Purification—The Sufferings of Christ

It is unspeakably great to be considered worthy to partake of Christ’s sufferings. This takes place by fire; therefore we read in 1 Peter 4:12, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.”

God uses two means of purification: water and fire. Numbers 31:23. Everything that does not endure the fire is cleansed by water so it becomes clean on the outside. However, everything that can endure the fire’s consuming flame is cleansed and purified to a degree of purity that is as pure as Christ Himself. 1 John 3:3.

Every sin that a man does is outside the body (1 Corinthians 6:18); it is cleansed by water. Hebrews 10:22. This is the forgiveness of sins. But sin in the flesh—our nature—is cleansed by the Holy Spirit and fire. The first world perished by water; the second is reserved for the fire. 2 Peter 3:5-7. The old man is put off through baptism by water, and we are raised up to walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4.

It is revelation from God when we come to the understanding that Jesus came, not only with water, but with water and blood. 1 John 5:6. He came to establish the second, which is: to do God’s will. Hebrews 10:7-10. It is so great that, when we receive this understand­ing, we joyfully sell all that we possess. Matthew 13:44.

We do not partake of true joy outside of the sufferings of Christ; and we partake of it in proportion to how much we suffer. We read this in 1 Peter 4:13, “But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” You will not receive a crown without the cross. You should prepare your soul for sufferings right from the time of your youth.

Jesus suffered, being tempted. Hebrews 2:18. This occurred in­wardly; therefore we cannot share in His sufferings unless we have first been cleansed outwardly. Through the sufferings of Christ we overcome sin, and by enduring in the battle against the temptations, we partake of divine nature. 2 Peter 1:3-4. We no longer suffer in our conscience, but only in the flesh. When the flesh is denied nourish­ment, our joy becomes constant, deep, and genuine, and it will pour forth exceedingly at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:7 and 4:13.

When the sufferings of Christ prevail, we are no longer children, tossed about by every wind of doctrine. Ephesians 4:14. The spirit of wisdom and revelation always makes the Scriptures living, so that we know the will of the Lord. Our hearts are always kept pure, and we never come out of rest because of the sufferings of Christ; therefore we can see God in every situation.

The Captain of our salvation was made perfect through suffer­ings. Hebrews 2:10. He was faithful in the sufferings from the time He came into the world until He breathed His last on the cross. Then the work was finished, and the testimony of the Spirit, the water, and the blood was brought to completion.

May we consider this a great grace, that it is not only granted to us to suffer for Him, but also to suffer with Him. Philippians 1:29 and 3:10.