For both, those born of the Holy Spirit and those being formed by the Holy Spirit, tribulations are extremely important in the development of Christian faith. If this weren’t so, God would eliminate them Himself from among His children.
What is tribulation?
Sickness, disease, financial or family problems have nothing to do with tribulations.
Tribulations are problems exclusively related to the Christian faith. Persecutions, injustices, humiliations, gossip, betrayals and lies amongst brethren are some situations that directly affect the faith.
The Holy Spirit has guided His children to not only glory in the hopeof Salvation, but to also glory in the price paid for this glory!
Therefore, when there is joy in the conviction of the Salvation of the soul, there should also be happiness and joy when we experience tribulations of the faith! Romans 5.1-2
Many times Christians sow what is not good and reap its rotten fruit. After, they complain about carrying a “heavy cross.”
This is what happens when people marry the wrong person, prostitution, lies, slanders and a series of other fruits of the flesh. All these things cause conflict, sorrow, and pain. But they have nothing to do with faith!
Real tribulations always bring benefits to those who are of the faith. And God allows them for our good.
The Lord emphasized the great reward of those afflicted for the cause of faith when He said:
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake… Not because of sin or unrighteousness committed!
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.Matthew 5.10-12
The glory of tribulation is what produces perseverance, experience, and hope. These virtues are essential in maintaining the Salvation of the soul.
Bishop Edir Macedo
www.bispomacedo.com.br/en
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