When a person becomes a child of God—truly repenting and surrendering their life to the Lord Jesus—they begin a new life. Their past is erased, and they are spiritually reborn. Salvation is not just a moment of decision but a process involving obedience to God’s commands, including water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38) and continual surrender to the Holy Spirit. On that day, the Spirit comes to dwell within, testifying that the believer is God’s child (Romans 8:16). From this moment, one can be confident that their name is written in the Book of Life and that they have passed from death into life (1 John 3:14), becoming an heir of God’s promises.
THE NECESSITY OF SUFFERING FOR THE RIGHTEOUS
Even after salvation, God’s children must undergo purification and trials. This mirrors the path of Christ Himself. Sanctification involves cleansing from sin and the world’s corruption. We cannot inherit the kingdom while clinging to sin (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Pride, lust, greed, deceit, and worldly attachments must be removed, just as God purified His temple (Malachi 3:3). Only then can believers partake of the “cup of suffering” that Christ drank (Matthew 26:39).
Although Jesus was sinless—the perfect Branch (Isaiah 11:1)—He experienced part of God’s righteous judgment on the cross for our sins (Isaiah 53:4-5). For those of us who are sinners, this is even more necessary. God’s discipline ensures that believers are tested, refined, and proven. This suffering comes in this life, unlike the ultimate judgment of the unrepentant, which occurs after death (Hebrews 9:27).
1) THE RIGHTEOUS LIVING A HOLY LIFE
Believers will face trials even as they live righteously. 1 Peter 4:13-19 (ESV) explains:
But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed… For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
Suffering in this context is not punishment but discipline and refinement, preparing believers for eternal reward. Just as Christ endured rejection, humiliation, and the cross without sin, believers too are tested to prove their faith and maturity (James 1:2-4).
Isaiah 53:4-5, 9-11 (ESV): Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows… but we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities… Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush Him; He has put Him to grief; when His soul makes an offering for sin, He shall see His offspring; He shall prolong His days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.
Isaiah 53:4-5, 9-11 (ESV):
Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows… but we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities… Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush Him; He has put Him to grief; when His soul makes an offering for sin, He shall see His offspring; He shall prolong His days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.
Christ’s suffering was both substitutionary and exemplary: He bore judgment on our behalf while demonstrating faithful obedience, modeling how the righteous are to endure trials without compromising holiness.
2) THE RIGHTEOUS WHEN THEY SIN
Even believers are not exempt from God’s discipline. Hebrews 12:5-11 (ESV) reminds us that God disciplines those He loves:
For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives… For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness.
Disobedience, even in small matters, may result in temporary suffering, correction, or loss, just as Ananias and Sapphira faced immediate judgment for deceit (Acts 5:1-11). God’s discipline is always redemptive, aiming to refine our character and align us with His will.
THE PERSECUTION OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Faithfulness often attracts opposition. When a believer abandons sin and fully embraces Christ, the world may resent them. Those who once ignored or admired sin may now oppose righteousness. False teachers, worldly leaders, or even peers may persecute faithful servants of God (John 15:18-20).
2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV): Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV):
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
Philippians 1:29 (ESV): For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake.
Philippians 1:29 (ESV):
For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake.
Such trials are God’s means of preparing believers for eternal inheritance. They refine faith, produce perseverance, and demonstrate God’s justice and glory to all (Romans 5:3-5).
THE FINAL JUDGMENT
If the righteous are saved through suffering, where will the sinner appear? Those who reject God in life and persist in sin will stand without hope before the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11-15). There will be no repentance, only eternal separation from God. Conversely, those who endure trials faithfully, though tested, will inherit eternal life (Matthew 5:10-12).
CALL TO ACTION
Do not delay. If you have not yet turned to Christ, now is the time. Repent, surrender your life, and receive salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Embrace trials as God’s refining tool and share this message with others so they too may experience the hope of God.
Revelation 3:10 (ESV): Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.
Revelation 3:10 (ESV):
Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.
Print this post
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Δ