Section 8
transformed, and conformed. Therefore, God brings in certain tribulations and sufferings for our good. This is clearly revealed in Romans 8:28-29, where we are told that God causes all things to work together for good that we might be conformed to the image of His Son. Hence tribulation and suffering are for our transforma tion. We all appreciate peace, grace, and glory, but no one likes tribulation. Recently, I had two operations on my right eye. Although I do not like such suffering, I must declare that in the past few years nothing has favored me more than these two operations.
Tribulation is actually the incarnation of grace with all the riches of Christ. This is similar to the incarnation of God in Jesus. Apparently He was simply the man Jesus; actually He was God. Apparently our environment is tribulation; actually it is grace. If we read Romans 5 care fully, we will see that tribulation does not stand on the same level as grace; it is under grace. The six items of love, grace, peace, hope, life, and glory, along with three Persons of the Godhead all supersede tribulation. Nevertheless, tribula tion is a visitation of grace.
If we say that we appreciate grace but not trib ulation, it is like saying that we love God but not