No — becoming a Christian does not mean life will be free of trials; God does not promise a rose-petaled pathway, but He does promise to take believers through their trials.
Les Feldick is emphatic that faith in Christ does not remove hardship. Believers are still in this old world, in a body of flesh, and living in a time of trials and tribulations (Clip 3). The Christian life is a constant battle, yet God promises to encourage and never forsake believers as they go through those times (Clip 1).
Romans 5:3 — This verse shows that tribulation is expected in the Christian life and can even work endurance in believers.
2 Corinthians 1:5 — It pairs the reality of suffering in believers with the promise of God's consolation, showing that trials and comfort coexist.
Romans 8:28 — It assures believers that God works even difficult experiences together for good, revealing why trials are not meaningless.
Scripture does not promise that the Christian life will be free of difficulties. Romans 5:3 says, "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience." It expects tribulation rather than an easy path. Paul also describes this reality in 2 Corinthians 1:5: "For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ." Suffering is real, but God provides comfort in it. At the same time, Scripture gives purpose to trials. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." And 2 Corinthians 5:17 describes the change salvation brings: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." The believer is transformed, but that transformation does not mean the trials of the world and the flesh disappear.
Les Feldick is clear that no one should expect a rose-petaled pathway after becoming a Christian. He calls such a promise false teaching because it has never been the theme of Scripture (Clip 1). Instead, he describes the Christian life as paddling a canoe upstream, one of the toughest jobs on earth, and a constant battle against all the forces of Satan and the world (Clip 1). Les also reminds believers that they are still in this old world, still in a body of flesh, and still living in a time of trials and tribulations. God does not remove them from those circumstances; He simply says, "I'll see you through it," and promises never to forsake them (Clip 3). God may even bring tough things and bad experiences into a believer's life for His own purpose (Clip 4). These times of testing prove the believer's mettle: the true believing heart finds God more precious, while others become bitter and angry (Clip 5). At the same time, salvation does bring real change. Just as Christ rose from the dead, believers come out of spiritual deadness and experience a new life (Clip 0). New believers are like babes in Christ who need nourishment and protection, and God expects them to grow in grace and knowledge (Clips 2 and 6). Yet this new life does not cancel the battle; it simply gives the believer God's encouragement and His never-forsaking presence to live through it (Clips 1 and 3). Les also corrects the modern misconception that becoming a believer means two Cadillacs, the biggest home in town, and a sumptuous life; that is not what Scripture means and never has (Clip 7).
Les says God may bring tough things and bad experiences into a believer's life for His own purpose, to bring them to the place He wants them to be (Clip 4). These times of testing are meant to test the believer's mettle; a true believing heart finds God all the more precious, while others become bitter and rebellious (Clip 5). Romans 8:28 then assures believers that all things work together for good to those who love God.
The difference is not the absence of trouble but the presence of new life. Les says that just as Christ was raised from the dead, the believer comes out of spiritual deadness and experiences a new life (Clip 0). A new believer is like a babe in Christ, needing tender care, nourishment, and protection, and God expects them to grow in grace and knowledge (Clips 2 and 6). That visible change in lifestyle does not mean an easy road; believers are still in the old world and in a body of flesh (Clip 3).
Yes. Les says whenever someone promises a rose-petaled pathway if you become a Christian, chalk it off as false teaching, because that has never been the theme of Scripture (Clip 1). He also rejects the idea that a believer should expect two Cadillacs, the biggest home in town, and to live sumptuously (Clip 7). The Christian life is a battle, not a life of ease.
No. Les says believers can go through valleys, but God will always escort them and will never forsake them (Clip 3). Paul also speaks of this in Scripture, saying that as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds by Christ (2 Corinthians 1:5).
New Life from Christ's Resurrection
Les explains that believers come out of spiritual deadness and experience a new life, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the Father's glory.
False Teaching of a Rose-Petaled Pathway
Les calls the promise of an easy road 'false teaching' and describes the Christian life as paddling a canoe upstream — a constant battle against Satan and the world — while God encourages His people in testing.
New Believers as Spiritual Babies
Les compares a new believer to an infant in Christ, needing tender, loving care, nourishment, and protection, and says maturity comes over time, not overnight.
Trials Remain After Salvation
Les states that believers are still in this old world, in a body of flesh, and in a time of trials and tribulations; God does not remove them from that, but promises to see them through and never forsake them.
God's Purpose in Tough Times
Les teaches that God may bring tough things and bad experiences into a believer's life for His own purpose, causing all things to work together for good to those who love God.
Testing Proves the Believer's Mettle
Les explains that times of testing and tribulation are designed to test the believer's mettle; a true believing heart finds God more precious while others grow bitter and rebellious.
Salvation Changes the Lifestyle
Les says salvation is a lifestyle that becomes visible to others; a true born-again believer will be a good citizen and is expected to grow in grace and knowledge.
Rejecting the Bed of Roses Myth
Les corrects the idea that believers will have two Cadillacs, the biggest home in town, and live sumptuously; that is not what Scripture means and never has.
Romans 5:3: And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
Shows that tribulation is expected in the Christian life and is even an occasion for glorying because of what it produces.
2 Corinthians 1:5: For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
Pairs the reality of suffering with the promise of divine consolation, showing both are part of the believer's experience.
Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Gives the broader purpose behind difficult experiences: God is working them together for the believer's good.
2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Describes the inward transformation of salvation, showing that the real change is new life rather than the absence of trials.
No. Les says anyone who promises a 'rose-petaled pathway' after becoming a Christian is teaching falsely (Clip 1). Believers are still in a world of trials and tribulations, and God does not remove them from that (Clip 3).
Les teaches that God may bring tough experiences into a believer's life for His own purpose, and that times of testing prove the believer's mettle (Clips 4 and 5). Romans 8:28 assures us that all things work together for good to those who love God.
He promises to see them through, to escort them through valleys, and never forsake them (Clip 3). Along with that, God encourages believers in times of testing and discouragement (Clip 1).
Salvation brings new life and new spiritual principles; the believer becomes a new creature in Christ and begins to grow in grace (Clips 0, 2, 6). Yet it does not remove the battle of the Christian life (Clips 1 and 3).
Watch the Teaching: Romans 6 & The Old Man Crucified With Christ — Finally Explained