Saturday, October 5, 2013

Faith and Suffering

J.A. Matteson

Suffering for Christ's sake is the destiny of every believer; its form, duration, and intensity being ordained by God according to His purposes. "For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake" (Phil. 1:29). The fruit of suffering is perseverance. In a fallen world that suppresses the truth of God in unrighteousness suffering is unrelenting and unavoidable to saints walking in the Spirit. Therefore, do not consider your suffering for Christ unusual, as though it is directed at you in response to some defect in your witness, it is your lot, and an indication that the fragrance of Christ is upon you. You cannot suffer for Christ apart from believing in Him, and you cannot believe in Him save by grace. Faith and suffering are two sides of the same coin of redemption on grace. Knowing that it is by grace you believe and suffer for the name of Christ, rejoice, for your suffering validates your adoption as a true child of God.

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