...He was not guilty, but He suffered for those who are...to bring you to God.
1 Peter 3:18
Another translation of this verse says (in part) "For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God." (NSV)
Immediately before this verse, Peter sets up the context, noting that it is better to suffer for doing good (if that suffering is God's will) than to suffer for doing evil.
Peter presents us with Christ making that better choice. And more, since Jesus is not merely suffering for doing good, he's suffering for all who are guilty of sin to bring "you" (us) to God. Christ suffered as one of us, with us and for us, that we would have the opportunity to know God as part of Christ's new covenant.
Peter's words echo down the ages. As his listeners were then, we are torn between the world as it is and we in our earthly lives; not in sync with the godly thoughts, words, and deeds that we should be, and are thereby sinners.
Hrm, it seems pretty simple. If you're suffering (and won't you concede that most of us suffer some times?), why not suffer for a good reason?
Greg Davis
