THE CHRISTIAN PARADOX OF SUFFERING
August 30, 2026William Arnot [1808 to 1875] a well-respected Scottish pastor, theologian and professor speaking about our life, as Christians on the earth, has these deep and profound words to probe our faith and our commitment to Christ the LORD.
– “To every true Christian these two things may be said: You have need of Christ and Christ has need of you. The simple fact that a Christian is on earth and not in heaven, is proof that there is something for him here to do; and if he is not doing it, the neglect shows either that he is not yet a Christian or that he is a Christian who grieves Christ.” – William Arnot
The Bible tells us in unambiguous words that we as Christians are to be the disciples, witnesses and ambassadors for our Redeemer, the LORD Jesus Christ. In simpler words, “We are called to be God’s witnesses in this world.”
– “18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth…”8…you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”…”15…”Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”…19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” – Matthew 28:18, Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19-20
– “15…He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again…20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:15,20
Now we have to ask the next question, “What does it mean to be God’s witnesses in this world?”
To be God’s witness is not merely to speak about the LORD Jesus Christ, and about the salvation that is available in Him alone. We have to also show the fruits of that salvation in our personal lives. Unless the fruit of God’s working is seen in our own lives, how will someone believe what we are “witnessing” [speaking] about the LORD Jesus?
– “14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” “19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” “26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” – James 2:14;19-20;26
The last question, and the most important question should be, “Are we being God’s witnesses in this world?” Do our lives display clearly and visibly that our morals, ethics and principles by which we live are radically different from the rest of the world we live in. Our lives should be a reflection of the LORD Jesus Christ, who is our LORD, our Saviour and our Master – our role model, who we follow in our thoughts, words and deeds.
– “1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” – Ephesians 5:1-2
Let us seek the LORD Jesus earnestly and sincerely that we may live in our thoughts, words and deeds, just as He wants us to live. Even so, the LORD help us.
