A Trinity of Consolation for the Church, the Israel of God
Jesus Christ is the consolation of Israel (Lk 2:25). The Israel of God is the church of Jesus Christ (Gal 6:16), comprised of God’s elect people (Eph 1:4–5), from every nation, tribe, and tongue (Rev 5:9; 7:9). Jesus Christ was sent into the world from God His Father (Jn 3:16), who is called, “the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort (2 Cor 1:3).”
Jesus promised His disciples they would have trouble in the world (Jn 16:33). The world hates Christians because it hates Christ (Jn 7:7; 15:18–25). Because Christ Jesus returned to heaven following His life, death, and resurrection from the dead, He and His Father have sent the Holy Spirit to baptize, regenerate, adopt, indwell, and sanctify God’s elect, redeemed people (Jn 14:26; 15:26).
The Holy Spirit is the Christian’s guide (Jn 16:13), Helper, Teacher, and Comforter in this life (Jn 14:26–27). The indwelling Spirit never leaves nor forsakes God’s adopted children (Rom 8:9, 11, 15, 23; Heb 13:5). God gives us His Word of assurance in the Scriptures, and only there do we have confidence in this doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, by God’s preserving grace.
The Scriptures also warn us that the weakness of our flesh and difficult circumstances will stir carnal doubts. The Bible clearly teaches that doubt is sin, but as fearful sheep sometimes, our faith is hindered by temptations. For example, the devil may tempt us to doubt the Scriptures being God’s holy and infallible Word. Or he may use adverse circumstances to instill doubt that we are even saved.
As we follow in the steps of Jesus Christ, as children of light in this dark world, we walk by faith in the Son of God (2 Cor 5:7), who has overcome the world (Jn 16:33). We share in His victory (1 Jn 5:4), but our course through this world is suffering (2 Cor 1:4–7), as was His life of suffering. In fact, the Apostle Paul expresses this economy in one brief statement, “For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds by Christ (2 Cor 1:5).”
We must ever remember that our God is sovereign, and in His decree and providence, He does as He pleases (Ps 115:3; 135:6). God ordains our sufferings, even as He did for His Son, the Messiah and suffering Servant, foretold by the prophet Isaiah (Is 53). Jesus Christ suffered and was sanctified that His beloved would be with Him, in the glory to be revealed to us following this present suffering (Rom 8:18). We are surely co-heirs with Christ (Rom 8:17), of an eternal inheritance (Heb 9:15), but we also share together as fellow partakers of the sufferings (2 Cor 1:7).
Our sanctification is included in God’s eternal purpose, carried out in Christ Jesus (Eph 3:11). Therefore, our ordained sufferings are not a paradox to our eternal consolation, provided by the Trinity (2 Thess 2:16). We lay hold upon the hope set before us (Heb 6:18), experiencing joy amidst our tribulations (Jn 1:2), just as Jesus did with the cross set before Him (Heb 12:2).
There is a definite limit to what kind and volume of sufferings God subjects us to, in the discipline of the ones He loves with an everlasting love (Jer 31:3; Heb 12:4–11). Just as the devil was limited in his testing of Job and sifting of Peter, so we have God’s Word that we will not be tempted beyond what we are able to endure (1 Cor 10:13). A way of escape is promised, along with the assurance that what we are going through is common to man.
We must reject the extremes in these matters. One may suggest a Christian never doubts, or withstands every temptation, thus, avoiding sin, altogether. Perfectionism is an absurd conclusion, however. Another may strangely glory in doubts, taking a firm stand that there is no blessed assurance and faith can be lost. Neither of these positions is tenable, as Scripture corrects them both.
We must ever remember the position of the Christian, in Christ and still living in the world. The believer remains in the body of flesh, which is weak in sin (Mt 26:41; Rom 6:19; 8:3). There is no justification by works of the flesh, nor is sanctification advanced by the body of death. Rather, every saint is the object of grace. We are justified by grace (Rom 3:24; Titus 3:7), and we are sanctified by grace (1 Pet 1:2). Grace is the work of God to secure His vessels of mercy (Rom 9:23), for a salvation that is eternal (Mk 16:20; 2 Tim 2:10).
The omniscient, omnipresent Spirit of Christ knows the current status of every believer’s measure and exercise of faith. Because it is the indwelling Holy Spirit, who is willing and working (Phil 2:13), our status is ever in His control. Therefore, even our prayers must be aligned with what God commands His people to obey. For only God can cause us to walk in His statutes (Ezek 36:27).
To deny our reality of doubt, temptation, and sin is imprudent. To deny that it is only the grace worked in us, by the Holy Spirit that grants us blessed assurance, is to foolishly put confidence in sinful flesh. Therefore, Christian, when in doubt, acknowledge your helpless status and confess your sins. Call upon the name of the Lord for deliverance (Joel 2:32), from your temporary state of carnal doubt, grievous temptation, and wavering sensitivity to the promises of God.
Jesus Christ is faithful and true (Rev 3:14; 19:11). He will accomplish all that concerns you (Ps 57:2; 138:8), Christian, even the Spirit working to re-ignite your faith, as you wallow in the slough of despond or suffer the fiery darts of your adversary (Eph 6:16). His love never changes (Mic 7:18), nor does His design for the consolation and salvation of His beloved. Comfort one another with these truths, and encourage all the saints to remember His grace is sufficient and His love endures, forever (1 Kgs 10:9; 2 Cor 12:9).
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
October 7, 2022
