Strengthened for Suffering - Pt 3

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. (1 Peter 3:18-22 ESV).

The second truth encouraging us in suffering is that Christ has triumphed and brought us safe to God forever. Peter strengthens us to suffer by telling us that Christ has triumphed over our greatest enemy and delivered us from death. Some might ask, "Why would anyone become a Christian if what you could offer them was that things in this world would probably go worse for them and that their lives would be at risk?" The answer is that the greatest human needs are not to live long on the earth and be comfortable. The biggest human needs are how to have our sins forgiven and overcome our separation from God and live forever with happiness in his presence instead of living forever in misery in hell. There are four things to note here: Christ died "for sins." This is what separates me from God. This is my biggest need. These are my biggest enemy—not Satan (cf. Isaiah 59:2). This is vastly more terrifying than suffering for righteousness' sake, suffering the wrath of God because my sins have not been forgiven. But Jesus died "for sins." There is forgiveness. This is why people would believe on Jesus even if it cost them their lives. Christ died "the just for the unjust." His death was substitutionary. He took my place. He stood under the wrath and penalty that I deserved and bore it for me. His death was utterly innocent. It was all for others' sins, and not his own. Christ died "once for all"—that is, his death was final and all-sufficient to accomplish the forgiveness of all who believe on him. He does not have to ever offer another sacrifice. It was finished. It was all that was necessary to take away the guilt of my sins. The debt is paid in full. All of this brings me to God. "Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that he might bring us to God." This is the great comfort for all who suffer in Christ. Sin has been defeated. And Jesus has made sure that we will be at home safe with God. He has brought us to God. The separation has been removed. God is near us, and he is for us. Our lives are hid in him. Suffering is no sign that God has forsaken us and turned against us! Christ has carried our sin, absorbed the wrath of God, and brought us safe to God. That is Good News!