His Suffering and Our Suffering

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 8
Positive, direct suffering from God is for sin; from man it is for righteousness. Christ suffered for sins that we never might [have to suffer for them]. We are healed by, not partakers of, His stripes. What Christ has suffered from the forsaking of God as the consequence of sin He has suffered alone, and exactly, as to us, with the object that we never should taste one drop of that dreadful, bitter and to us—insupportable cup. Were we to drink it, we must do so as condemned sinners.
But in the sufferings of Christ for righteousness, and in those which were caused to Him through His work of love, we are feeble as our faith is to have a part. To us it is given, not only to believe on, but also to suffer for His name (Phil. 1:2929For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; (Philippians 1:29)). If we suffer with Him, we shall reign with Him (2 Tim. 2:1212If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: (2 Timothy 2:12)). If we suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are we (1 Peter 3:1414But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; (1 Peter 3:14)), and yet more blessed if we suffer for His name the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon us (1 Peter 4:1414If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (1 Peter 4:14)).
J. N. Darby