Comprehensive Doctrine of Justification (23)
[Romans 5:3-4]
As we contemplate the ninth sub-theme under the overarching theme of "Comprehensive Doctriine of Justification," we are currently reflecting on the eighth sub-theme, "The Result of Justification." We have already considered the result of justification in three aspects: (1) The Result of Justification (1): We have obtained peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1). (2) The Result of Justification (2): Through Jesus Christ, we have gained access by faith into God's grace, in which we now stand (v. 2a). (3) The Result of Justification (3): We can rejoice in the hope of the glory of God (v. 2b). Today, we want to meditate on "The Result of Justification (4)" with a focus on Romans 5:3-4:
Look at Romans 5:3-4: "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." The phrase "Not only so" refers not only to the statement in Romans 5:2b, "and we boast in the hope of the glory of God," but it extends to "we also glory in our sufferings." This world is filled with suffering, and we even sing praise acknowledging the severity of it. The term "sufferings" refers to pressure, being pressed down, severe difficulties, and the like. Look at Revelation 21:1 – “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.” This verse speaks of a new heaven and a new earth, where the former things, including the sea, will be no more. The absence of the "sea" signifies the absence of the pains, diseases, troubles, and sufferings of this world. While on this earth, we are destined to face suffering. Therefore, we rejoice in suffering as we hope for the glory of God (Rom. 5:2). Even in the future, we will face tribulations. All of us will experience great tribulation. Nevertheless, we rejoice in suffering (v. 3). Those who receive righteousness rejoice even in the midst of suffering. The reason is that the suffering endured by the righteous is for the sake of Christ, for the sake of the Lord's work, and for the sake of faith. Philippians 1:29 says, "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him." The suffering of the righteous is for Christ's sake, and thus, it is a grace from God. That's why we can rejoice. Acts 14:22 states, "strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. 'We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,' they said." The apostle Paul not only urged his disciples to be steadfast but also stated that many hardships are necessary to enter the kingdom of God. In a sense, suffering is a required course in the journey to heaven. In other words, as we walk the path of the cross, the narrow road like Jesus, there will be suffering. Therefore, we rejoice even in the suffering on the way to heaven. So, when we suffer for the Lord, for the kingdom of the Lord, for the work of the Lord, it is a joyful thing. The suffering of the righteous is for the sake of Christ and is part of God's grace. Therefore, we can be happy even in times of suffering. Matthew 5:10-11 says, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Even when suffering is not for the sake of the Lord, such as during a pandemic like COVID-19, those who have received righteousness still rejoice. The reason is that nothing happens without God's permission. In other words, everything, including suffering, happens within God's will. Isaiah 45:7 affirms, "I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things." How great a blessing it is, and how grateful we should be that we have received justification! The reason we can rejoice in suffering is that suffering produces perseverance (Rom. 5:3). What we need most when we face suffering is to cultivate patience and endure to the end. Therefore, we should learn patience in times of suffering and become patient individuals.
The Bible teaches that perseverance produces character (Romans 5:4). As we continue to endure, our character is formed. Therefore, as those who have undergone character formation, we must seek recognition. A notable example is Timothy, as mentioned in Philippians 2:22: "But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father, he has served with me in the work of the gospel." However, character formation is never an easy process. 1 Peter 1:7 states, "These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." To be refined like pure gold, we must undergo trials by fire. As expressed in Hymn 450, "My sole desire throughout my life," verse 3: "Though trials come like fiery tests, do not be afraid...." When we are refined, the Lord will grant us praise, glory, and honor when He is revealed.
The Bible declares, "Perseverance produces character" (Rom. 5:4). Our hope is heaven, and through perseverance, we ultimately reach that hope (heaven). The reason we hope for heaven is that when we reach heaven, we will live with the Lord forever. Pastor Nathan Kim recently visited our church and taught us about "eternity." For example, suppose there is a bird on a planet near Earth, and its mission is to transport sand from Earth. However, to travel from that planet to Earth takes a million years. So, the bird spends a million years going to Earth, picking up sand from the beach, takes another million years to transport it back to the planet, and repeats this process. Eventually, the bird succeeds in moving all the sand from the beach. However, eternity is much more extensive than all those years combined. Therefore, when we pray, saying, "Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever," let's meditate more on the term "forever" and consider the idea of living with Jesus forever in God's kingdom (heaven). How amazing is that blessing! God has granted this incredible blessing to those who have received justification. Those who do not receive justification will not achieve this hope; instead, they will face eternal punishment in hell. Therefore, we must share this gospel with them so that they can enjoy eternal blessings with us in heaven.
This is from Habakkuk 3:17-19: "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments." Even if, as recipients of righteousness, we experience extreme hardship, we should rejoice in the Lord and be glad in our God, our Savior. We, as recipients of righteousness, should go so far as to rejoice in adversity (Rom. 5:3). When Apostle Paul intended to go up to Jerusalem, people advised against it, but Paul said, "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace" (Acts 20:24). Eventually, Paul went up to Jerusalem, was arrested, and later martyred in prison. Currently, amid the war in Ukraine, there are missionaries who have chosen to stay and continue their mission work despite the impending hardship. They are aware of the challenges they might face but remain in that place. Therefore, we should not only find joy in adversity but also be glad even in the face of difficulties.