A Grateful Heart: The Legacy of Christ's Sacrifice

Chapter 4: Death's Objection-The Judgment of Suffering

In life, we often encounter pain, suffering, and difficult times. These experiences can lead us to question many things, especially the reasons behind our struggles and whether they mean we are being judged. The concept of judgment and suffering can be confusing, but understanding it, especially in light of Christ's sacrifice, can provide us with great comfort and hope.

First, we must acknowledge that suffering is a part of the human experience. The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 4:12-13, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." This passage reminds us that suffering is not unusual for believers. Literally, these verses are meant for Israel in their Great Tribulation in the end times, but we can learn spiritual lessons from these verses of course. Instead of being surprised by our trials, we should recognize that they can bring us closer to Christ. He, too, suffered greatly during His time on Earth.

Now, it's important to understand the core of our faith: Christ's once-for-all sacrifice. In Hebrews 10:10, we read, "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." This means that Jesus made a perfect sacrifice when He died for our sins. His death paid the penalty for all our wrongdoing, and there is no need for additional sacrifices. Again, Hebrews 10 being there for us to read as a spiritual lesson. Because of this amazing gift of grace, we can have confidence that we are already forgiven and accepted by God, even when we experience suffering.

Furthermore, Christ's sacrifice holds great power in the face of our trials. Romans 8:1 encourages us by saying, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." This verse assures us that if we are in Christ, we are not condemned. Our suffering does not mean we are judged; rather, we can find peace knowing that we are covered and identified in him by His grace.

The finality of Christ's victory over death also plays a vital role in our understanding of suffering. 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 proclaims, "So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" Through His resurrection, Jesus has conquered death. This triumph means that even in our suffering, we can look forward to the hope of eternal life with Him.

In conclusion, while we may face suffering, it is not a sign of judgment from God. Instead, we can see it as an opportunity for growth and deeper connection with Christ. His once-for-all sacrifice assures us of our forgiveness, and His victory over death offers us hope. We must remember that suffering is temporary, but God's love and promises are eternal. By trusting in Christ, we can navigate through our trials with confidence, knowing that He has already won the ultimate victory for us.