A crowning day beckons on believers

The Christian life does not preclude sufferings, trials and tribulations or what may be referred to as cross-bearing.

Our Saviour, Jesus Christ, did not promise His followers a trouble-free life on earth; instead, He constantly affirmed the possibility of persecution and the necessity of cross-bearing in this world.

He said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world,” (John 16:33).

He, Himself, trod this path of cross-bearing and self-denial before He was ultimately glorified. His unique example was what Apostle Peter referred to when he admonished the recipients of his epistle not to consider it “strange, concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, in as much as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that when His glory shall be revealed, we may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

When we encounter tribulations and trials of life either from men or Satan, they must not diminish our trust in Christ or lead us to compromise our great salvation; neither should we be misled to seek carnal means of overcoming them. Instead, we must constantly look up to Jesus Christ as our perfect Example so that we might be ultimately glorified together with Him.

Cross-bearing is the readiness to endure sufferings and afflictions that come our way while following Jesus Christ. Every believer comes to a point in life when he or she must choose between pleasure and pleasing Christ, or His Word and the world; between holiness and heaven, or sin and Satan. We must be ready to endure the transient challenges of life in order to spend eternity with Christ. “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

Cross-bearing, however, goes beyond mere enduring the challenges of life. For the true disciple, it means holding on to Christ and His teachings despite tribulations, pain or threat of death. Christ, Himself, endured these things for our sake. Knowing that the disciple is not greater than his master, He says: “…If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Paul’s epistles also resonate with the same theme.

For a truly converted Christian, cross-bearing or self-denial should be without murmuring or complaint. Peter and John “departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.” The Lord expects His disciples to, one, follow Him despite the odds (John 10:27); two, endure the cross and bear our burdens graciously (Hebrews 12:2); three, consider His unique example (Philippians 3:5); four, draw daily from His grace to overcome all odds with prayers (Titus 2:13,14); five, be resolute not to look back after laying our hands on the plough (Luke 9:62); six, take all sufferings, trials and tribulations with joy (Acts 16:25); seven, be persuaded of the joy that awaits the believer in heaven (Psalm 30:5).

Saints of God on earth pursue a glorious path where the grace of God cushions the harsh experiences of life. The assurance of God’s abiding presence enables heaven-bound saints to endure the hardships of this life. Besides, there is a crowning day for those who endure their cross to the end.

The believer is promised, one, an imperishable crown (1Corinthians 9:24,25); two, a crown of rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19); three, a crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8); four, a crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4); and five, a crown of life (Revelation 2:10). As believers, we must all strive to be present at this coronation event through holy living, preaching the gospel, faithfulness in service and prayers.

• Further reading (King James Version): 1 Peter 3:8, 9, 13-18; 4:1, 2, 12-14; Matthew 16: 24-27, Hebrews 12:1, 2; 1 Peter 3:8,9; 4:12, 13; John 19:17, 18; Hebrews 12:1, 2; Matthew 5:10-12; 10:38; 16: 24-27; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23, 24; 14:25-27; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 10:35-39; 1 Peter 3:14-18; 2:19-24; Hebrews 12:1, 2; Mark 8:34,35; Galatians 2:20; 6:14; Philippians 2:5-11, Colossians 3:1, 2; Romans 8:13, 14, 18; 1 Peter 4:12, 13; Luke 22:28-30; 2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Corinthians 9:24, 25; 1Thessalonians 2:19; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10.