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WHY IS THERE SUFFERING?
The dispute concerning Divinely appointed suffering verses Divine healing is certainly interesting. You may already know many Bible texts on the subject. We discover that the application of those texts varies greatly among Bible students.
In this article we are going to call trouble and sickness “DILEMMA” so that time will be saved. As for “DILEMMA”, there are 4 causes and not just one. Many people also discern a 5th cause which will also be considered.
THE SOURCES OF MAN’S “DILEMMA”
1. THE GENERAL CURSE OF ADAM:
Many “DILEMMA” if not most, come from the old curse of Adam. Death is upon all flesh. Getting sick, suffering or dyeing is usually nothing more than the curse of Adam that works in all of humanity. When Adamic “DILEMMA” come upon a saint or sinner it is often not a special or targeted judgment. Such “DILEMMA” are as routine as the rising of the sun. When trouble comes people often ask, “why me?”. They fail to realize that their personal “DILEMMA” is simply a function of the general fall of Adam. Such “DILEMMA” are not evenly distributed among the human race but in the end all die.
Here is some Good News! We can rightfully seek for healing and help for this type of “DILEMMA”. Healing and even life can be found by those that seek. Such help is promised in the Gospel of Christ. Yet, in the end we will all fall under this Adamic curse because, the final redemption of the body has not yet come.
We watch for that day of redemption. Meanwhile, we can enjoy a foretaste of redemption by finding healing in this age. Some are even raised from the dead. Through Christ our days can be extended and health can be regained.
1 Cor 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
The most notable aspect of this Adamic “DILEMMA” is that God has taken the worst thing that could happen to man (The Fall) and has transformed it into the best! (Adoption into the family of God) Yes, we were lost and without hope but by Christ’s death, God has identified with all of mankind and has opened a door of salvation for all that will receive.
With Paul we can say,
“... all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28)
2. A SPANKING FROM GOD:
It is true that certain sinners or backsliders experience a special Divinely appointed judgment for one reason or another. This “targeted judgment” comes in addition to the universal Adamic curse that has been sighted above. Whether it be a large judgment such as Noah’s flood, the fire upon Sodom and Gomara or a special judgment such as King Herod being eaten by worms, these judgmental “DILEMMA” do exist. Anyone being struck by a “targeted judgment” can know that it is past time to repent!
As believers we sometimes need a spanking when we go the wrong way and do not listen to God. If we are presently obeying God, such a spanking is not necessary and will not come.(ONE EXCEPTION: Even the innocent are affected by a "national judgment" for sin.) God's spankings might first be a simple conviction of the Holy Ghost and in the end may be seen as something more akin to Divine Judgment. Spankings get our attention so that we will repent and turn around. The spanking does not create holiness of itself. Rather, repentance and the cross is the effective element after we hear and heed God’s voice. Without finally adding repentance the spanking would mean nothing but only add to the judgment to come.
Heb 12:6-7 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Zec 13:9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.
The “spankings” of God can most easily be understood by alternately describing them as God’s voice. God sometimes calls us through adversity but not all adversity falls into this single category.
When men fail to heed God or the drawing of the Holy Spirit they are left without hope. In that case the trouble they have endured brings no benefit. It is God’s goodness that sends “DILEMMA” to arrest man’s attention and turn them back to the right way.
We also recognize that many refuse the voice of God.
Mat 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
3. DEMONIC ACTIVITY:
When Jesus healed he was often sighted as casting out “a spirit of infirmity.” We are informed by the Scripture that evil spirits can afflict people. Naturally, the message of the Gospel and prayer of faith will deal with this type of “DILEMMA”. Great victories can be found!
Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Luke 9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
4. PERSECUTION OF THE SAINTS:
AND “MIRROR” SUFFERING
Jesus told us that we would suffer for preaching the Gospel. Consequently, I have sometimes worried when life became too smooth. I would question my witness on those occasions.
We are told that if we are faithful witnesses we will suffer persecution. The apostles suffered all sorts of “DILEMMA” as they shared Christ. This suffering was a sort of identification (family trait) with Him. This type of suffering is not redemptive. (more on that below) However, this suffering generates Heavenly reward.
Rom 8:17-18 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Mat 5:11-12 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Mirroring His Likeness:
As we truly live for Christ, we will suffer persecution. The spirit of this world fights Christ and the Christ in us. Such suffering is certainly a “test of our faith.” This testing lays up future reward as pointed out above. Persecution not only generates reward but it also reveals the indwelling Christ.
Here is how persecution works to reveal the indwelling Christ: We live in two worlds with different laws. We live in both the natural and spiritual world. The laws of the spirit do not necessarily follow the laws of the natural. For the natural man, adversity such as physical resistance builds muscle, strength and endurance. Physical exercise is necessary for the natural man to improve or even maintain minimal strength. Thus, some assert that trouble itself makes them inwardly strong and pure. We discover that this logic is flawed.
The spiritual man is not made strong in the same way as the natural man. Human “DILEMMA” is not what births Christ within us. We can easily understand this because, all men suffer “DILEMMA”. We discover that It was Christ’s suffering and not ours that opened the door to God and his nature.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Our right response in trial or “coming forth as gold” is first dependent upon our right relationship with Christ. If we FIRST know and have Christ, then when “DILEMMA” comes we will naturally reflect what he has already implanted into us! Our help comes from the Lord and not from our own strength!
Psa 121:2-3 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. 3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
When unconverted humanity passes through a great “DILEMMA”, bitterness or some other negative trait will normally come to the surface. Conversely, when we that are in Christ suffer a great “DILEMMA”, the fruits of the spirit will shine out. In such days of trouble the inner man will come forth as Gold. Never think that you are HUMANLY able to glorify Christ in days of persecution. Rather, look to him and abide in him and he will be manifest!
Mat 7:16-17 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
1 Pet 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Speaking of Christ’s appearing, this truth of “coming forth” is most powerfully expressed in Mat 13:41-43.
“The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
On that great day of accounting man’s ultimate “DILEMMA” will arrive. The wicked will not be made holy in that great fire yet, the righteous will shine brighter than ever before. Again, the only place to obtain holiness is at the foot of the cross. If a Christian’s “DILEMMA” uncovers a bad trait, it is then to the Cross that we run and cling. The only thing that can change our shortcomings is Christ and the God given alchemy of His Cross.
Gal 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
5 REDEMPTIVE SUFFERING:
This is the one form of suffering that is not supported by scripture. It is a great mistake to lump all suffering into this category as some do. A clear picture of this type of suffering is found among the FLAGELLANTS of medieval France. In the dark ages the FLAGELLANTS would gather into long processions and whip themselves to produce holiness. The groans went up in unison as they beat their own backs. This type of activity can rightly be called “spiritual sadism” and is the spawn of Satan.
Conversly, holiness comes only from Christ. Only His suffering can pay for sin and by his Word and Spirit we advance into what He requires. There are still Flagellant-like people today. They are "peppered" among many religious groups and denominations. Today’s modern Flagellants feel that our present suffering is necessary to perfect us. They see our suffering as the sanctifying force. The Scripture teaches that only the Cross of Jesus, joined with faith in God’s Word, has the power to purify.
ABOUT OUR CROSS: Our cross consists of self denial, verses living to please the flesh, and this self denial is an expression of what He has already done in us. Therefore, we refuse sin because he has already sanctified us. We suffer persecution and hardship for him because he gave us a heart like His. "In Him" we love others more than self and comfort. We will tell others of Him, no matter what the cost. In this we mirror the heart of our Lord.
Many embrace the “suffering unto holiness ” theology and use it as a false comfort in their personal “DILEMMA”. As these consider their tragedy they feel better by thinking that their suffering is making them more holy. I wonder if this might not be another form of self-righteousness?
One nationally known preacher has even stated that he would rather remain sick and receive the good from his personal suffering than to be able to testify that he has been healed. We do feel sorry for these people as they endure their many “DILEMMA”. However this form of suffering is not God’s way and is not found in the Gospel that Jesus preached.
Some modern reformed theologians additionally feel that “whatever” happens is God’s will and therefore “must be born with patience.” Conversely, we understand that God would rather that many thing did not happen. Yes, God knew that bad things would happen and thus, he provided for a magnificent change. Will we accept and believe for his provision? Will be become part of the answer, rather than forever holding to the problem? We do have a choice!
Ezek 22:30-31 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. 31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD.
God’s desire was expressed in Jesus Christ. His stripes showed that God wanted us to be healed. His blood showed that God wanted us and all men to be saved. However, not all will believe and not all will accept and this rejection is not God’s will. When it comes to redemption and healing, how can we think that our suffering will be more effective than His? It is true that neither our human holiness nor our human suffering can make us fit for the Kingdom of God.
PRAYER CHANGES THINGS!
John 16:23-24 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
More pages:
Suppressed Evidence,
Or Proofs of the Miraculous Faith and Experience of the Church of Christ In All Ages, by Thomas Boys, 1832
The Ministry of Healing, or Miracles of Cure in All Ages,
By A. J. Gordon, 1882
Breaking gods of Stone
Exploring the Sovereignty and the Immutability of God
By Rev. Jim Thorpe
They Were All Filled
The story of Pentecostal power through the ages.
By Rev. Jim Thorpe
The Passover,
A story about the meaning of Passover by Monty Garfield.(A Jew)
An Early Pentecostal Rev. N.J. Holmes
Bible Prophecy ala the Reformers
An Ode to Darwin
Why Suffering?
A Walk Through Paradise
Polemical Pages
Let the faint of heart stand clear!
Mt.Zion School of Ministry
Pentecostal modernists at Lee University
Freedom From Homosexuality -- Serious Help
The Bible and the Church of Rome -- Who is the Rock and who holds the Keys of the Kingdom?
Head Covering for Christians -- Deeper in God?
Is it wrong to celebrate Christmas?
Who should choose your mate and is betrothal God's best?
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