Subject: Suffering and God's providence |
Bible Note: You asked, “Discipline is their perseverance?” Maybe I was not clear. It is discipline in order that they would be trained and strengthened to persevere. The believers in Hebrews are urged to use the persecution to their benefit, that is, to train themselves by it to greater obedience to Father. However, I do not agree that it is persecution which God “set up” for them although (1) it necessarily occurs because, as I have stated, the world’s hostility to the gospel and (2) God does allow it for the very reason that he needs faithful men to witness for him for the purpose of saving, even those who are his enemies. For my part as a parent, I do not want my children to suffer. I’d rather they obey by their experience of my voice as one who loves them and seeks their best. That is how I have trained them. However, there is no disagreement on the necessity of discipline although it is something I do not want to do and take no pleasure in. I do not see this as discipline but as testing. Jesus needed no correction. Jesus was being tested and proved as to his fitness for the task of redeeming sinful men. Again, (1) Jesus’ life/death is unique and certain aspects of it do not necessarily mean it is to be experienced by all believers. (2) It was God’s “idea” but not without Jesus submission to be driven into the wilderness. It needed to be shown that he was "holy, innocent, undefiled, and separate from sinners." You said, “Please do not misunderstand me. I do not believe that God inflicts suffering for the sake of watching us squirm! But I think the Bible is clear that suffering has a place in our development, and God would be remiss if He did not include it as needed.” I am not arguing the point that suffering is and, at times, is necessary. I am saying that God never planned, intends, or desires that we do suffer. |