Afflictions: Always Less than we Deserve
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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 Justice

The 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 Compassion

The 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 Afflictions

Afflictions 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 Scripture

Throughout 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 Sacrifice

The 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 9:13
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;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 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.org

How should a Christian view psychotherapy? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Joseph? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Afflictions

Afflictions and Adversities in Pharaoh and the Egyptians

Afflictions and Adversities of Saints: Comparatively Light

Afflictions and Adversities of Saints: End in Joy and Blessedness

Afflictions and Adversities of Saints: Exhibit the Love and Faithfulness of God

Afflictions and Adversities of Saints: Joy Under

Afflictions and Adversities of Saints: Often Arise from the Profession of the Gospel

Afflictions and Adversities of Saints: Temporary

Afflictions and Adversities of Saints: To be Expected

Afflictions and Adversities of the Wicked are for Examples to Others

Afflictions and Adversities of the Wicked are Ineffectual for Their Conversion

Afflictions and Adversities of the Wicked are Multiplied

Afflictions and Adversities of the Wicked are often Judicially Sent

Afflictions and Adversities of the Wicked: Continual

Afflictions and Adversities of the Wicked: Frequently Harden

Afflictions and Adversities of the Wicked: God Holds in Derision

Afflictions and Adversities of the Wicked: God is Glorified In

Afflictions and Adversities of the Wicked: Impenitence is a Cause of

Afflictions and Adversities of the Wicked: Often Sudden

Afflictions and Adversities of the Wicked: Produce Slavish Fear

Afflictions and Adversities of the Wicked: Saints should not be Alarmed At

Afflictions and Adversities of the Wicked: Sometimes Humble Them

Afflictions and Adversities of the Wicked: Their Persecution of Saints, a Cause of

Afflictions and Adversities: Ahaz

Afflictions and Adversities: Ahaz, Etc

Afflictions and Adversities: Ahaziah

Afflictions and Adversities: Always Less than Deserved

Afflictions and Adversities: Asa

Afflictions and Adversities: Benefits of

Afflictions and Adversities: Benefits of, Illustrated

Afflictions and Adversities: Consequent Upon the Fall

Afflictions and Adversities: Consolation In

Afflictions and Adversities: Design of

Afflictions and Adversities: Despondency In

Afflictions and Adversities: Determines the Continuance of

Afflictions and Adversities: Dispensation of God

Afflictions and Adversities: Does not Willingly Send

Afflictions and Adversities: Forsaken by Friends in David

Afflictions and Adversities: Forsaken by Friends in Instances of

Afflictions and Adversities: Forsaken by Friends in Jesus

Afflictions and Adversities: Forsaken by Friends in Paul

Afflictions and Adversities: from Satan

Afflictions and Adversities: Gehazi

Afflictions and Adversities: God Regulates the Measure of Afflictions

Afflictions and Adversities: Hezekiah

Afflictions and Adversities: Israel

Afflictions and Adversities: Jehoram

Afflictions and Adversities: Jonah

Afflictions and Adversities: Joseph

Afflictions and Adversities: Joseph's Brethren

Afflictions and Adversities: Josiah

Afflictions and Adversities: Man is Born To

Afflictions and Adversities: Manasseh

Afflictions and Adversities: Mocking At

Afflictions and Adversities: National Lessons From

Afflictions and Adversities: Obduracy In

Afflictions and Adversities: Often Severe

Afflictions and Adversities: Penitence in David

Afflictions and Adversities: Penitence in Levites

Afflictions and Adversities: Penitence in Nebuchadnezzar

Afflictions and Adversities: Penitence in Pharaoh

Afflictions and Adversities: Pharaoh

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In

Afflictions and Adversities: Prodigal Son

Afflictions and Adversities: Resignation In

Afflictions and Adversities: Resignation in Aaron, at the Death of Nadab and Abihu

Afflictions and Adversities: Resignation in Against his House Were Foretold

Afflictions and Adversities: Resignation in David, at the Death of his Child

Afflictions and Adversities: Resignation in Jesus, in Gethsemane

Afflictions and Adversities: Resignation in Paul and Silas in Prison

Afflictions and Adversities: Resignation in The Shunammite Woman

Afflictions and Adversities: Resignation In, Exemplified

Afflictions and Adversities: Results of, Good

Afflictions and Adversities: Saints Appointed To

Afflictions and Adversities: Sin Produces

Afflictions and Adversities: Sinners Corrected By

Afflictions and Adversities: Tempered With Mercy

Afflictions and Adversities: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

Afflictions and Adversities: Uzziah

Afflictions Made Beneficial in Convincing Us of Sin

Afflictions Made Beneficial in Exercising Our Patience

Afflictions Made Beneficial in Exhibiting the Power and Faithfulness of God

Afflictions Made Beneficial in Furthering the Gospel

Afflictions Made Beneficial in Humbling Us

Afflictions Made Beneficial in Keeping Us from Again Departing from God

Afflictions Made Beneficial in Leading Us to Confession of Sin

Afflictions Made Beneficial in Leading Us to Seek God in Prayer

Afflictions Made Beneficial in Promoting the Glory of God

Afflictions Made Beneficial in Purifying Us

Afflictions Made Beneficial in Rendering Us Fruitful in Good Works

Afflictions Made Beneficial in Teaching Us the Will of God

Afflictions Made Beneficial in Testing and Exhibiting Our Sincerity

Afflictions Made Beneficial in Trying Our Faith and Obedience

Afflictions Made Beneficial in Turning Us to God

Afflictions Made Beneficial: Hezekiah

Afflictions Made Beneficial: Israel

Afflictions Made Beneficial: Jonah

Afflictions Made Beneficial: Joseph

Afflictions Made Beneficial: Joseph's Brethren

Afflictions Made Beneficial: Josiah

Afflictions Made Beneficial: Manasseh

Afflictions Made Beneficial: Prodigal's Son

Afflictions of Saints, are But Temporary

Afflictions of Saints, are Comparatively Light

Afflictions of Saints, End in Joy and Blessedness

Afflictions: Always Less than we Deserve

Afflictions: Consequent Upon the Fall

Afflictions: Exhibit the Love and Faithfulness of God

Afflictions: Frequently Terminate in Good

Afflictions: God Appoints

Afflictions: God Determines the Continuance of

Afflictions: God Dispenses, As he Will

Afflictions: God Does not Willingly Send

Afflictions: God Regulates the Measure of

Afflictions: Man is Born To

Afflictions: Often Arise from the Profession of the Gospel

Afflictions: Often Severe

Afflictions: Saints Appointed To

Afflictions: Saints are to Expect

Afflictions: Saints Have Joy Under

Afflictions: Sin Produces

Afflictions: Sin Visited With

Afflictions: Tempered With Mercy

The Afflictions of the Wicked are Continual

The Afflictions of the Wicked are for Examples to Others

The Afflictions of the Wicked are Ineffectual of Themselves, for Their Conversion

The Afflictions of the Wicked are Multiplied

The Afflictions of the Wicked are often Judicially Sent

The Afflictions of the Wicked are often Sudden

The Afflictions of the Wicked: Ahaz

The Afflictions of the Wicked: Ahaziah

The Afflictions of the Wicked: Frequently Harden

The Afflictions of the Wicked: Gehazi

The Afflictions of the Wicked: God Holds in Derision

The Afflictions of the Wicked: God is Glorified In

The Afflictions of the Wicked: Impenitence is a Cause of

The Afflictions of the Wicked: Jehoram

The Afflictions of the Wicked: Pharaoh and the Egyptians

The Afflictions of the Wicked: Produce Slavish Fear

The Afflictions of the Wicked: Saints should not be Alarmed At

The Afflictions of the Wicked: Sometimes Humble Them

The Afflictions of the Wicked: Their Persecution of Saints, a Cause of

The Afflictions of the Wicked: Uzziah

Related Terms

Natural (49 Occurrences)

Gazing-stock (2 Occurrences)

Gazingstock (2 Occurrences)

Pain (172 Occurrences)

Amid (31 Occurrences)

Endure (90 Occurrences)

Affliction (120 Occurrences)

Abide (162 Occurrences)

Patience (59 Occurrences)

Man (26072 Occurrences)

Discomfiture (6 Occurrences)

Timothy (28 Occurrences)

Ourselves (129 Occurrences)

Hardships (12 Occurrences)

Appointed (385 Occurrences)

Proselyte (2 Occurrences)

Quite (55 Occurrences)

Necessities (7 Occurrences)

Nightly (4 Occurrences)

Ultimately (1 Occurrence)

Unwearied (5 Occurrences)

Job (60 Occurrences)

Leah (30 Occurrences)

Lacking (53 Occurrences)

Goodwill (5 Occurrences)

Granted (102 Occurrences)

Warns (4 Occurrences)

Warned (63 Occurrences)

Witnesseth (2 Occurrences)

Whilst (21 Occurrences)

Ico'nium (6 Occurrences)

Ills (2 Occurrences)

Increases (24 Occurrences)

Illumination (2 Occurrences)

Illuminated (3 Occurrences)

Facing (79 Occurrences)

Favour (171 Occurrences)

Fetters (21 Occurrences)

Testifies (19 Occurrences)

Testifieth (13 Occurrences)

Temptation (22 Occurrences)

Thereunto (9 Occurrences)

Task (37 Occurrences)

Resist (23 Occurrences)

Reconcile (10 Occurrences)

Rescued (49 Occurrences)

Exhorting (13 Occurrences)

Everywhere (53 Occurrences)

Eunice (1 Occurrence)

Endurance (31 Occurrences)

Enduring (25 Occurrences)

Enabled (8 Occurrences)

Encouraging (12 Occurrences)

Disturbed (30 Occurrences)

Delivers (38 Occurrences)

Distresses (20 Occurrences)

Delivereth (49 Occurrences)

Destined (25 Occurrences)

Manifold (23 Occurrences)

Ministers (49 Occurrences)

Mention (41 Occurrences)

Distress (169 Occurrences)

Persecutions (5 Occurrences)

Proudly (23 Occurrences)

Partaker (10 Occurrences)

Plague (142 Occurrences)

Bonds (46 Occurrences)

Burning (415 Occurrences)

Body's (3 Occurrences)

Continue (144 Occurrences)

Cup (86 Occurrences)

Confirming (10 Occurrences)

Commending (4 Occurrences)

Calamities (16 Occurrences)

Afflicts (1 Occurrence)

Approving (2 Occurrences)

Attempt (23 Occurrences)

Souls (114 Occurrences)

Afflictions of Saints, End in Joy and Blessedness
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