How we cite our quotes:
Quote #4
You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. (1 Peter 1:18-20, NRSV)
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world. (1 Peter 1:18-20, KJV)
Okay, so God isn't a total judgmental meanie. He sent Jesus to "ransom" everyone on Earth from sin. Sure, he'll still pour down his wrath on you if you don't catch on, but this is a pretty swell second chance here.
Quote #5
The gospel was proclaimed even to the dead, so that, though they had been judged in the flesh as everyone is judged, they might live in the spirit as God does. (1 Peter 4:5-6, NRSV)
The gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. (1 Peter 4:5-6, KJV)
More awesomeness on God's part. Peter seems to be saying that even folks who died before Jesus was born can get the benefit of believing in him. Some traditions say that Jesus actually went down into Hell or Limbo to rescue the souls of the BCE faithful. Folks like Noah, Abraham, and Moses get a free ride to Heaven. God is getting less judgy every moment, eh?
Quote #6
Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker. Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name. For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinners?" (1 Peter 4:15-18, NRSV)
Let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? (1 Peter 4:15-18, KJV)
And now it's back to wrath and judgment. Christians need to be especially careful about who's in their midst so God doesn't judge them for shrugging their shoulders at sin. But wait, doesn't tossing a murderer out of church involve judging him? We're confused.