The Purposes of God in Suffering

“God decreed from all eternity to display the greatness of the glory of his grace for the enjoyment of his creatures, and he revealed to us that this is the ultimate aim and explanation of why there is sin and why there is suffering, and why there is a great suffering Savior. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came in flesh to suffer and die and by that suffering and death to save undeserving sinners like you and me. This coming to suffer and die is the supreme manifestation of the greatness of the glory of the grace of God.” –John Piper-

“Galatians 3:13- Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us- for it is written, cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree. The wrath of God that should have caused our eternal suffering fell on Christ. This is the glory of grace, and it could only come by suffering.”

“The Ultimate reason that suffering exists in the universe is so that Christ might display the greatness of the glory of the grace of God by suffering I himself to overcome our suffering. The suffering of the utterly innocent ad infinitely holy son of God in the place of utterly undeserving sinners to bring us to everlasting joy is the greatest display of the glory of God’s grace that ever was, or ever could be.” –John Piper-


“1 Peter 2:24- He himself bore our sin in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”

As Piper said there is no greater example of suffering then the suffering that our savior Jesus Christ endured for us on the cross. It is so sobering to me how many times I have found my self discontent with God and how easy it is for me to think I am suffering. But oh the grace God has been so richly poured out on us by sending his son as the scripture says “To hang on the tree.” The sins that should have crushed us under the weight of guilt were transferred to Christ. This is the glory of grace, and it could only come by suffering.


“Isaiah 53:5- But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.”

My chains are gone

I've been set free

My God my savior has ransomed me

And like a flood his mercy rains

Un-ending love, AMAZING GRACE!!!

Father forgive me for the countless times I have failed to recognize your great mercy and love on the cross that you poured upon such an undeserving sinner like me. Give me grace as your word says “to count is all joy when I meet trials of various kinds. (James 1:2)”

-Candace-