How do we know that suffering is part of being a Christian?
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Suffering is explicitly mentioned in the New Testament as part of the Christian experience, signifying fellowship with Christ.
In Philippians 1:29, Paul writes that it has been granted to believers not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for His sake. This verse encapsulates the two-fold gift of faith and suffering, indicating that both are essential to the believer's experience. Furthermore, Hebrews 12:6-8 explains that God chastens every son whom He receives, illustrating that suffering can serve as a form of loving correction and is therefore indicative of being a legitimate child of God. Essentially, the enduring trials of faith serve to draw believers closer to Christ and affirm their relationship with Him.
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