How do we know God's judgment begins at the house of God?

1 Peter 4:17 states, 'For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God.' This refers to God's ordained process of dealing with His people through trials and chastenings during this day of grace. The 'house of God' is understood as the church, where God both refines and corrects His people to ensure they are walking in holiness and truth. God's judgment here is not punitive in the sense of judicial punishment for sin, as Christ has borne that penalty. Instead, it is corrective, aimed at purifying and sanctifying His church in the midst of trials that test their faith. It reflects God's love as He disciplines those He calls His children (Hebrews 12:6).