Topical Encyclopedia
The afflictions of the saints, though often severe and multifaceted, are consistently portrayed in Scripture as leading to ultimate joy and blessedness. This theme is woven throughout the biblical narrative, offering hope and encouragement to believers who endure trials for their faith.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible acknowledges that the righteous will face afflictions. In
Psalm 34:19, it is written, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all." This verse encapsulates the dual reality of the Christian experience: the certainty of suffering and the assurance of divine deliverance.
Purpose of AfflictionsAfflictions serve a divine purpose in the life of a believer. They are not random or meaningless but are used by God to refine and strengthen faith.
James 1:2-4 encourages believers to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Here, trials are seen as a means to spiritual maturity and completeness.
Participation in Christ's SufferingsThe New Testament frequently links the sufferings of believers with the sufferings of Christ. In
1 Peter 4:13, the apostle Peter exhorts, "But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory." This participation in Christ's sufferings is not only a mark of true discipleship but also a precursor to sharing in His glory.
Promise of Future GloryThe afflictions of the saints are temporary and pale in comparison to the eternal glory that awaits them.
Romans 8:18 declares, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." This future glory is a source of hope and motivation for believers to endure present hardships.
Joy in the Midst of TrialsEven in the midst of trials, believers are called to experience joy. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the relationship with Christ and the promises of God.
Philippians 4:4 instructs, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" This command to rejoice is grounded in the assurance of God's presence and faithfulness.
Blessedness of EnduranceThe endurance of afflictions is often associated with blessedness. In the Beatitudes, Jesus pronounces blessings on those who suffer for righteousness' sake: "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (
Matthew 5:10). This blessedness is both a present reality and a future promise, as the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who endure.
Eternal PerspectiveThe afflictions of the saints are best understood in light of eternity.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 offers a profound perspective: "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." This eternal perspective enables believers to view their sufferings as transient and purposeful, leading to an incomparable eternal reward.
ConclusionThe afflictions of the saints, while challenging, are integral to the Christian journey. They serve to refine faith, align believers with Christ's sufferings, and ultimately lead to joy and blessedness. Through the lens of Scripture, these trials are seen as temporary and purposeful, culminating in the eternal glory that God has prepared for those who love Him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 126:5,6They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Torrey's Topical TextbookIsaiah 61:2,3
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Peter 4:13,14
But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Introduction to the Work, with Some Account of the Nature of...
... Are all myafflictions, Satan's temptations, the world's scorns and jeers, come
to this?... All Christ's ways of mercy tend to andend in thesaints' joys....
TheSaints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth.
... Have yourafflictions wrought kindly with you, and fitted you for... to die, that we
may possess thesaints' rest... If we did indeed make God ourend, our rest, our...
The Great Preparatives for theSaints' Rest.
... of time, health, abilities, mercies,afflictions, means, warnings... they would consider
their latterend!" that they... The last preparative for thesaints' rest is...
How to Discern Our Title to theSaints' Rest.
... How comfortably mayest thou then undergo allafflictions!... which thou may try your
title to thesaints' rest... makes not God his chief good and ultimateend, is in...
The Nature of Heavenly Contemplation; with the Time, Place, and...
... The chiefend of this duty is, to have acquaintance and... Surely God sends thyafflictions
for this very purpose.... angels, to any of his prophets orsaints, in a...
Meditations of the Blessed State of a Regenerate Man in Heaven.
... 17; Romans 8:18)"whereof all theafflictions of this... where?) even where I am, (to
whatend?) that they... glorious is the object of heavenlysaints: so amiable...
Parting Counsels
... the same prophetic warnings of 'bonds andafflictions' waiting for... thing) has but
one naturalend, the entrance... those who here have growingly been madesaints....
Suffering with Christ, a Condition of Glory with Christ
... evil world"there Christ is with us in ourafflictions.... us meet for the inheritance
of thesaints in light... the discipline of life cannot butend inblessedness...
An Index to Find any Hymn by the Title or Contents of It.
... Death, see Christ; AndAfflictions under providence, 1:83; terrible to the...End of
the world, 2:164.... by Christ, 2:126; 3:10; the avenger of hissaints, 2:115...
But Whilst the King Has not that Most Blessed Light...
... the rapture of the heavenlysaints before the... least, these alternations "to theend
that (with... thorny shrubs of endurance,afflictions, necessities, distresses...
Resources
What does the Bible say about pandemic diseases/sicknesses? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about dissociative identity disorder? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I recover from heartbreak / a broken heart? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
