Post by pastorsmate on Nov 11, 2005 8:57:29 GMT -5
COMFORT OF THE SCRIPTURES
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope" (Rom. 15:4).
One of the major themes of divine revelation is the comfort provided in the Bible for those who are passing through severe trials. The verse with which we begin our study of this vast body of truth declares that the sacred writings were given so that through patience and comfort of the Scriptures we might have hope.
This is an amazing statement. In the light of it, we should not find it difficult to understand our trials, and we should be drawing comfort from the fountain of living truth which issues from the Word of GOD.
Hundreds of passages deal with matters like sickness, suffering and death. Nowhere else in literature can such remarkable statements be found as these which stand forth from the pages of the Bible. A brief look at a few of them will make it clear that this is indeed GOD's Book.
For example, it is revealed that affliction is universal. "Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward" (Job 5:7). No trial comes to us "but such as is common to man" (I Cor. 10:13). Other Christians face the same troubles as we do: "Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world" (I Pet. 5:9). In the world we shall have tribulation: "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). There is comfort in this knowledge, or GOD would not have revealed it.
Moreover, nothing is permitted to come into our lives except for the greatest good: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Rom. 8:28). We are under the discipline of a loving heavenly FATHER whose mercies are great: "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust" (Psa. 103:8-14). "Whom the LORD loveth he correcteth" (Prov. 3:12). We are able ultimately to say, "Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest" (Ps. 94:12).
Our faith is so precious in His sight that it needs to be purified and refined. "He knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold" (Job 23:10). We are invited to "come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16).
Finally, if the way seems long and hard, our GOD has said He will at last wipe away all tears from our eyes (Rev. 7:17). The One who has been pleased to reveal such truths deserves our absolute confidence. He is "the God of all comfort" (II Cor. 1:3), and He will help us.
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope" (Rom. 15:4).
One of the major themes of divine revelation is the comfort provided in the Bible for those who are passing through severe trials. The verse with which we begin our study of this vast body of truth declares that the sacred writings were given so that through patience and comfort of the Scriptures we might have hope.
This is an amazing statement. In the light of it, we should not find it difficult to understand our trials, and we should be drawing comfort from the fountain of living truth which issues from the Word of GOD.
Hundreds of passages deal with matters like sickness, suffering and death. Nowhere else in literature can such remarkable statements be found as these which stand forth from the pages of the Bible. A brief look at a few of them will make it clear that this is indeed GOD's Book.
For example, it is revealed that affliction is universal. "Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward" (Job 5:7). No trial comes to us "but such as is common to man" (I Cor. 10:13). Other Christians face the same troubles as we do: "Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world" (I Pet. 5:9). In the world we shall have tribulation: "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). There is comfort in this knowledge, or GOD would not have revealed it.
Moreover, nothing is permitted to come into our lives except for the greatest good: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Rom. 8:28). We are under the discipline of a loving heavenly FATHER whose mercies are great: "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust" (Psa. 103:8-14). "Whom the LORD loveth he correcteth" (Prov. 3:12). We are able ultimately to say, "Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest" (Ps. 94:12).
Our faith is so precious in His sight that it needs to be purified and refined. "He knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold" (Job 23:10). We are invited to "come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16).
Finally, if the way seems long and hard, our GOD has said He will at last wipe away all tears from our eyes (Rev. 7:17). The One who has been pleased to reveal such truths deserves our absolute confidence. He is "the God of all comfort" (II Cor. 1:3), and He will help us.
