The apostle Paul puts it thus: "We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the spirit of the Lord".
(2 Corinthians 3:18) The pathway of the Christian is not strewn with flowers or ease or comfort, but as Jesus said, it is a narrow way and few there be that walk in it .-- Matthew 7:14.
[490]St.James says: "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience".

(James 5:10) The prophets of old suffered much and they will not be privileged to be a part of this heavenly kingdom class; but their suffering was for a two-fold purpose: (1) to develop them, which will result to their benefit when they are resurrected as perfect men; and (2) to serve as examples for the church, the followers of Jesus.
[491]Jesus said: "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force".
(Matthew 11:12) Here he showed that the kingdom-of-heaven class, meaning the royal family, suffers violence at the hands of the adversary's instruments, and the violent ones take these by force.

It was so of him; it has been so of his followers, as St.Paul writes: "Our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation" .-- 2 Corinthians 1:7.
[492]But why should the Christian suffer?
you may ask.

And the Apostles answer: "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified....