⁶For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.

Some think this verse supports a second chance for unbelievers to hear the gospel again and repent. However, the more natural interpretation and one that accords with the rest of Scripture is this: the good news has already gone out to people who are now dead, who, when alive, received forgiveness through faith. Those Christians who have gone before us refused the temptation of the world and willingly stood squarely in the line of fire of the world’s mocking accusations. Those who did so have discovered that the judgment of God is more to be feared than the judgment of unbelievers. In fact, they have experienced genuine life in the Spirit, and even now are experiencing it to the full.

Jesus came to give us new life and life abundantly (see John 10:10), and we are saved to show forth God’s mastery in us by doing the good works for which we were created (Eph. 2:10). We had enough time in the past for evil works; it is time to live for God. This is not new truth, but it should resonate with redeemed hearts, in those of us who have been made new in the Lord:

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature, the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (2 Cor. 5:17)

Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. (Rom. 6:4)

So why should we fear what others may say? Sadly, in our commitment to live for the will of God, we may find carnal Christians becoming our critics. They are ones who fear the opinion of unbelievers more than that of God. Their desire is to fit in with their culture, and they are embarrassed by those Christians who reject “friendship with the world” (James 4:4). We find solace in the fact that we are not only friends with Christ, but He is not ashamed to call us His brothers (Heb. 2:11).

Living in fear of what unbelievers think of us will never satisfy our souls. To be sure, we can temporarily avoid some criticism by becoming like them, but our fleshly living will never satisfy them. The gospel is the good news of freedom in Christ to live for God and the purpose for which He created us. That alone will satisfy us.

Lord, I seek Your will and to find my pleasure only in You.