Filling Up The Afflictions Of Christ

The following is an excerpt from John Piper's book, Filling Up The Afflictions Of Christ. I have only begun to read it and find in it an biblically intelligent and intriguing response to the question, why God permits the persecution of His people. We often respond, "To Glorify God". But how does persecution glorify God? The book is available in PDF form here.

Piper begins with a letter from John Calvin to five French Christians who are about to be martytred.

Now, at this present hour, necessity itself exhorts you more than ever to turn your whole mind heavenward. As yet, we know not what will be the event. But, since it appears as though God would use your blood to seal His truth, there is nothing better for you than to prepare yourselves for that end, beseeching Him so to subdue you to His good pleasure, that nothing may hinder you from following whithersoever He shall call. . . . Since it pleases Him to employ you to the death in maintaining His quarrel, He will strengthen your hands in the fight and will not suffer a single drop of your blood to be shed in vain.

Your humble brother, John Calvin

John Piper writes, "Afflictions are not merely the result of missionary fruitfulness, but also the means. God has appointed our pain to be part of his powerful display of the glory of Christ. The worth of Jesus in the world shines more brightly in the lives of those who say by their sacrificial lives, 'I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ' (Philippians 3:8) ".

posted by john d.