Faith
Ben Sasse Finds Gospel Hope Amid Trials
Faith Facts
- Ben Sasse, facing terminal cancer, drew strength and comfort from the Gospel.
- He shared how his illness clarified his need for Jesus and exposed misplaced priorities.
- Scripture and the kindness of Christ have encouraged Sasse during deep suffering.
Ben Sasse, 53, reflected on the hope of the Gospel as he battles Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, relying on faith as he faces his mortality.
In a heartfelt interview, Sasse described how this trial has shifted his perspective on what truly matters in life.
He spoke openly about the clarity the illness brought, revealing the futility of self-justification and the sufficiency of Christ’s righteousness.
His suffering highlighted the deep need for a Savior and the emptiness of worldly pursuits.
“We’re all on the clock, but knowing that your death is impending sooner gives you an even greater ability to deny any of our righteous acts as righteous.”
Sasse emphasized how Scripture, from Genesis to Romans, reminds believers of humanity’s sinfulness and Christ’s redeeming work.
He expressed gratitude for the kindness of Jesus, who laid aside His privileges to restore fellowship with His people.
“The foolishness of our works are pretty apparent to you when you try to really look at the accounting of a life. Jesus did everything on the cross to fulfill the whole law. I fulfilled none of it. He fulfilled all of it.”
During the discussion, Michael Horton offered encouragement from passages such as Ephesians 2:6 and 2 Corinthians 4:7-16, reminding that present suffering is overshadowed by the eternal glory promised in Christ.
“The ‘weight of glory’ Paul talks about is so great, it’s not even worth comparing the sufferings of this age and of our lives right now to that weight of glory that will appear in us.”
Sasse shared how his diagnosis and physical pain stripped away the idols he once clung to, teaching him to see temporal things as trivial compared to eternity.
He reflected on the importance of Sabbath rest and the blessing of having God remove distractions that keep one from true faith.
He also encouraged his children to treasure the Lord’s Day and lamented not prioritizing it more, recognizing it as a valuable defense against idolatry.
Even amid affliction, Sasse considered his suffering an opportunity for spiritual growth, drawing closer to Jesus and his family.
Sasse’s story is a testament to the sustaining power of the Gospel when worldly certainties fade.
May his faith inspire us to cling to Christ and trust God’s grace through every trial.