Topical Encyclopedia The concept of Christ being with afflicted saints is a profound theme throughout the Scriptures, offering comfort and assurance to believers who endure trials and tribulations. This entry explores the biblical basis for understanding how Christ is present with His followers during times of suffering.Biblical Foundation The Bible consistently affirms that Christ is intimately present with His people, especially in their afflictions. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus promises His perpetual presence to His disciples, saying, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). This assurance is not limited to times of peace and prosperity but extends into the depths of human suffering. Christ's Empathy and Identification with Suffering Christ's own life and ministry exemplify His identification with the afflicted. The prophet Isaiah foretold the Messiah as "a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3). Jesus' earthly life was marked by suffering, rejection, and ultimately, crucifixion. His experience of human pain and sorrow enables Him to empathize deeply with those who suffer. Hebrews 4:15 states, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin." Christ's Presence in Trials The New Testament provides numerous examples of Christ's presence with His followers during trials. In Acts 7:55-56 , as Stephen is being martyred, he sees "the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." This vision underscores the reality of Christ's presence with Stephen in his moment of greatest need. The Apostle Paul also testifies to Christ's sustaining presence in his afflictions. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 , Paul recounts the Lord's words to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." Paul concludes, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me." Comfort and Strength in Affliction The presence of Christ with afflicted saints provides not only comfort but also strength to endure. In Philippians 4:13 , Paul declares, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." This strength is not merely a personal resolve but a divine empowerment that comes from Christ's abiding presence. Moreover, the presence of Christ transforms suffering into an opportunity for spiritual growth and deeper fellowship with Him. In Romans 8:17 , Paul writes, "Now if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him." The Hope of Future Glory While Christ's presence provides immediate comfort and strength, it also points to the future hope of glory. The afflictions of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). This future hope is anchored in the promise of Christ's return and the ultimate redemption of His people. In Revelation 21:3-4 , the apostle John envisions a time when "God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This eschatological promise assures afflicted saints that their suffering is temporary and that Christ's presence will culminate in eternal joy and peace. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 14:18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Psalms of David The General Service to Saints Andrew of Constantinople, Isidore of ... The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts Christ as Light; How He, and How his Disciples are the Light of ... Concerning the Honour Due to the Saints and their Remains. Women Adorned with Good Work The Saints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth. The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest. In that Flesh in which the Saints have Suffered So Many ... Death by Adam, Life by Christ Resources What were the emerods God afflicted the Philistines with in 1 Samuel 5? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about affliction? | GotQuestions.org Why does God allow sickness? | GotQuestions.org Afflicted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Afflicted Saints: Christ Comforts Afflicted Saints: Christ Delivers Afflicted Saints: Christ is With Afflicted Saints: Christ Preserves Afflicted Saints: Christ Supports Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Apostles Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: David Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Eli Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Job Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Joseph Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Moses Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Nehemiah Afflicted Saints: Examples of Afflicted Saints: Paul Afflicted Saints: God Comforts Afflicted Saints: God Delivers Afflicted Saints: God is a Refuge and Strength To Afflicted Saints: God Preserves Afflicted Saints: should Acknowledge the Justice of Their Chastisements Afflicted Saints: should Avoid Sin Afflicted Saints: should be Frequent in Prayer Afflicted Saints: should be Patient Afflicted Saints: should be Resigned Afflicted Saints: should Imitate Christ Afflicted Saints: should Imitate the Prophets Afflicted Saints: should Keep the Pious Resolutions Made During Afflictions Afflicted Saints: should not Despise Chastening Afflicted Saints: should Praise God Afflicted Saints: should Take Encouragement from Former Mercies Afflicted Saints: should Trust in the Goodness of God Afflicted Saints: should Turn and Devote Themselves to God Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Bear Them in Mind Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Comfort Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Pity Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Pray for Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Protect Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Relieve Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Sympathise With Them Duty Toward The Afflicted: To Visit Them Related Terms |
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