Why is suffering redemptive?

[arunangelo]

Suffering is redemptive because Jesus redeemed us from sin through His suffering. Jesus invites us to join Him in His redemptive work by allowing us to enter into His suffering (which we encounter while doing His work) (Colossians 1:24). Therefore, to be worthy of Christ we must deny our self, take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 10:38 & 16:24; Mark 8:34; & Luke 9:23 and 14:27). Even the personal sufferings we encounter in life when suffered with faith in Christ (which means that we believe that God will bring out of our suffering) is redeeming because it produces endurance, character and hope (Romans 5:2-3); enables us to overcome sin; and enables us to share in His life (1Peter 4:1-2 and 1 Peter 2:19-21). Quite often we are afraid of suffering, however we must remember that Jesus will lighten our burden (if we trust Him) (Matthew 11:30); and that the sufferings of the present is nothing compared to the glory that awaits those who trust Him (Romans 8:18).

[JoeyKnothead]

From the OP:

I realize this is in the General Chat subforum, but I consider it perfectly up to debate as it is presented as otherwise factual...

Suffering is redemptive because Jesus redeemed us from sin through His suffering.

I reject the notion that another's suffering reedems my own.

Jesus invites us to join Him in His redemptive work by allowing us to enter into His suffering (which we encounter while doing His work) (Colossians 1:24).

So it is claimed. I feel no responsibility to share in another's suffering simply because they promise me "glory" later on.

Therefore, to be worthy of Christ we must deny our self, take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 10:38 & 16:24; Mark 8:34; & Luke 9:23 and 14:27).

I live in the here and now and see no responsibility to follow ancient texts.

Even the personal sufferings we encounter in life when suffered with faith in Christ (which means that we believe that God will bring out of our suffering) is redeeming because it produces endurance, character and hope (Romans 5:2-3); enables us to overcome sin; and enables us to share in His life (1Peter 4:1-2 and 1 Peter 2:19-21).

I'll consider that a strictly Christian notion, and do not find myself bound to it.

I reject notions of "sin" unless one is willing and capable of showing some god has an opinion on the goings on of humans.

Quite often we are afraid of suffering, however we must remember that Jesus will lighten our burden (if we trust Him) (Matthew 11:30);

I would dare say such lightening of burdens is purely psychological and can't be shown to be some intervention by Jesus Himself.

and that the sufferings of the present is nothing compared to the glory that awaits those who trust Him (Romans 8:18).

More of the same "I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today" promises.

[ChaosBorders]

From the OP:

I realize this is in the General Chat subforum, but I consider it perfectly up to debate as it is presented as otherwise factual...

Haha, very nice.

[Ernestalice]

Hi there. I agree, too, that this topic has interesting point to debate.

Suffering is redemptive because Jesus redeemed us from sin through His suffering. Jesus invites us to join Him in His redemptive work by allowing us to enter into His suffering (which we encounter while doing His work) (Colossians 1:24).

I think it depends on what is the suffering worth for. Jesus was suffering for human sake because [/quote][/code]

[Slopeshoulder]

I also reject the idea of substitutionary justification (i.e someone else's suffering redeeming me).
But I do believe that suffering teaches us, and what it teaches us can be transformative, decisive, and in that sense salvific. I always liked the theme (which is also in judaism), but not the Pauline-Augustinian take on it. It's seen in more secular terms in people like Camus.