Who sinned?

Who sinned?

As He went along, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." John 9:1-3

"Extraordinary afflictions are not always the punishment of extraordinary sins--but sometimes the trial of extraordinary graces. Christ, who perfectly knew the secret springs of the divine counsels, told them two things concerning such calamities: that they are not always inflicted as punishments of sin--and that they are sometimes intended purely for the glory of God, and the manifesting of His works."Matthew Henry

"Afflictions are often the black foils in which God sets the jewels of His children's graces, to make them shine the better. There are some of your graces which would never be discovered, if it were not for your trials. Well, Christian, may not this account for the troubles through which you are passing? Is not the Lord bringing out your graces, and making them grow? Real growth in grace is the result of sanctified trials. The heart of a Christian is Christ's garden, and his graces are as so many sweet spices and flowers, when His Spirit blows upon them, to send forth a sweet savor." Charles Spurgeon

"Stars shine brightest in the darkest night. Afflictions ripen the saints' graces. Gold looks the brighter for scouring. Just so, afflictions are but our Father's goldsmiths who are working to add pearls to our crowns. Spices smell sweetest when pounded--and juniper smells sweeter in the fire." Thomas Brooks 

"Some graces grow best in winter. Grace withers without adversity." Samuel Rutherford

"The lowly graces of the Spirit thrive best under crosses." Daniel Rowland

"The Lord's jewels need grinding, and cutting, and polishing." R.C. Chapman

"Grievous afflictions are not always sent as a scourge for sins committed--but sometimes as preventatives from sins. Paul's thorn prevented his pride." John Leland

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