The Cross and the Mystery of Suffering – Part I
The Disciple,—What is the meaning and purpose of the cross, and why do pain and suffering exist in the world?
The Master,—1. The cross is the key to heaven.
The Disciple,—What is the meaning and purpose of the cross, and why do pain and suffering exist in the world?
The Master,—1. The cross is the key to heaven.
1. In the bitter cold of winter the trees stand bare of leaves, and it seems as if their life, too, had departed for ever, yet in the spring time they put forth new leaves and beautiful flowers, and the fruit begins to show itself. So was it with Me in My crucifixion and resurrection, and so it is with my faithful cross-bearers (2 Cor. iv.8-11; vi.4-10). Though they seem to be crushed and dead beneath their cross they still put forth the beautiful flowers and glorious fruits of eternal life which abide for ever.
2.
The Disciple,—Master, what are heaven and hell, and where are they?
The Master,—1. Heaven and hell are the two opposite states in the spiritual realm. They have their origin in the heart of man and it is in this world that their foundations are laid. Since man cannot see his own spirit, so neither can he see these two states of the soul. But he has experience of them within him, just as he feels pain from a blow and perceives sweetness from eating sweetmeats.
The Disciple,—Master, some people say that the comfort and joy that believers experience are simply the outcome of their own thoughts and ideas. Is this true?
The Master,—1. That comfort and abiding peace which believers have within themselves is due to My presence in their hearts, and to the life-giving influence of the fullness of the Holy Spirit. As for those who say that this spiritual joy is the result only of the thoughts of the heart, they are like a foolish man who was blind from his birth, and who in the winter time used to sit out in the sunshine to warm himself.
Are You a Good Person? If good people go to heaven when they die, how good do you have to be to be good enough to go to heaven?
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