Scripture for Study
On Why We Suffer
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5
So that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:7
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
and the Lord tries hearts. Proverbs 17:3
On Other Religions
Jesus said, “And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundred-fold, and inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19:29
(Peter speaking) “This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11-12
On How Happy We Are When We Know God
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
(Jesus speaking) The Thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10
Commentary
We certainly should ask questions about our faith. Here are some common ones.
Why does a loving God let people suffer? Though suffering feels terrible, by definition, and can often seem unfair, it does not last long on the eternal scale. Through suffering God tests our hearts and helps us grow. Also, we can consider the opposite: what happens when we are spoiled? When people receive everything they want, they tend toward meanness, not kindness. It is suffering which produces perseverance and compassion.
What about other religions? Many people want to accept all world religions in the name of tolerance, but is this actually compassionate if the other religions are not the truth? If we study the New Testament, we will find that the apostles never forced anyone to believe; they simply told people what they had witnessed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. We can ask others about what they believe and why they believe it, and we can share what we believe and why. Together, we can all seek the truth. In the book of Acts, we read about how the apostles stayed in towns and talked to people for months at a time.
Why not just be happy? So many people avoid sickness and death, as if avoiding these things will somehow make them go away. True happiness is resting in the assurance that we have a loving Creator and Father who will help us while we are here and who will give us an eternal life free from confusion and pain.
What about Christians who seem fake or disappointing? Or Christian kings and queens who did terrible things? If we read the New Testament, we will find that Jesus constantly rebuked the church leaders of his time. He also told the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46 in which he says, definitely, that many people will think they are going to heaven even though they never actually believed. Certainly, there will always be insincere people who claim to be Christian.
What about the desire for social changes, such as new gender roles, that seem to run counter to the Bible? Popular culture calls us to take sides on many issues, but can we develop wise thinking about these before we know the truth about life, death and eternity? Our first priority must be to seek the truth regarding our mortal existence, the real truth, and to do that, we cannot turn away from Jesus on the cross. We must stop and ask–can it be true? Did God come to earth as a man to die for the salvation of our immortal souls? That question precedes all others for people who know that they will die one day, but do not know when. Check out this response from Jesus when he was asked about resurrection and given an intellectual puzzle regarding a woman who had been married to multiple husbands:
You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living. Matthew 22:29-32
In this response, Jesus showed that when we pursue the truth of certain ideas without knowing fundamental truths, we will not be able to think clearly.
Are you ready? TAKE THE QUIZ