CH 3, ¶7.1-2

A third conclusion is the fact that these books are full of encouragement and comfort. 2 Corinthians chapter 4 is evidence of such encouragement. It declares that nothing, including persecution and famine, will separate us from the love of Christ and that we, Christians, are conquerors through Christ. We are thrown down but we are not destroyed. In the midst of such trials we rejoice and hope because what was done to Jesus is done to us, and as Jesus overcame death among his persecutors, so we also will share in life and victory. Though our bodies perish, our spirit rejoices in the hope we have through Christ and we are renewed. The suffering we experience is only for some time, but the glory we will have in Christ is eternal. (McCauley)