To have assurance of a future with God in heaven all you have to do is believe in His Son. John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father but by me.” You have to be His child and the Word of God says in John 1:12 “as many as received Him to them gave He right to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.”

1 Corinthians 15:3&4 tells us what Jesus did for us. He died for our sins, was buried and rose from the dead on the third day. Other Scriptures to read are Isaiah 53:1-12, 1 Peter 2:24, Matthew 26:28&29, Hebrews chapter 10:1-25 and John 3:16&30.

In John 3:14-16&30 and John 5:24 God says if we believe we have eternal life and simply put, if it ends it wouldn’t be eternal; but to emphasize His promise God also says those who believe shall not perish.

God also says in Romans 8:1 that “There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.”

The Bible says that God cannot lie; it is in His innate character (Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18&19).

He uses many words to make the promise of eternal life easy for us to understand: Romans 10:13 (call), John 1:12 (believe & receive), John 3:14&15 (look – Numbers 21:5-9), Revelation 22:17 (take) and Revelation 3:20 (open the door).

Romans 6:23 says eternal life is a gift through Jesus Christ. Revelation 22:17 says “And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.” It is a gift, all we need to do is take it. It cost Jesus everything. It costs us nothing. It is not a result of our doing works. We cannot get it or keep it by doing good deeds. God is just. If it were by works it would not be just and we would have something to brag about. Ephesians 2:8&9 says “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

Galatians 3:1-6 teaches us that not only can we not earn it by doing good works, but we can’t keep it that way either.

It says “did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by hearing with faith… are you so foolish, having begun in the Spirit are you now being perfected by the flesh.”

I Corinthians 1:29-31 says, “that no man should boast before God… that Christ is made unto us sanctification and redemption and… let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

If we could earn salvation Jesus would not have had to die (Galatians 2:21). Other passages which give us assurance of salvation are:

1. John 6:25-40 especially verse 37 which tells us that “him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out,” that is, you don’t have to beg or earn it.

If you believe and come He will not reject you but welcome you, receive you and make you His child. You only have to ask Him.

2. 2 Timothy 1:12 says “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him against that day.”

Jude24&25 say “To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forever more! Amen.”

3. Philippians 1:6 says “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

4. Remember the thief on the cross. All he said to Jesus was “Remember me when You come in your kingdom.”

Jesus saw his heart and honored his faith.
He said, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:42&43).

5. When Jesus died He finished the work God gave Him to do.

John 4:34 says, “My food is to do the will of Him Who sent Me and to finish His work.” On the cross, just before He died, He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30).

The phrase “It is finished” means paid in full.

It is a legal term that refers to what was written over the list of crimes someone was being punished for when his punishment was completely finished, when he was set free. It signifies that his debt or punishment was “paid in full.”

When we accept Jesus’ death on the cross for us, our sin debt is paid in full. No one can change this.

6. Two wonderful verses, John 3:16 and John 3:28-40

both say that when you believe you will not perish.

John 10:28 says never perish.

God’s Word is true. We just have to trust what God says. Never means never.

7. God says many times in the New Testament that He imputes or credits Christ’s righteousness to us when we put our faith in Jesus, that is, He credits or gives to us Jesus’ righteousness.

Ephesians 1:6 says we are accepted in Christ. See also Philippians 3:9 and Romans 4:3&22.

8. God’s Word says in Psalm 103:12 that “as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

He also says in Jeremiah 31:34 that “He will remember our sins no more.”

9. Hebrews 10:10-14 teaches us that Jesus death on the cross was sufficient to pay for all sin for all time – past, present and future.

Jesus died “once for all.” Jesus’ work (being complete and perfect) never needs to be repeated. This passage teaches that “he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Maturity and purity in our lives is a process but He has perfected us forever. Because of this we are to “draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22). “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:25).

10. Ephesians 1:13&14 says the Holy Spirit seals us.

God seals us with the Holy Spirit as with a signet ring, putting on us an irreversible seal, not able to be broken.

It’s like a king sealing an irreversible law with his signet ring. Many Christians doubt their salvation. These and many other verses show us God is both Savior and Keeper. We are, according to Ephesians 6 in a battle with Satan.

He is our enemy and “as a roaring lion seeks to devour us” (I Peter 5:8).

I believe that causing us to doubt our salvation is one of his greatest fiery darts used to defeat us.
I believe that the various parts of the armor of God referred to here are the Scripture verses which teach us what God promises and the power He gives us to have victory; for example, His righteousness. It is not ours but His.

Philippians 3:9 says “and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.”

When Satan tries to convince you that you are “too bad to go to heaven,” respond that you are righteous “in Christ” and claim His righteousness. To use the sword of the Spirit (which is the Word of God) you need to memorize or at least know where to find this and other Scriptures. To use these weapons we need to know that His Word is truth (John 17:17).

Remember, you have to trust God’s Word. Study God’s Word and keep on studying it because the more you know the stronger you will become. You must trust these verse and others like them to have assurance.

His Word is truth and “the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

You must fill your mind with it until it changes you. The Word of God says to “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,” like doubting God. Ephesians 6 says to use that sword and then it says to stand; don’t quit and run (retreat). God has given us everything we need for life and godliness “thorough the true knowledge of Him Who called us” (2 Peter 1:3).

Just keep on believing.

The answer to this question is that God is omnipotent and omniscient, which means He is all powerful and all knowing. Scripture says He knows all our thoughts and nothing is hidden from Him.

The answer to this question is that He is our Father and that He cares for us. It also depends on who we are, because we do not become His children until we believe in His Son and His death for us to pay for our sin.

John 1:12 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. To His children God gives many, many promises of His care and protection.

Romans 8:28 says, “all things work together for good to those who love God.”

This is because He loves us as a Father. As such He allows things to come into our lives to teach us to be mature or even to discipline us, or even to punish us if we sin or disobey.

Hebrews 12:6 says, “whom the Father loves, He chastens.”

As a Father He wants to bless us with many blessings and give us good things, but it doesn’t mean nothing “bad” ever happens, but it is all for our good.

I Peter 5:7 says “cast all your care upon Him for He cares for you.”

If you read the book of Job you will see that nothing can come into our life that God does not allow for our own good.”

In the case of those who disobey by not believing, God does not make these promises, but God says He allows His “rain” and blessings to fall on the just and the unjust. God wishes for them to come to Him, becoming part of His family. He will use different means to do this. God may also punish people for their sins, here and now.

Matthew 10:30 says, “the very hairs of our head are all numbered” and Matthew 6:28 says we are of more value than the “lilies of the field.”

We know the Bible says God loves us (John 3:16), so we can be sure of His care, love and protection from “bad” things unless it is to make us better, stronger and more like His Son.

The Word of God says, “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6).  In order to have any relationship with God a person must come to God by faith through His Son, Jesus Christ.  We must believe in Jesus as our Savior, Whom God sent to die, to pay the punishment for our sins.  We are all sinners (Romans 3:23).  Both I John 2:2 and 4:10 talk about Jesus being the propitiation (which means just payment) for our sins.  I John 4:10 says, “He (God) loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”  In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no man comes to the Father but by Me.”  I Corinthians 15:3&4 tells us the good news…”Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and that He was buried and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”  This is the Gospel which we must believe and we must receive.  John 1:12 says, “As many as received Him, to them gave He the right to become the children of God, even to those who believe in His name.”  John 10:28 says, “I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish.”

So our relationship to God can only begin by faith, by becoming a child of God through Jesus Christ.  Not only do we become His child, but He sends His Holy Spirit to dwell within us (John 14:16&17).  Colossians 1:27 says, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

Jesus also refers to us as His brothers.  He certainly wants us to know that our relationship with Him is family, but He wants us to be a close family, not just a family in name, but a family of close fellowship.  Revelation 3:20 describes our becoming a Christian as entering a relationship of fellowship.  It says, “I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in, and dine with him, and he with Me.”

John chapter 3:1-16 says that when we become a Christian we are “born again” as newborn babies into His family.  As His new child, and just as when a human is born, we as Christian babies must grow in our relationship with Him.  As a baby grows, he learns more and more about his parent and becomes closer to his parent.

This is how it is for Christians, in our relationship with our Heavenly Father.  As we learn about Him and grow our relationship becomes closer.  Scripture speaks a lot about growing and maturity, and it teaches us how to do this.  It is a process, not a one-time event, thus the term growing.  It is also called abiding.

1). First, I think, we do need to start with a decision.  We must decide to submit to God, to commit to following Him.  It is an act of our will to submit to God’s will if we want to be close to Him, but it is not just one-time, it is an abiding (continuous) commitment.  James 4:7 says, “submit yourselves to God.”  Romans 12:1 says, “I beseech you, therefore, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”  This must start with a one-time choice but it is also a moment by moment choice just as it is in any relationship.

2). Secondly, and I think of utmost importance, is that we need to read and study the Word of God.  I Peter 2:2 says, “As newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby.”  Joshua 1:8 says, “Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth, meditate on it day and night…”  (Read also Psalm 1:2.)  Hebrews 5:11-14 (NIV) tells us that we must get beyond babyhood and become mature by “constant use” of the Word of God.

This does not mean reading some book about the Word, which is usually someone’s opinion, no matter how smart they are reported to be, but reading and studying the Bible itself.  Acts 17:11 speaks about the Bereans saying, “they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”  We need to test everything anyone says by the Word of God not just take someone’s word for it because of their “credentials.”  We need to trust the Holy Spirit in us to teach us and really search the Word.  2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (NIV correctly handling) the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 3:16&17 says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete (mature)…”

This study and growing is daily and never ends till we are with Him in heaven, because our knowledge of “Him” leads to being more like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18).  Being close to God requires a daily walk of faith.  It is not a feeling.  There is no “quick fix” which we experience which gives us close fellowship with God.  Scripture teaches that we walk with God by faith, not by sight.  However, I believe that when we consistently walk by faith God makes Himself known to us in unexpected and precious ways.

Read 2 Peter 1:1-5.  It tells us that we grow in character as we spend time in the Word of God.  It says here that we are to add to faith goodness, then knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.  By spending time in study of the Word and in obedience to it we add to or build character in our lives.  Isaiah 28:10&13 tells us we learn precept upon precept, line upon line.  We do not know it all at once.  John 1:16 says “grace upon grace.”  We do not learn all at once as Christians in our spiritual life anymore than babies grow up all at once.  Just remember this is a process, growing, a walk of faith, not an event.  As I mentioned it is also called abiding in John chapter 15, abiding in Him and in His Word. John 15:7 says, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

3). The Book of I John talks about a relationship, our fellowship with God.  Fellowship with another person can be broken or interrupted by sinning against them and this is true of our relationship with God also.  I John 1:3 says, “Our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.”  Verse 6 says, “If we claim to have fellowship with Him, yet walk in darkness (sin), we lie and do not live by the truth.”  Verse 7 says, “If we walk in the light…we have fellowship with one another…”  In verse 9 we see that if sin disrupts our fellowship we need only to confess our sin to Him.  It says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”  Please read this entire chapter.

We do not lose our relationship as His child, but we must maintain our fellowship with God by confessing any and all sins whenever we fail, as often as necessary.  We must also allow the Holy Spirit to give us victory over sins we tend to repeat; any sin.

4). We must not only read and study God’s Word but we must obey it, which I mentioned.  James 1:22-24 (NIV) states, “Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.  Anyone who listens to the Word, but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”  Verse 25 says, “But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.”  This is so similar to Joshua 1:7-9 and Psalm 1:1-3.  Read also Luke 6:46-49.

5). Another part of this is that we need to become part of a local church, where we can hear and learn God’s Word and have fellowship with other believers.  This is a way in which we are helped to grow.  This is because each believer is given a special gift from the Holy Spirit, as a part of the church, also called “the body of Christ.”  These gifts are listed in various passages in Scripture such as Ephesians 4:7-12, I Corinthians 12:6-11, 28 and Romans 12:1-8.  The purpose for these gifts is to “build up the body (the church) for the work of the ministry(Ephesians 4:12).  The church will help us to grow and we in turn can help other believers to grow up and become mature and minister in God’s kingdom and lead other people to Christ.  Hebrews 10:25 says we should not forsake our assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encourage one another.

6). Another thing we should do is pray – pray for our needs and the needs of other believers and for the unsaved.  Read Matthew 6:1-10.  Philippians 4:6 says, “let your requests be made known unto God.”

7). Add to this that we should, as part of obedience, love one another (Read I Corinthians 13 and I John) and do good works. Good works cannot save us, but one cannot read Scripture without determining that we are to do good works and be kind to others.  Galatians 5:13 says, “by love serve one another.”  God says we are created to do good works.  Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

All of these things work together, to draw us closer to God and make us more like Christ. We become more mature ourselves and so do other believers.  They help us to grow.  Read 2 Peter 1 again.  The end of being closer to God is being trained and mature and loving one another.  In doing these things we are His disciples and disciples when mature are like their Master (Luke 6:40).

God’s word says, “There is one God and one mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus”(I Timothy 2:5). The reason we don’t have peace with God is we are all sinners. Romans 3:23 says,” For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Isaiah 64:6 says, “We are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousnesses (good deeds) are as filthy rags…and our iniquities (sins), like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 59:2 says, “Your iniquities have separated between you and your God…”

But God made a way for us to be redeemed (rescued) from our sin and be reconciled (or made right) with God. Sin had to be punished and the just penalty (payment) for our sin is death. Romans 6:23 reads, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” I John 4:14 says, “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.” John 3:17 says, “For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 10:28 says, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” There is only ONE GOD AND ONE MEDIATOR. John 14:6 says, “Jesus said unto him, ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes unto the Father, but by Me.” Read Isaiah chapter 53. Note especially verses 5&6. They say: “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Continue to verse 8b: “For He was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgression of My people was He stricken.” And verse 10 says, “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief; when You shall make His soul and offering for sin…” And verse 11 says, “By His knowledge (the knowledge of Him) shall my righteous servant justify many; for He shall bear their iniquity.” Verse 12 says, “He has poured out His soul unto death.” I Peter 2:24 says, “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree…”

The punishment for our sin was death, but God placed our sin upon Him (Jesus) and He paid for our sin instead of us; He took our place and was punished for us. Please go to this site for more about this on the topic of how to be saved. Colossians 1:20&21 and Isaiah 53 make it clear that this is how God makes peace between man and Himself. It says, “And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself… and you that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works yet now He has reconciled.” Verse 22 says, “In the body of His flesh through death.” Read also Ephesians 2:13-17 which says that by His blood, He is our peace which breaks down the partition or enmity between us and God, created by our sin, bringing us peace with God. Please read it. Read John chapter 3 where Jesus told Nicodemus how to be born into God’s family (born again); that Jesus must be lifted up on the cross as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness and that to be forgiven we “look to Jesus” as our Savior. He explains this by telling him that he must believe, verse 16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God.“ I Corinthians 15:1&2 says this is the Gospel, “by which you are saved.” Verses 3&4 say, “For I delivered unto you…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried and that He rose again according to the Scriptures.” In Matthew 26:28 Jesus said, “For this is the new testament in my blood which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” You must believe this to be saved and have peace with God. John 20:31 says, “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His Name.” Acts 16:31 says, “They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.”

See Romans 3:22-25 and Romans 4:22-5:2. Please read all these verses which are so beautiful a message of our salvation that these things are not written for these people alone, but for all of us to bring us peace with God. It shows how Abraham and we are justified by faith. Verses 4:23-5:1 say it clearly. “But these words ‘it was counted to him’ were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in Him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” See also Acts 10:36.

There is another aspect to this question. If you are already a believer in Jesus, one of God’s family and you sin, your fellowship with the Father is hindered and you will not experience God’s peace. You do not lose your relationship with the Father, you are still His child and God’s promise is yours – you have peace as in a treaty or covenant with Him, but you may not sense the emotion of peace with Him. Sin grieves the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:29-31), but God’s Word has a promise for you, “We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous” (I John 2:1). He intercedes for us (Romans 8:34). His death for us was “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). I John 1:9 gives us His promise, “If we confess (acknowledge) our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The passage speaks about the restoration of that fellowship and with it our peace. Read I John1:1-10.

We are in the process of writing answers to other questions on this topic, look for them soon. Peace with God is one of the many things God gives us when we accept His Son, Jesus, and are saved through faith in Him.

This is one of the most common questions asked of theologians.  Actually everyone experiences bad stuff at some time or another.  People also ask why do good things happen for bad people? I think that this whole question “begs” us to ask other very relevant questions such as, “Who is really good anyway?” or “Why do bad things occur at all?” or “Where or when did bad ‘stuff’ (suffering) start or originate?”

From God’s point of view, according to Scripture, there are no good or righteous people.  Ecclesiastes 7:20 says, “There is not a righteous man on earth, who continually does good and who never sins.”  Romans 3:10-12 describes mankind saying in verse 10, “There is none righteous,” and in verse 12, “There is no one who does good.”  (See also Psalms 14:1-3 and Psalms 53:1-3.) No one stands before God, in and of himself, as “good”.

That is not to say that a bad person, or anyone for that matter, can never do a good deed.  This is speaking of continuous behavior, not a single act.

So why does God say that no one is “good” when we see people as good to bad with “many shades of gray in between.”  Where then should we draw a line between who is good and who is bad, and what about the poor soul who is “on the line.”

God says it this way in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” and in Isaiah 64:6 it says, “all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment.”  Our good deeds are tainted by pride, self gain, impure motives or some other sin.  Romans 3:19 says that all the world has become “guilty before God.”  James 2:10 says, “Whoever offends in one point is guilty of all.”  In verse 11 it says “you have become a lawbreaker.”

So how did we get here as a human race and how does it affect what happens to us.  It all started with Adam’s sin and also our sin, because every person sins, just as Adam did.  Psalm 51:5 shows us we are born with a sinful nature.  It says, “I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.”  Romans 5:12 tells us that, “sin entered the world through one man (Adam).”  Then it says, “and death through sin.” (Romans 6:23 says, “the wages of sin is death.”)  Death entered the world because God pronounced a curse upon Adam for his sin which caused physical death to enter the world (Genesis 3:14-19).  Actual physical death did not occur at once, but the process was begun.  So as a result, illness, tragedy and death happen to all of us, no matter where we fall on our “gray scale.”  When death entered the world, all suffering entered with it, all as a result of sin.  And so we all suffer, for “all have sinned.”  To simplify, Adam sinned and death and suffering came to all men because all have sinned.

Psalms 89:48 says, “what man can live and not see death, or save himself from the power of the grave.”  (Read Romans 8:18-23.)  Death happens to all, not just to those we perceive as bad, but also to those we perceive as good.  (Read Romans chapters 3-5 to understand God’s truth.)

In spite of this fact, in other words, despite our deserving death, God continues to send us His blessings.  God does call some people good, in spite of the fact that we all sin.  For instance, God said Job was upright. So what determines if a person is bad or good and upright in God’s eyes?  God had a plan to forgive our sins and make us righteous.  Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrated His love for us in this: while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

John 3:16 says, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  (See also Romans 5:16-18.)  Romans 5:4 tells us that, “Abraham believed God and it was credited (counted) to him as righteousness.”  Abraham was declared righteous by faith.  Verse five says that if anyone has faith like Abraham they too are declared righteous.  It is not earned, but given as a gift when we believe on His Son Who died for us. (Romans 3:28)

Romans 4:22-25 states, “the words, ‘it was credited to him’ were not for him alone but also for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.  Romans 3:22 makes it clear what we must believe saying, “this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe,” because (Galatians 3:13), “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us for it is written ‘cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.'”  (Read I Corinthians 15:1-4)

Believing is God’s only requirement for our being made righteous.  When we believe we also are forgiven our sins.  Romans 4:7&8 says, “Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.”  When we believe we are ‘born again” into God’s family; we become His children. (See John 1:12.)  John 3 verses 18 & 36 show us that while those who believe have life, those who do not believe are condemned already.

God proved that we would have life by raising Christ.  He is referred to as the firstborn from the dead.  I Corinthians 15:20 says that when Christ returns, even if we die, He will also raise us up.  Verse 42 says that the new body will be imperishable.

So what does this mean for us, if we are all “bad” in God’s sight and deserve punishment and death, but God declares those “upright” who believe in His Son, what effect does this have on bad things happening to “good” people.  God sends good things to all, (Read Matthew 6:45) but all men suffer and die.  Why does God allow His children to suffer?  Until God gives us our new body we are still subject to physical death and whatever may cause it.  I Corinthians 15:26 says, “the last enemy to be destroyed is death.”

There are several reasons why God allows this.  The best picture is in Job, whom God called upright.  I have numbered some of these reasons:

#1.There is warfare between God and Satan and we are involved.  We have all sung “Onward Christian Soldiers,” but we forget so easily that the warfare is very real.

In the book of Job, Satan went to God and accused Job, saying that the only reason he followed God was because God blessed him with riches and health.  So God “allowed” Satan to test Job’s loyalty with affliction; but God put a “hedge” around Job (a limit to which Satan could cause his suffering). Satan could only do what God allowed.

We see by this that Satan cannot afflict us or touch us except with God’s permission and within limits.  God is always in control.  We also see that in the end, even though Job was not perfect, testing God’s reasons, he never denied God.  He blessed him beyond “all he could ask or think.”

Psalms 97:10b (NIV) says, “He guards the lives of His faithful ones.”  Romans 8:28 says, “We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God.”  This is God’s promise to all believers.  He does and will protect us and He always has a purpose.  Nothing is random and He always will bless us – bring about good with it.

We are in a conflict and some suffering may be a result of this.  In this conflict Satan tries to discourage or even stop us from serving God.  He wants us to stumble or quit.

Jesus once said to Peter in Luke 22:31, “Simon, Simon, Satan has demanded permission to sift you as wheat.”  I Peter 5:8 states, “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.  James 4:7b says, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you,” and in Ephesians 6 we are told to “stand firm” by putting on the full armor of God.

In all of these tests God will teach us to be strong and stand as a loyal soldier; that God is worthy of our trust.  We will see His power and deliverance and blessing.

I Corinthians 10:11 and 2 Timothy 3:15 teach us that the Old Testament Scriptures were written for our instruction in righteousness.  In Job’s case he may not have understood all (or any) of the reasons for his suffering and neither may we.

#2. Another reason, which is also revealed in Job’s story, is to bring glory to God.  When God proved Satan was wrong about Job, God was glorified.  In John 11:4 we see this when Jesus said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified.”  God often chooses to heal us for His glory, so we may become sure of His care for us or perhaps as a witness to His Son, so others might believe in Him.

Psalm 109:26&27 says, “save me and let them know that this is Thy hand; Thou, Lord, hast done it.”  Read also Psalm 50:15.  It says, “I will rescue you and you will honor me.”

#3. Another reason we may suffer is that it teaches us obedience.  Hebrews 5:8 says, “Christ learned obedience by the things which He suffered.”  John tells us that Jesus always did the Father’s will but He actually experienced it as a man when He went to the garden and prayed, “Father, not my will but thine be done.”  Philippians 2:5-8 shows us that Jesus “became obedient to death, even death on the cross.” This was the Father’s will.

We can say we will follow and obey – Peter did that and then stumbled by denying Jesus – but we don’t really obey until we actually face a test (a choice) and do the right thing.

Job learned to obey when he was tested by suffering and refused to “curse God,” and remained faithful.  Will we continue to follow Christ when He allows a test or will we give up and quit?

When Jesus’ teaching became difficult to understand many disciples left – stopped following Him.  At that time He said to Peter, “will you also go away?”  Peter answered, “Where would I go; you have the words of eternal life.”  Then Peter declared Jesus to be God’s Messiah.  He made a choice.  This should be our response when tested.

#4. Christ’s suffering also enabled Him to be our perfect High Priest and Intercessor, understanding all our trials and life’s hardships by actual experience as a human being.  (Hebrews 7:25)  This is true for us also.  Suffering can make us mature and complete and enable us to comfort and intercede (pray) for others who are suffering as we have.  It is part of making us mature (2 Timothy 3:15).  2 Corinthians 1:3-11 teaches us about this aspect of suffering.  It says, “the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we may comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we have ourselves received from God.”  If you read this whole passage you learn a lot about suffering, as you can also from Job. 1). That God will show His comfort and care.  2). God will show you He is able to deliver you. and 3). We learn to pray for others.  Would we pray for others or for ourselves if there was no NEED?  He wants us to call on Him, to come to Him.  It also causes us to help each other.  It makes us care for others and realize others in the body of Christ care for us.  It teaches us to love each other, the function of the church, Christ’s body of believers.

#5. As seen in James chapter one, suffering helps us persevere, perfecting us and making us stronger.  This was true of Abraham and Job who learned they could be strong because God was with them to uphold them.  Deuteronomy 33:27 says, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”  How many times does Psalms say God is our Shield or Fortress or Rock or Refuge?  Once you experience His comfort, peace or deliverance or rescue in some trial personally, you never forget it and when you have another trial you’re stronger or you can share it and help another.

It teaches us to depend on God and not ourselves, to look to Him, not ourselves or other people for our help (2 Corinthians 1:9-11).  We see our frailty and look to God for all our needs.

#6. It is commonly assumed that most suffering for believers is God’s judgment or discipline (punishment) for some sin we have committed.  This was true of the church in Corinth where the church was full of people who continued in many of their former sins.  I Corinthians 11:30 states that God was judging them, saying, “many are weak and sickly among you and many sleep (have died).  In extreme cases God may take a rebellious person “out of the picture” as we say.  I believe this is rare and extreme, but it does occur.  The Hebrews in the Old Testament are an example of this.  Over and over they rebelled against God in not trusting Him and in not obeying Him, but He was patient and longsuffering.  He punished them, but accepted their return to Him and forgave them.  It was only after repeated disobedience that He severely punished them by allowing their enemies to enslave them in captivity.

We should learn from this.  Sometimes suffering is God’s discipline, but we have seen many other reasons for suffering.  If we are suffering because of sin, God will forgive us if we ask Him to.  It is up to us, as it says in I Corinthians 11:28&31, to examine ourselves.  If we search our hearts and find we have sinned, I John 1:9 says we must “acknowledge our sin.”  The promise is that He will “forgives us our sin and cleanse us.”

Remember that Satan is the “accuser of the brethren” (Revelation 12:10) and as with Job he wants to accuse us so he can cause us to stumble and deny God.  (Read Romans 8:1.)  If we have confessed our sin, He has forgiven us, unless we have repeated our sin.  If we have repeated our sin we need to confess it again as often as necessary.

Unfortunately, this is often the first thing other believers say if a person suffers.  Go back to Job.  His three “friends” relentlessly told Job he must be sinning or he wouldn’t be suffering.  They were wrong.  I Corinthians says in chapter 11, to examine yourselves.  We should not judge others, unless we are a witness to a specific sin, then we can correct them in love; neither should we accept this as the first reason for “trouble,” for ourselves or others.  We can be too quick to judge.

It also says, if we are sick, we can ask the elders to pray for us and if we have sinned it will be forgiven (James 5:13-15).  Psalm 39:11 says, “You rebuke and discipline men for their sin,” and Psalm 94:12 says, “Blessed is the man you discipline O Lord, the man you teach from your law.”

Read Hebrews 12:6-17.  He disciplines us because we are His children and He loves us.  In I Peter 4:1, 12&13 and I Peter 2:19-21 we see that discipline purifies us by this process.

#7. Some natural catastrophes can be judgments on people, groups or even nations, as seen with the Egyptians in the Old Testament.  Often we hear stories of God’s protection of His own during these events as He did with the Israelites.

#8. Paul presents another possible reason for troubles or infirmity.  In I Corinthians 12:7-10 we see that God allowed Satan to afflict Paul, “to buffet him,” to keep him from “exalting himself.”  God may send affliction to keep us humble.

#9. Many times suffering, as it was for Job or Paul, can serve more than one purpose.  If you read further in 2 Corinthians 12, it also served to teach, or cause Paul to experience God’s grace.  Verse 9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, my strength is made perfect in weakness.”  Verse 10 says, “For Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties, for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

#10. Scripture also shows us that when we suffer, we share in Christ’s suffering,  (Read Philippians 3:10). Romans 8:17&18 teaches that believers “will” suffer, sharing in his suffering, but that those who do will also reign with Him.  Read I Peter 2:19-22

God’s Great Love

We know that when God allows us any suffering it is for our good because He loves us (Romans 5:8).  We know that He is also always with us so He knows about everything which occurs in our life.  There are no surprises.  Read Matthew 28:20; Psalm 23 and 2 Corinthians 13:11-14.  Hebrews 13:5 says, “He will never leave us or forsake us.”  Psalms says He encamps around us.  See also Psalm 32:10; 125:2; 46:11 and 34:7.  God doesn’t just discipline, He blesses us.

In the Psalms it is obvious that David and the other Psalmists knew that God loved them and surrounded them with His protection and care.  Psalm 136 (NIV) states in every verse that His love endures forever.  I found that this word is translated love in the NIV, mercy in the KJV and lovingkindness in the NASV.  Scholars say there is not one English word which describes or translates the Hebrew word used here, or should I say no adequate word.

I came to the conclusion that no one word could describe the divine love, the kind of love God has for us.  It seems it is an undeserved love (hence the translation mercy) which is beyond human comprehension, which is steadfast, enduring, unbreakable, undying and everlasting.  John 3:16 says it is so great He gave up His Son to die for our sin (Reread Romans 5:8).  It is with this great love that He corrects us as a child is corrected by a father, but by which discipline He desires to bless us.  Psalm 145:9 says, “the Lord is good to all.”  See also Psalm 37:13&14; 55:28 and 33:18&19.

We tend to associate God’s blessings with getting things which we want, like a new car or house –the desires of our hearts, often selfish wants.  Matthew 6:33 says He adds these to us if we seek His kingdom first.  (See also Psalm 36:5.)  Much of the time we beg for stuff which isn’t good for us – much like little children.  Psalm 84:11 says, “no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.”

In my quick search through Psalms I found many ways in which God cares for and blesses us. There are far too many verses to write them all out.  Look some up – you will be blessed.  He is Our:

1). Provider: Psalm 104:14-30 – He provides for all creation.

Psalm 36:5-10

Matthew 6:28 tells us He cares for the birds and lilies and says we are more important to Him than these.  Luke 12 tells about sparrows and says every hair on our head is numbered.  How can we doubt His love.  Psalm 95:7 says, “we…are the flock under His care.”  James 1:17 tells us, “every good gift and every perfect gift comes from above.”

Philippians 4:6 and I Peter 5:7 say we should not be anxious for anything, but we should ask Him to meet our needs because He cares for us.  David did this repeatedly as is recorded in the Psalms.

2). He is our: Deliverer, Protector, Defender.  Psalm 40:17  He rescues us; helps us when we are persecuted.  Psalm 91:5-7, 9&10; Psalm 41:1&2

3). He is our Refuge, Rock and Fortress.  Psalm 94:22; 62:8

4). He sustains us. Psalm 41:1

5). He is our Healer.  Psalm 41:3

6). He forgives us.  I John 1:9

7). He is our Helper and Keeper.  Psalm 121  (Who among us hasn’t complained to God or asked Him to help us locate something we misplaced – a very little thing – or begged Him to heal us from terrible sickness or had Him rescue us from some tragedy or accident – a very big thing. He cares about it all.)

8). He gives us peace.  Psalm 84:11; Psalm 85:8

9). He gives us strength.  Psalm 86:16

10). He saves from natural disasters.  Psalm 46:1-3

11). He sent Jesus to save us.  Psalm 106:1; 136:1; Jeremiah 33:11  We mentioned His greatest act of love.  Romans 5:8 tells us that this is how He demonstrates His love for us, for He did this while we were still sinners.  (John 3:16; I John 3:1, 16)  He loves us so much He makes us His children.  John 1:12

There are so many descriptions of God’s love in Scripture:

His love is higher than the heavens.  Psalm 103

Nothing can separate us from it.  Romans 8:35

It is everlasting.  Psalm 136; Jeremiah 31:3

In John 15:9 and 13:1 Jesus tells us how He loves His disciples.

In 2 Corinthians 13:11&14 He is called the “God of Love.”

In I John 4:7 it says, “love is from God.”

In I John 4:8 it says “GOD IS LOVE.”

As His beloved children He will both correct and bless us.  In Psalm 97:11 (NIV) it says “He gives us JOY,” and Psalm 92:12&13 says that “the righteous will flourish.”  Psalm 34:8 says, “taste and see that the LORD is good…how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.”

God sometimes sends special blessings and promises for particular acts of obedience.  Psalm 128 describes blessings for walking in His ways.  In the beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) He rewards certain behaviors.  In Psalm 41:1-3 He blesses those who help the poor.  So sometimes His blessings are conditional (Psalm 112:4&5).

In suffering, God wants us to cry out, asking for His help as David did.  There is a distinct Scriptural correlation between ‘asking” and “receiving.”  David cried to God and received His help, and so it is with us.  He wants us to ask so we understand it is He Who gives the answer and then to give Him thanks.  Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Psalm 35:6 says, “this poor man cried and the Lord heard him,” and verse 15 says, “His ears are open to their cry,” and “the righteous cry and the Lord hears them and delivers them out of all their troubles.”  Psalm 34:7 says, “I sought the Lord and He answered me.”  See Psalm 103:1&2; Psalm 116:1-7; Psalm 34:10;  Psalm 35:10; Psalm 34:5; Psalm 103:17 and Psalm 37:28, 39&40.  God’s greatest desire is to hear and answer the cry of the unsaved who believe and receive His Son as their Savior and to give them eternal life (Psalm 86:5).

Conclusion

To conclude, all people will suffer in some way at some time and because we have all sinned we fall under the curse which eventually brings about physical death.  Psalm 90:10 says, “The length of our days is seventy years or eighty if we have strength, yet their span is but trouble and sorrow.”  This is reality.  Read Psalm 49:10-15.

But God loves us and wishes to bless all of us.  God does show His special blessings, favor, promises and protection on the righteous, to those who believe and who love and serve Him, but God causes His blessings (like rain) to fall on all, “the just and the unjust” (Matthew 4:45).  See Psalm 30:3&4; Proverbs 11:35 and Psalm 106:4.  As we have seen God’s greatest act of love, His best Gift and Blessing was the gift of His Son, Whom He sent to die for our sins (I Corinthians 15:1-3).  Read John 3:15-18 & 36 and I John 3:16 and Romans 5:8 again.)

God promises to hear the call (cry) of the righteous and He will hear and answer all who believe and call upon Him to save them.  Romans 10:13 says, “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  I Timothy 2:3&4 says He “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  Revelation 22:17 says, “Whosoever will may come,” and John 6:48 says He will “not cast them away.”  He makes them His children (John 1:12) and they come under His special favor (Psalm 36:5).

Simply put, if God rescued us from all illness or danger we would never die and we would remain in the world as we know it forever, but God promises us a new life and a new body.  I don’t think we would wish to remain in the world as it is forever.  As believers when we die we will instantly be with the Lord forever.  Everything will be new and He will create a new and perfect heaven and earth (Revelation 21:1, 5).  Revelation 22:3 says, “there shall no longer be any curse,” and Revelation 21:4 says that, “the first things have passed away.”  Revelation 21:4 also says, “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”  Romans 8:18-25 tells us that all of creation groans and suffers waiting for that day.

For now, God doesn’t allow anything to happen to us that isn’t for our good (Romans 8:28).  God has a reason for whatever He allows, such as our experiencing His strength and sustaining power, or His deliverance.  Suffering will cause us to come to Him, causing us to cry (pray) to Him and look to Him and trust Him.

This is all about acknowledging God and Who He is.  It is all about His sovereignty and glory.  Those who refuse to worship God as God will fall into sin (Read Romans 1:16-32.).  They make themselves god.  Job had to acknowledge his God as Creator and Sovereign.  Psalm 95:6&7 says, “let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker, for He is our God.”  Psalm 96:8 says, “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due HIS NAME.”  Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.”