Theology Thursday
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12
On Thursdays we are delving into Biblical Theology, that is tracing themes as they unfold across the Bible and history. Today, we consider the theme of Christian trials.
And the trial begins in the garden of Eden. Have you ever thought of the garden like this? It fits the bill. A test and a reward. Work the garden, eat of any tree except this tree, be fruitful and multiply and you can enjoy the tree of life.
Now, of course Adam & Eve will fail the trial and plunge the world into sin, but this also sets up an ongoing pattern of the trial of the people of God. Abraham of course will face the test of trusting God’s promise even to the point of offering his own Son.
Israel, after their Exodus from Egypt will undergo several similar trials. Firstly in the wilderness. God has offered them the promised land if only they will follow Him faithfully. Which they don’t.
By His grace, God gives the next generation of Israel the promised land if only they will keep it free from sin and follow Him faithfully. Which they don’t.
But maybe. Just maybe someone is coming who will be a faithful Son and people of God. Who will resist the temptations of sin and trust God with complete obedience. Who will fulfil the law and triumph. Of course you know where I am going.
Jesus overcomes many trials. In the wilderness. In the garden. And finally on the cross. He never fails. He never falls short. And so He is rewarded with the glory due the triumphant one in His resurrection and ascension to the throne of heaven as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His is eternal life and He is able to share it with those who He claims as His.
For them, the new people of God, Jesus has completed the trial for them and won the reward which He shares. Does that mean these Christians must do nothing? Well, not exactly. We don’t need to obey the law perfectly. But we do need to keep trusting Jesus.
This is our trial (which James speaks of). It’s to keep trusting in Jesus’ victory over sin and death for us even as we suffer for Him. It’s to endure the many troubles and tribulations of a world steeped in sin. But waiting for us after our trial, is the reward that Christ won for us, the crown of eternal life with Him in paradise.
For Today:
Pray:
Praise the Father that He is merciful to sinners. Give thanks for Jesus who completed the trial for us. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others endure, looking forward to the crown of life.
James 1:12
On Thursdays we are delving into Biblical Theology, that is tracing themes as they unfold across the Bible and history. Today, we consider the theme of Christian trials.
And the trial begins in the garden of Eden. Have you ever thought of the garden like this? It fits the bill. A test and a reward. Work the garden, eat of any tree except this tree, be fruitful and multiply and you can enjoy the tree of life.
Now, of course Adam & Eve will fail the trial and plunge the world into sin, but this also sets up an ongoing pattern of the trial of the people of God. Abraham of course will face the test of trusting God’s promise even to the point of offering his own Son.
Israel, after their Exodus from Egypt will undergo several similar trials. Firstly in the wilderness. God has offered them the promised land if only they will follow Him faithfully. Which they don’t.
By His grace, God gives the next generation of Israel the promised land if only they will keep it free from sin and follow Him faithfully. Which they don’t.
But maybe. Just maybe someone is coming who will be a faithful Son and people of God. Who will resist the temptations of sin and trust God with complete obedience. Who will fulfil the law and triumph. Of course you know where I am going.
Jesus overcomes many trials. In the wilderness. In the garden. And finally on the cross. He never fails. He never falls short. And so He is rewarded with the glory due the triumphant one in His resurrection and ascension to the throne of heaven as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His is eternal life and He is able to share it with those who He claims as His.
For them, the new people of God, Jesus has completed the trial for them and won the reward which He shares. Does that mean these Christians must do nothing? Well, not exactly. We don’t need to obey the law perfectly. But we do need to keep trusting Jesus.
This is our trial (which James speaks of). It’s to keep trusting in Jesus’ victory over sin and death for us even as we suffer for Him. It’s to endure the many troubles and tribulations of a world steeped in sin. But waiting for us after our trial, is the reward that Christ won for us, the crown of eternal life with Him in paradise.
For Today:
- Do you trust that Jesus completed the trial of obedience for you?
- What trials are you going through today?
- What’s one thing you could do to keep enduring, trusting in Jesus, until the end?
Pray:
Praise the Father that He is merciful to sinners. Give thanks for Jesus who completed the trial for us. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others endure, looking forward to the crown of life.
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