Let's address this misunderstanding together, dear friend. The belief that once saved, a Christian will lead a charmed life free of problems is not biblically sound. In fact, Jesus Himself said, For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. Some have misunderstood this to mean that we will have a trouble-free life, but that is not what the scripture is teaching. Rather, those believing in Jesus will spend eternity with Him. Jesus clearly stated, In the world you will have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.
The Apostle Paul, who was shipwrecked, beaten, and imprisoned for his faith, wrote in 2 Corinthians 11:24-28, From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. I have been a night and a day in the deep. I have been in travels often, perils of rivers, perils of robbers, perils from my countrymen, perils from the Gentiles, perils in the city, perils in the wilderness, perils in the sea, perils among false brothers; in labor and travail, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, and in cold and nakedness. Besides those things that are outside, there is that which presses on me daily, anxiety for all the assemblies. Notice that Paul did not view these hardships as a sign of lack of faith, but as part of his life in serving God.
When facing trials, it's crucial to remember that our faith does not exempt us from difficulties but rather sustains us through them. As it is written in Romans 5:3-5, We also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering works perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope: and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Let us pray for those who have been misled by this belief, that their eyes may be opened to the true promises of God, which include strength in trials, peace in storms, and eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Dear Lord, we come before You, lifting up those who have been misinformed about the Christian life. Open their eyes to the truth of Your Word, that they may understand that though we will face trials, You are always with us, strengthening us and guiding us. Help us to support one another in love, rather than criticizing each other’s faith. And please help everyone to know that the only way to salvation is by belief in Jesus Christ. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Let us encourage one another with the words of James 1:2-4, Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.