Essays in Romans - Romans 8:18-25 ... Current Suffering; Future Glory

When I think about my "present sufferings," I cannot help but recognize how many of them expose my own weaknesses. A significant portion of my suffering is the consequence of my own sin—not all of it, certainly, but much of it. Every failure reminds me that I still inhabit a fallen body and continue to battle a sinful nature. Yet Paul points my eyes beyond that struggle. The glory that will one day be "revealed in us" will be nothing less than the glory of God transforming us completely. On the other side of death's door, I will finally be free from this body of sin and from the sinful nature that has accompanied me throughout this life. No more temptation. No more failure. No more grieving over my own shortcomings. Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Of course, not all suffering comes from within. Much suffering is inflicted upon believers by a world that rejects God and, by extension, those who belong to Him. Even today, Christians in places such as Nigeria are tortured and killed simply because they confess Jesus Christ as Lord. Throughout history, believers in countries such as Russia and China have endured imprisonment, persecution, and even death because they refused to bow their knee to anyone but Christ. Yet Paul reminds us that whatever suffering we endure on this side of death's door cannot begin to compare with the glory waiting for us on the other side. There will be no more internal battles with sin, no more conflict with a world hostile to the gospel, and no more fear of persecution or death. Every form of hostility will cease. In its place will be perfect peace, complete security, and a joy beyond anything we have ever experienced.