By Gary Ray Branscome
As Christians every blessing of God is ours, for, “You
are all the children of God through faith in Christ Jesus,” // “And if
children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ,”
(Galatians
However, it is important to understand that the Bible only
uses the word “cross” in reference to the suffering of believers. While the
words, “The sorrows of those who choose another god will be multiplied”
and “Many are the sorrows of the wicked,” tell us that the wicked suffer
many things, the Bible never calls the suffering of the wicked a “cross” (Psalm
16:4 and 32:10).
The following words describe some of the things that
believers may be called on to endure for Christ’s sake. “I send you forth
like sheep in the midst of wolves: therefore be as wise as serpents, and
harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will hand you over to their
courts, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And
you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, as a testimony to
them and to the Gentiles… And brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child: and children will rise up
against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated
by all men for my name’s sake: but he who endures to the end will be saved”
(Matthew
Throughout history, many believers have suffered in that
way, and many are suffering today. But, the persecution seems to be most fierce
when the Holy Spirit is bringing a nation to faith, and Satan is fighting
against it tooth and claw – such as when the Holy Spirit brought the Roman
empire to faith. Nevertheless, there is always a certain level of persecution,
even if it is sometimes more subtle. However, we should never confuse the cross
that we may be called on to bear with the punishment or chastening for sin.
The words, “The Lord disciplines those He loves” and
“When we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, so that we will not be
condemned with the world,” tell us that God sometimes does chasten His
people (Hebrews 12:6, 1Corinthians 11:32). Job was chastened in order to keep
him from becoming self righteous. In contrast, when we suffer for Christ’s sake
we are being attacked by Satan, Christ Himself endured Satan’s wrath. However,
just as God used Satan’s attack on Christ to defeat Satan (winning salvation
for all); God will use Satan’s attacks on us to spread the gospel. That
is why the blood of the martyrs has always resulted in more converts. God wants
the world to know that Christianity will triumph, “Not by might, nor by
power, but by” His “Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6). And, in all of
this we have God’s own promise that, “All things work together for good for
those who love God,” and that includes both chastening, and any cross that
we might bear (Romans
There are many passages of Scripture which tell us that God
blesses those who are persecuted for Christ’s sake. The words, “If you are
reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed; for the Spirit of glory and
of God rests upon you: on their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is
glorified,” tell us that if we suffer reproach for His sake we are blessed
(1Peter
The words, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforts
us in every trial, so that we are able to comfort others who are suffering,
with the same comfort that God gives to us,” tell us that God will comfort
us in every trial, in a way that will help us to comfort others (2Corinthians
1:3-4). The words, “I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in
persecutions, and difficulties for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I
strong,” tell us that even when we are at our weakest, God is at work
strengthening us (2Corinthians
Having said this it should be obvious that we should never
try to impose crosses upon ourselves, as a way of gaining God’s favor, for that
is just another form of works righteousness. This warning is only necessary
because in the past there have been monks, hermits and others who have spent
years sitting on a pole, refraining from talking to anyone, inflicting torture
on themselves, wearing a hair shirt and so forth, in a vain attempt to atone
for their own sins. They are all condemned by the words, “Being ignorant of
God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they
have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the
law for righteousness to every one who believes” (Romans 10:3-4).
The following words give us a good summary of how God wants
those of us who trust in Christ to live. “All of you should be like-minded,
sympathetic, loving each other as brothers, being compassionate, and courteous:
Not rendering evil for evil, or insult for insult: but instead bless; knowing
that you were called for this purpose, that you should inherit a blessing. For
let him who wants to enjoy life, and see good days, keep his tongue from evil,
and his lips from uttering deception: Let him shun evil, and do good; let him
seek peace, and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and
His ears are open to their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against those
who do evil. Who will harm you, if you are eager to do good?
But if you do suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed: do not fear
their intimidation, and do not be troubled; But in your hearts acknowledge
Christ as Lord: and be ready at all times to answer everyone who asks you to
explain the hope that is in you, answering gently and respectfully: Keeping a
clean conscience; so that those who continue to speak against you may be
ashamed, as they slander your good behavior in Christ. It is better, if it is
the will of God, for you to suffer for doing right, than for doing wrong”
(1Peter 3:8-17). Keeping those words in mind, and remembering that Satan not
only attacks us through the world, but also through our own flesh, let us run
the race set before us keeping our eyes always on “The cross of our Lord
Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14).