Topical Bible: Afflictions of Saints, are But Temporary

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The afflictions experienced by the saints, though often severe and challenging, are consistently portrayed in Scripture as temporary and purposeful. The Bible provides numerous insights into the nature, purpose, and ultimate resolution of these afflictions, offering hope and encouragement to believers.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, provides a profound perspective on the temporary nature of afflictions. He writes, "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison" (2 Corinthians 4:17). This passage underscores the transient nature of earthly suffering in contrast to the eternal weight of glory that awaits believers.

Similarly, in Romans 8:18, Paul reassures the saints by stating, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us" . This verse emphasizes the disproportionate nature of present afflictions when compared to the future glory promised to the faithful.

Purpose of Afflictions

Afflictions serve several purposes in the life of a believer. They are often used by God to refine 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 develops perseverance" . This testing is not without purpose; it is designed to produce maturity and completeness in the believer.

Moreover, afflictions can serve as a means of discipline and correction. Hebrews 12:10-11 explains, "God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it" . This passage highlights the transformative power of divine discipline through afflictions.

Divine Presence and Comfort

Throughout their afflictions, saints are assured of God's presence and comfort. Psalm 34:19 declares, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all" . This promise of deliverance is a recurring theme, providing assurance that God is actively involved in the lives of His people.

The Apostle Peter also offers encouragement, reminding believers that they are not alone in their sufferings. In 1 Peter 5:10, he writes, "And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you" . This verse encapsulates the temporary nature of suffering and the ultimate restoration promised by God.

Eternal Perspective

The temporary nature of afflictions is best understood in light of eternity. The Apostle John, in the book of Revelation, provides a vision of the ultimate end of suffering: "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" (Revelation 21:4). This promise of a future without suffering offers hope and perspective to those enduring present trials.

In conclusion, the afflictions of the saints, while real and often intense, are consistently portrayed in Scripture as temporary and purposeful. They serve to refine faith, produce perseverance, and ultimately lead to an eternal glory that far outweighs any present suffering. Through these trials, believers are assured of God's presence, comfort, and the promise of ultimate deliverance and restoration.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 30:5
For his anger endures but a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
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Psalm 103:9
He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
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Isaiah 54:7,8
For a small moment have I forsaken you; but with great mercies will I gather you.
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John 16:20
Truly, truly, I say to you, That you shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and you shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
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1 Peter 1:6
Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
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1 Peter 5:10
But the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.
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Library

The General Service to Saints Andrew of Constantinople, Isidore of ...
... THE GENERAL SERVICE TO SAINTS ANDREW OF CONSTANTINOPLE, ISIDORE OF ... Lover of man to
deliver from afflictions those who ... painful it is to work, but blissful is ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxvii the general service.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the ... the revealed certainty of the
salvation of the saints. But does not the Bible furnish abundant instances ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture l perseverance of saints.htm

Epistle Lxxx. Cyprian to Sergius, Rogatianus, and the Other ...
... of the Lord is the death of His saints;" [3033] and ... We are," says he, "the sons of
God: but if sons ... glory, it behoves us to bear all afflictions and persecutions ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxxx cyprian to sergius.htm

The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed.
... In such cases the saints may plead God's honor and the glory of ... to take the children's
bread and cast it to dogs." But she persevered ... Afflictions may be mercies ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiv the character and.htm

Letter xv. --Trials to be Endured Peacefully.
... that God supports you in your afflictions; continue to ... It will return, but completely
changed, or rather transformed ... it will be like that of the saints, in God ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xv trials to be endured.htm

2 Thessalonians i. 9, 10
... in that He and all the Saints will certainly ... says; he does not say, saying it, but
endeavoring to ... For as when they had heard concerning afflictions, "For verily ...
/.../homily iii 2 thessalonians i.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... Afflictions lead men to faith full often by preventing sin. ... is the most fitting word
of rebuke for erring saints. ... are too apt to resent the rebuff; but when we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

The Conversion of Paul.
... interests are mutual; their joys and afflictions are common ... It was a temporary
punishment, inflicted by the power of ... not the murderer of the saints, but "a new ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xii the conversion of.htm

Now, and Then
... those dark dispensations of trials and afflictions that come ... of eternal wisdom into
which no saints or angels can ... But how much more of authentic truth shall we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/now and then.htm

The Eternity of Heaven's Happiness.
... no one will ever see anything in us but what is ... This was the ambition of the saints,
and it should be ... would rather remain subject to all the afflictions of the ...
/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter xxi the eternity of.htm