Present suffering and future glory

Since we are children (heirs) of God (Rom. 8:17)

we have no choice but to suffer “present sufferings” (v. 18).

But even when we suffer, we must be patient and keep our faith

since we have a sure and clear hope.

That hope is the glory that will be revealed to us in the future (v. 18).

The glory that will be revealed to us is not worthy to be compared with the present sufferings (v. 18).

The exceedingly great and eternal glory cannot be compared with (v. 18)

our light and momentary troubles that are achieving for us (2 Cor. 4:17).

What is the glory to be revealed that cannot be compared with the present sufferings?

It is the redemption of our bodies (Rom. 8:23).

The day when Jesus comes back to earth, the day the last trumpet is sounded (1 Cor. 15:52),

our perishable bodies will surely be resurrected and transformed into imperishable bodies (v. 52).

Our bodies will be transformed to be like the glorious body of Jesus Christ (Phil. 3:21).

In addition to this, the glory of the life to come is that we will enjoy eternal life in heaven,

we will see the Lord face to face (1 Cor. 13:12; Rev. 22:4),

we will reign with Christ (Rev. 22:5),

and we will live forever shining (v. 5).

Therefore,

As we have assurance of the glory that is to be revealed to us,

we must carry the Lord’s given mission to us patiently and with perseverance

in the midst of suffering and persecution.