The only strength by which the saints are enabled to encounter with all oppositions and trials,¹ is only by Jesus Christ,² who is the captain of their salvation, being made perfect through sufferings;³ who has engaged His faithfulness and strength to assist them in all their afflictions, and to uphold them in all their temptations, and to preserve them by His power to His everlasting kingdom.⁴

1. John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”  ↩︎
2. John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. Philippians 4:11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  ↩︎
3. Hebrews 2:9–10 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.  ↩︎
4. 2 Timothy 4:18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.  ↩︎