TY - JOUR AU - Fernando, Andresito P. PY - 2018/10/29 Y2 - 2024/03/29 TI - Suffering Motif in the Epistle to the Hebrews JF - Abstract Proceedings International Scholars Conference JA - isc VL - 6 IS - 1 SE - DO - 10.35974/isc.v6i1.1145 UR - https://jurnal.unai.edu/index.php/isc/article/view/1145 SP - 178 AB - <p>The rising popularity of prosperity gospel among many Christian circles tends to <br>obscure the question on the reality of suffering in Christian experience. Prosperity<br>theologians claim that those who accepted the Gospel would always experience<br>affluent life. The inconsistency between the prosperity theology and the presence<br>of hardships in Christian life calls for a reevaluation of the theme of suffering<br>based on biblical viewpoint. The suffering motif is deeply embedded in the<br>Epsitle to the Hebrews. The book of Hebrews presupposes the reality of suffering<br>and offers key answers on why Christians experience hardships in life even<br>though they are faithful to God. With this perspective in mind, this paper<br>examines a major issue in the Epistle to the Hebrews; How does the book of<br>Hebrews explain the presence and purpose of suffering in Christian life? Using<br>the synthetic approach, this paper found that the presence of sufferings is an<br>integral part of Christian life and in line with the Divine plan. Sufferings function<br>as prophylactic against spiritual laxness and apostasy and motivate believers for<br>further endurance and faithfulness. They escalate the anticipation of the promised<br>eschatological reward. Thus, Christians should have a healthy and positive<br>outlook in the midst of their suffering experiences. <br><br></p> ER -