Topical Bible: Afflictions and Adversities: Always Less than Deserved

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Afflictions and adversities are common experiences in the human condition, often perceived as trials or tests of faith. From a biblical perspective, these experiences are understood within the framework of divine justice and mercy. The Bible consistently teaches that the afflictions and adversities faced by individuals are always less than what is deserved due to human sinfulness.

Biblical Foundation

The concept that afflictions are less than deserved is rooted in the understanding of human sin and God's holiness. Scripture affirms that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The just penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23), yet God, in His mercy, often spares individuals from the full consequences of their actions.

In Lamentations 3:22-23, the prophet Jeremiah reflects on God's mercy amidst suffering: "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." This passage highlights that it is only by God's mercy that people are not utterly consumed by their sins.

Examples from Scripture

1. Job: The account of Job is a profound exploration of suffering and divine justice. Despite his righteousness, Job experiences severe afflictions. Yet, he acknowledges in Job 11:6, "Know then that God has chosen to overlook some of your iniquity." This suggests that even in his suffering, Job recognizes that God’s restraint is merciful.

2. David: King David, after his sin with Bathsheba, faced significant adversities, including the death of his child (2 Samuel 12:13-14). David acknowledges his sin and accepts the consequences, understanding that God’s judgment is tempered with mercy.

3. Israel: Throughout the Old Testament, the nation of Israel experiences cycles of sin, punishment, and restoration. In Ezra 9:13, Ezra prays, "After all that has come upon us because of our evil deeds and our great guilt, seeing that You, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserve and have given us such a remnant as this."

Theological Implications

The recognition that afflictions are less than deserved underscores the themes of grace and mercy central to Christian theology. It emphasizes God's patience and His desire for repentance rather than destruction (2 Peter 3:9). This understanding encourages believers to respond to adversities with humility and gratitude, recognizing them as opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God.

Practical Application

Believers are called to endure afflictions with patience and faith, trusting in God's sovereign purposes. James 1:2-4 exhorts, "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."

In facing adversities, Christians are encouraged to seek God's wisdom and strength, knowing that He is both just and merciful. The assurance that afflictions are less than deserved provides comfort and hope, reminding believers of God's unfailing love and the promise of ultimate redemption through Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 9:13
And after all that is come on us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that you our God have punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and have given us such deliverance as this;
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Psalm 103:10
He has not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
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Library

The Sixth Book
... While such a thing is always serious enough, it ... when he is propitious; for our
adversities come to us ... name, however greatly chastised by afflictions sent from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the sixth book.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... to suffer all troubles, afflictions, and adversities that it ... The cause from whence
these afflictions arise is known ... that with all boldness, as always, so now ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... as possess the world concerning dangers, injuries, and adversities. ... are faithful."
A lie is always beautiful ... Their afflictions so sorely oppress them that they ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

Christian Behavior
... again that they have run through so many trials, afflictions, and adversities, even
because ... saints: and as the spirit of grace will be always putting forth ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm