Topical Encyclopedia
Afflictions, as understood within the biblical context, are trials, sufferings, or hardships that individuals endure throughout their lives. These experiences are often seen as a means of spiritual growth, discipline, or testing of faith. The concept that afflictions are always less than we deserve is rooted in the understanding of human sinfulness and God's mercy.
Human Sinfulness and Divine JusticeThe Bible consistently teaches that all humans have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (
Romans 3:23). Sin, in its essence, is a rebellion against God's holy and perfect nature, deserving of His righteous judgment. The consequence of sin is death, both physical and spiritual, as stated in
Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Given this perspective, any affliction or suffering experienced in this life is less than the ultimate penalty that sin warrants. The justice of God would be fully served in eternal separation from Him, yet His mercy provides a different path.
God's Mercy and CompassionThe Bible reveals that God is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (
Psalm 103:8). This divine mercy is evident in the way God deals with humanity, often withholding the full measure of punishment that sin deserves.
Lamentations 3:22-23 expresses this beautifully: "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!"
In the midst of affliction, believers are reminded that God's mercy tempers His justice. The trials faced are not punitive in the ultimate sense but are often corrective or purifying, intended to draw individuals closer to God and to conform them to the image of Christ (
Romans 8:29).
Purpose of AfflictionsAfflictions serve several purposes in the life of a believer. They are a means of discipline, as described in
Hebrews 12:6: "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives." This discipline is not punitive but is intended for growth and maturity, producing a harvest of righteousness and peace for those trained by it (
Hebrews 12:11).
Moreover, afflictions test and strengthen faith.
James 1:2-4 encourages believers to "consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." This perseverance leads to spiritual maturity and completeness.
Examples from ScriptureThroughout Scripture, there are numerous examples of individuals who endured afflictions that were less than they deserved, yet served a greater purpose in God's plan. Job, despite his righteousness, faced immense suffering but ultimately experienced a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and grace (
Job 42:5-6).
David, a man after God's own heart, endured many trials, some as consequences of his own sin, yet he recognized God's mercy in sparing him from greater judgment (Psalm 51). The Apostle Paul, who faced countless hardships, viewed his sufferings as momentary and light compared to the eternal glory that awaited him (
2 Corinthians 4:17).
Christ's Ultimate SacrificeThe ultimate demonstration that afflictions are less than we deserve is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He bore the full weight of humanity's sin on the cross, experiencing the wrath of God so that believers might receive mercy and grace.
Isaiah 53:5 proclaims, "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed."
In Christ, believers find the assurance that their afflictions, though real and painful, are not the final word. They are part of a divine tapestry that God is weaving for His glory and the ultimate good of those who love Him (
Romans 8:28).
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Ezra 9:13And 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;
Torrey's Topical TextbookPsalm 103:10
He has not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
This ChapterShows How, when God Bestows Greater Favours on the ...
... Him less by some other way, but I should always choose the ... I shall treat of other
internal afflictions met with in ... of trials of a lower kind, much less could I ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter i this chapter shows.htm
The Justice of God
... (3.) God does not always let the ... But God's own people suffer great afflictions; they
are injured and ... injustice is it in God to inflict a less punishment; and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/8 the justice of god.htm
From the Supplement to the Summa --Question Lxxii of the Prayers ...
... with grief at the knowledge of the afflictions of those ... Consequently we ought always
to make the greater Saints ... the Person of the Son as less than the Father. ...
/.../aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/from the supplement to the.htm
No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow
... Under their severest afflictions, they admit the ... the Lord's displeasure, there is
always some mitigation ... in the same moment, all is still less than we deserve. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xxiii no sorrow like.htm
Treatise iii. On the Lapsed.
... of the Holy Spirit, predicted the afflictions of the ... the affection of a Father He
is always indulgent and ... treatment; let not the repentance be less than the sin ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise iii on the lapsed.htm
Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ
... Meanwhile, the issue of her afflictions has always been fortunate. ... who were frail
men like ourselves, always had the ... would it be to us to have less zeal in ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/calvin enduring persecution for.htm
Our Attitude Toward his Sovereignty
... but it will be seen that nothing less than an unqualified ... He traced his afflictions
back to their First Cause ... not the Apostle say, "Giving thanks always for all ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter ten our attitude toward.htm
The Sixth Book
... While such a thing is always serious enough, it ... Gaul was taken by storm no less than
four times. ... Roman name, however greatly chastised by afflictions sent from ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the sixth book.htm
Divine Support and Protection
... the common cause became generally known, bonds and afflictions awaited him ... And yet
it is not always easy to maintain the persuasion of ... Nor was he less composed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xlv divine support and.htm
The Third Book
... That no man should be moved by these afflictions; for you ... For our guilt would be
less if due to ignorance ... is not always on our lips, but malice is always in our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the third book.htm
Resources
What is lacking in Christ's afflictions (Colossians 1:24)? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view psychotherapy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the tribe of Joseph? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus