This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering…
2 Thessalonians 1:5-12
No one really wants suffering, and, so often, people find themselves perplexed when they endure it. Often, we question, “Have we done something to deserve such pain? Is there any hope that it will end? Is there meaning to it?” We might even believe that if we trust in Christ, things will go easier for us and that we will experience less suffering. A quick survey of the Word of God shows us that following Jesus means we will suffer more! Jesus Himself says that persecution will follow His disciples, Mark 10:29–30. Scripture is clear about a distinctive theology of suffering, part of which is found in today’s verses. Paul explains to the Thessalonians that “this is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering.” Paul clearly does not mean that, by our suffering, we make ourselves worthy of God’s kingdom or somehow merit our citizenship in heaven. We are saved by grace through faith (this is a period at the end of this statement). When we trust in Christ alone for salvation, we become worthy of God’s kingdom because Jesus’ perfection is put to our account (imputed). God declares us righteous and worthy of heaven because of Jesus’ imputed righteousness to us. It is righteous for God to consider us worthy of His kingdom for which we suffer because we are in Christ and Christ’s worth is ours. Our willingness to suffer for the sake of Jesus, then, demonstrates that we have put our faith in Jesus. God is just to declare righteous all those who receive the righteousness of Jesus through faith in Him alone, and our suffering for His sake confirms that we have received that righteousness through faith. God’s declaration that we are righteous in Christ has eschatological (end times) implications for it means we will not suffer God’s final wrath which He will pour out upon evildoers. At times in the Christian life, believers may question whether they have genuine faith in Christ and, thus, whether they have salvation. One test of the authenticity of our faith is our willingness to suffer for Jesus. If we are so willing, this can help us to be assured that we have authentic trust in the Savior.
Source: S C Ball March 13, 2024
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