Reference: 1 Peter 2:21-22
"For even hereunto were ye called,because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye shouldfollow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth."
It's amazing how so many people believe that Jesus did all teh suffering forus and we don't have to suffer, but if that is what you believe then you aredefinitely void of the truth concerning this matter. When Jesus died on thatcross and was buried and rose again, that was an example for us to accomplishin a spiritual way. In Matthew 10:38 we find Jesus saying, "And he thattaketh not his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy of me." This crossthat we must bear meanse that we must be crucified and buried with Christ inorder to be raised from our dead in sin state to live soberly, righteously, andgodly, in this present world, as the apostle Paul tells us in Titus 2:12.
Christ was willing to bear his cross for us, but if we are not willing tobear our cross for him, then we will have no part with him and will die in sinand suffer the consequences of the lake of fire, which is the second death.Most people fail to realize that suffering has everything to do with eternalsalvation. Paul tells us in Romans 8:17 these words saying, "And ifchildren, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ, if so be thatwe suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him." Thissuffering consists of the crucifying of our old sinful nature nailing it to thecross that we must take up to follow Christ. And the apostle Peter makes itquite clear also about this suffering in the flesh in what he said in 1 Peter4:1 that says, "Forasmuch then as Christ has suffered for us in the flesh,arm yourselves likewise with the same mind, for he that hath suffered in theflesh hath ceased from sin."
Our Cross that we must bear is to put our sinful nature to death so that thedivine nature of Christ can take over the reigns of our heart and life. Thisputting to death of our old sinful nature is accomplished by walking in andobeying the many truths revealed in the gospel of Christ. But if we are notwilling to suffer with him and put our sinful nature to death, then we will notreign with him. This suffering is not a lifetime thing, but rather Peter tellsus in 1 Peter 5:10 these comforting words saying, "But the God of allgrace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that yehave suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settleyou." This is complete victory making us more than conqueror in ChristJesus that loved us.