Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian faith, the concept of consolation under affliction is deeply rooted in the understanding of Jesus Christ as both the author and giver of comfort. This belief is supported by numerous passages in the New Testament, which highlight Christ's role in providing solace to believers during times of suffering and distress.Biblical Foundation The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, emphasizes the comfort that comes from Christ. He writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). This passage underscores the divine source of consolation, attributing it to God through Christ, and highlights the reciprocal nature of comfort among believers. Christ's Compassionate Ministry Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is depicted as a compassionate figure who provides comfort to those in distress. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus extends an invitation to the weary and burdened, saying, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" . This invitation reflects Christ's role as a source of rest and relief for those experiencing affliction. The Holy Spirit as Comforter Christ's promise of consolation is further fulfilled through the Holy Spirit, whom He refers to as the Comforter or Advocate. In John 14:16-17, Jesus assures His disciples, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth" . The Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, continues His work of providing comfort and guidance to believers, ensuring that they are never alone in their trials. The Example of Christ's Suffering Christ's own experience of suffering serves as a profound source of consolation for believers. Hebrews 4:15-16 states, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" . Christ's empathy and understanding of human suffering provide believers with the assurance that He is intimately aware of their struggles and is present to offer comfort. The Hope of Eternal Consolation The ultimate consolation offered by Christ is the hope of eternal life, where all afflictions will cease. Revelation 21:4 provides a vision of this future promise: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away" . This assurance of a future free from suffering is a cornerstone of Christian hope and a source of profound comfort for believers enduring present afflictions. In summary, the New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the author and giver of consolation, offering comfort through His compassionate ministry, the presence of the Holy Spirit, His empathetic understanding of human suffering, and the promise of eternal life. These elements collectively affirm the belief that Christ is the ultimate source of solace for those experiencing affliction. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 61:2To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; Torrey's Topical Textbook John 14:18 2 Corinthians 1:5 Library Epistle of Paul to the Philippians. Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate, Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ; Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels. A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial. Homilies on the Statues. Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. Treatise iii. On the Lapsed. Resources Why did God punish Pharaoh for Abram's lie (Genesis 12:17)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the tribe of Joseph? | GotQuestions.org Who was Naomi in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Affliction: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Consolation Under Affliction by Ministers of the Gospel Consolation Under Affliction in Prospect of Death Consolation Under Affliction is a Cause of Praise Consolation Under Affliction is Abundant Consolation Under Affliction is Everlasting Consolation Under Affliction is Sought in Vain from the World Consolation Under Affliction is Strong Consolation Under Affliction: Christ is the Author and Giver of Consolation Under Affliction: God is the Author and Giver of Consolation Under Affliction: Pray For Consolation Under Affliction: Promised Consolation Under Affliction: Saints should Administer to Each Other Consolation Under Affliction: The Holy Spirit is the Author and Giver of Consolation Under Affliction: Through the Holy Scriptures Consolation Under Affliction: To the Persecuted Consolation Under Affliction: To the Poor Consolation Under Affliction: To the Sick Consolation Under Affliction: To the Tempted Consolation Under Affliction: To the Troubled in Mind Consolation Under Affliction: To Those Deserted by Friends Consolation Under Affliction: To Those Who Mourn for Sin Consolation Under Affliction: Under the Infirmities of Age Prayer Under Affliction for Deliverance Prayer Under Affliction for Divine Comfort Prayer Under Affliction for Divine Teaching and Direction Prayer Under Affliction for Increase of Faith Prayer Under Affliction for Mercy Prayer Under Affliction for Mitigation of Troubles Prayer Under Affliction for Pardon and Deliverance from Sin Prayer Under Affliction for Protection and Preservation from Enemies Prayer Under Affliction for Restoration to Joy Prayer Under Affliction for the Presence and Support of God Prayer Under Affliction: Exhortation To Prayer Under Affliction: That God Would Consider Our Trouble Prayer Under Affliction: That the Holy Spirit May not be Withdrawn Prayer Under Affliction: That we May be Quickened Prayer Under Affliction: That we May be Taught the Uncertainty of Life Prayer Under Affliction: That we May be Turned to God Prayer Under Affliction: That we May Know the Causes of Our Trouble Related Terms |
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