Not only did the resurrection of Christ show his glory, it was also manifested through the cross. This notion of our suffering and glory go hand in hand with the suffering and glory of Christ.

Those who suffer are called to share in eternal glory, which is made clearly manifest by the resurrection of Christ. I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”įurther on in Romans 8 he tells us, “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him who are called according to his purpose” (v. Paul says: “…and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. This notion of suffering to obtain eternal glory is also found in Roman 8:17-18 where Paul is speaking of receiving the Spirit of sonship whereby we become children of God and co-heirs with Christ. Dying, living, and reigning with Christ are aspects of salvation they “go with eternal glory.” He endures his suffering so that they may obtain salvation. In this passage, we see clearly that Paul views his suffering as being salvific for others he suffers to bring the Gospel, the message of salvation, to the people. The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we shall also live with him if we endure, we shall also reign with him” (vv. We hear how his suffering affects other when he says: “I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which in Christ Jesus goes with eternal glory. Following this Paul speaks of his imprisonment for the preaching of the Gospel, “the gospel for which I am suffering and wearing fetters like a criminal” (v. In 2 Timothy Paul says, “Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2:3). Paul’s understanding of suffering as a participation in salvation is especially evident when he speaks of how his suffering affects others.

Suffering produces endurance