do not trust in Christ?

If God is going to refine and purify those who accept Him, what will He do to those who reject Him?

Follow the logic.

It makes you think.

It’s meant to make you think.

‘The salvation of the righteous is a task of enormous difficulty. It requires Omnipotence. Nothing less will suffice than the infinite grace of the Father, the blood of the Son, and the patience of the Holy Spirit. What will be the fate of those who refuse these?’ F.B. Meyer: ‘Devotional Commentary’, p.617.