Process

17For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a]

Concept of Newness. found in the judgement of God’s family is a concept of God making things new. Jesus as recreating all things and bringing the kingdom of God here on earth- this starting with the Church.

Judgment begins with the Church. Through suffering, the Church is being purified and redeemed and this refinement process is a process of newness.

Outcome of the Ungodly. This should motivate the church to bring newness to those outside of it. Newness comes first to the Church and should motivate us to reach those who are ungodly. The church needs to seek the lost and ungodly, like the prodigal son story waiting for the ungodly to enter the kingdom.

Peter is telling the Church that judgement will begin with us first, the process of newness and redemption.