Yesterday we began looking at the difficult doctrine of hell - with particular focus upon Jesus' account of the Rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16. We noted how this chapter in Luke helps us to understand this difficult, but nonetheless true teaching of scripture. Today we want to deal with an even more difficult issue: the fairness of hell. Below is a continuation of yesterday's discussion.
IS HELL TOO SEVERE OF A PUNISHMENT?
When we see the attitudes and words of this rich man, we can say that he got what he deserved. But now we ask: is the punishment too severe?
1. Consider the Nature of the Offended
To deny the fairness of hell as punishment, as well as its eternal duration, is to not grasp the nature of the sinner's offense against God. God is an infinite being. When we look at the concept of justice and punishment, the punishment of the offender always fits the nature of the offense committed against the offended.
2. The nature of the offended party determines the nature of the punishment
If the offended party is a finite creature, then a finite punishment would be warranted. However, God is not finite, but infinite. To do violence to His reputation in any form is sin. Being that His reputation (His glory) is without limit, then any attack against Him is regarded an infinite attack.
3. God is Just and Loving
Romans 9:22-23 reveals that it will take eternity to put on display the glory of God's justice and mercy. Heaven was created for the redeemed, since God through them will be displaying the glory of His mercy. Hell was created for the devil and his angels, and by default, all those who follow the enemy and die without Christ. Thus God will be displaying the glory of His justice for all eternity.
So when we consider those three points above, we can only conclude that in light of the attack that sin is on God's inifinite Holy character, Hell, sadly but truly, is not an unfair punishment.
IF THERE WAS NO HELL, WE WOULD NEVER KNOW IF GOD WAS A GOD OF JUSTICE When Christ suffered on the cross, He suffered God's wrath in the place of all who would ever believe on Him. He also suffered in the place of the rest of humanity to give them space and time for repentance. Even though Christ's death in the historical sense was for all men, yet in the eternal sense His death was to be applied to all who would ever believe. Thus God displayed His justice and grace in the cross. For those who die rejecting Christ, they will suffer in hell because they never took advantage of the grace poured out at the cross. Thus as difficult as the doctrine of hell is, without it we could never say God is Just and fair. In order for God to be a good God, He has to be a Just and Loving God.
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Friday, September 16, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The Difficult Doctrine of Hell
Today we begin delving into the difficult doctrine of Hell. Jesus states why it was originally created: for the Devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). Today we are going to look at the fairness of hell as it pertains to the destiny of those who die without Christ. Now when we speak of the "fairness of hell", we are referring to the Justice of God. We must also hasten to add that in speaking of hell's fairness, we do not take away from the sorrow and horror of hell, nor do we grieve any less over those who die without Christ.
In Luke 16 we see the clearest explanation on the place where unbeliever's go who die without Christ. Despite what some may teach, Luke 16:19-31 is a literal account of an actual event that Jesus is using to teach on hell.
WHY DO UNBELIEVERS WHO DIE GO TO HELL IF HELL WAS MADE FOR THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS? Those who are born into this world are under the dominion and authority of Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 3:10). Jesus referred to the Pharisees as having as their father "satan" in John 8:44. When we explore Genesis 3:15, we discover the term "seed" as referring to that portion of humanity who refuse to believe on the "Seed" of Eve - Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:1-3 also reminds us that all human beings are "children of wrath" and "children of disobedience". Thus the destiny of unbelievers who die without Christ is the same as satan because they are alligned in their mindset and their wills with his program. Their hatred of God, their disregard for the law of God all reveal the nature of their heart (please compare Romans 3:13-23).
WHY HELL IS FAIR When we look at Luke 16, we can note the attitudes and words of this rich man who went to hell:
1. There is no repentance in hell. (Luke 16:24) If this rich man would had been crying out to God, acknowledging His wrongdoing and betrayal of God's Holy character, then we could say hell is unfair. However when you look at what the rich man is saying here, he is more concerned with his own comfort than anything else. Whatever characterized him in his time on earth will be magnified in hell. The reality of the flames and pain of torment also show us that Hell is a real place.
2. There is remembrance in hell. (Luke 16:27-28) This rich man was very conscious of the fact that his brothers were still alive on earth. Again, despite the fact he wants them to be warned of avoiding his fate, the message is not centered on repentance, or getting right with God through the shed blood.
3. There is no regard for the authority of God's word (Luke 16:30) The rich man viewed his opinion as carrying more weight than the law of God. He thought that by sending Lazarus back from the dead, perhaps the brothers would repent. True self righteousness will attempt to do God's will apart from the cross and apart from the word. People in hell will never acknowledge nor agree with the verdict of God's word in the realm of salvation. They will still insist on their way. This rich man still wanted Lazarus to do his bidding. The last thing he would ever acknowledge is the uniqueness of God's word to warn and convict sinners.
In Luke 16 we see the clearest explanation on the place where unbeliever's go who die without Christ. Despite what some may teach, Luke 16:19-31 is a literal account of an actual event that Jesus is using to teach on hell.
WHY DO UNBELIEVERS WHO DIE GO TO HELL IF HELL WAS MADE FOR THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS? Those who are born into this world are under the dominion and authority of Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 3:10). Jesus referred to the Pharisees as having as their father "satan" in John 8:44. When we explore Genesis 3:15, we discover the term "seed" as referring to that portion of humanity who refuse to believe on the "Seed" of Eve - Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:1-3 also reminds us that all human beings are "children of wrath" and "children of disobedience". Thus the destiny of unbelievers who die without Christ is the same as satan because they are alligned in their mindset and their wills with his program. Their hatred of God, their disregard for the law of God all reveal the nature of their heart (please compare Romans 3:13-23).
WHY HELL IS FAIR When we look at Luke 16, we can note the attitudes and words of this rich man who went to hell:
1. There is no repentance in hell. (Luke 16:24) If this rich man would had been crying out to God, acknowledging His wrongdoing and betrayal of God's Holy character, then we could say hell is unfair. However when you look at what the rich man is saying here, he is more concerned with his own comfort than anything else. Whatever characterized him in his time on earth will be magnified in hell. The reality of the flames and pain of torment also show us that Hell is a real place.
2. There is remembrance in hell. (Luke 16:27-28) This rich man was very conscious of the fact that his brothers were still alive on earth. Again, despite the fact he wants them to be warned of avoiding his fate, the message is not centered on repentance, or getting right with God through the shed blood.
3. There is no regard for the authority of God's word (Luke 16:30) The rich man viewed his opinion as carrying more weight than the law of God. He thought that by sending Lazarus back from the dead, perhaps the brothers would repent. True self righteousness will attempt to do God's will apart from the cross and apart from the word. People in hell will never acknowledge nor agree with the verdict of God's word in the realm of salvation. They will still insist on their way. This rich man still wanted Lazarus to do his bidding. The last thing he would ever acknowledge is the uniqueness of God's word to warn and convict sinners.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
The cross - the lone solution to the problem of evil
WHY CHRISTIANITY ALONE CAN ADDRESS GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY AND THE PROBLEM OF EVIL We have been exploring the problem of evil and the Sovereignty of God in these past few blogs. Though no one has a comprehensive answer as to how evil could arise when God is both infinitely good and powerful enough to have prevented it, yet Christianity alone can effectively explain why God uses it for His purposes. Unlike all other worldviews, Christianity has the one event where evil was effectively dealt with - the cross. The cross reminds us that God did do something about the problem of evil. Whenever people question the goodness and power of God, I take them to the cross. Whenever the problem of evil becomes overwhelming, I point people to the cross. Only at the cross did the most unimaginable evil get addressed by the infinite depths of Divine love.
Since we have looked at this issue as it played out in the angelic realm, we now can consider how this issue impacts the human realm. The one thing we must remember about the problem of evil is that no one can ultimately and completely understand how all of this fits together. All we can really do is say what took place, second, that all good is from God and all evil is done by creatures and thirdly, this all works together to accomplish God's good purposes.
JUDAS CHOSE TO BETRAY CHRIST Case in point, Judas was predicted to be the betrayer of Christ (Psalm 69:25). Clearly God willed it to happen, since nothing occurs outside his will. We also know that Judas was responsible for his actions. We have these two truths of scripture. We also know that if Judas had not betrayed Christ, the events leading to the cross would had never taken place, thus no salvation, thus no glory to God.
WE CANNOT HARMONIZE GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY AND HUMAN RESPONSIBILITY, SINCE BOTH ARE TAUGHT Acts 2:23 says on the one hand that Christ was delivered up by the determined will of God, yet in the same verse we read He was crucified by wicked men. Which is it? The answer, both. All we can say is this:
1. God willed evil (that is, in His permissive will)
2. God also created creatures with moral responsibility
3. God wills the means (activity of creatures, both good and bad) as well as the ends (His glory) to bring about whatsoever comes to pass (Ephesians 1:11; Romans 11:36).
Since we have looked at this issue as it played out in the angelic realm, we now can consider how this issue impacts the human realm. The one thing we must remember about the problem of evil is that no one can ultimately and completely understand how all of this fits together. All we can really do is say what took place, second, that all good is from God and all evil is done by creatures and thirdly, this all works together to accomplish God's good purposes.
JUDAS CHOSE TO BETRAY CHRIST Case in point, Judas was predicted to be the betrayer of Christ (Psalm 69:25). Clearly God willed it to happen, since nothing occurs outside his will. We also know that Judas was responsible for his actions. We have these two truths of scripture. We also know that if Judas had not betrayed Christ, the events leading to the cross would had never taken place, thus no salvation, thus no glory to God.
WE CANNOT HARMONIZE GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY AND HUMAN RESPONSIBILITY, SINCE BOTH ARE TAUGHT Acts 2:23 says on the one hand that Christ was delivered up by the determined will of God, yet in the same verse we read He was crucified by wicked men. Which is it? The answer, both. All we can say is this:
1. God willed evil (that is, in His permissive will)
2. God also created creatures with moral responsibility
3. God wills the means (activity of creatures, both good and bad) as well as the ends (His glory) to bring about whatsoever comes to pass (Ephesians 1:11; Romans 11:36).
ILLUSTRATING WHAT I HAVE SAID ON THE PROBLEM OF EVIL AND GOD'S SOVEREIGN WILL: DIAMOND RINGS AND DARK CLOTHES When I was getting ready to ask Debi to be my wife, I went to the Jeweler to look at engagement rings. The Jeweler brought out a dark piece of cloth. Now did I want the cloth? No. Then the Jeweler brought out some rings. Now they did shine, but was I able to see their beauty completely? Well, no not really. The cloth and the diamond are two completely different things. The diamond is a diamond, whether I see it or not. The dark cloth is completely useless and undesired by me. However, the Jeweler took the ring and placed it on the cloth. Wow! Did that ring ever pop out!
Romans 3:5-6 states - If our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengence (I speak as a man) 3:6 "God forbid: For then how shall God judge the world?" How is it that someone came up with idea of putting together a dark cloth and a diamond ring as a means of making the diamond more desireable to the onlooker? I don't know. Likewise, how is it that God could will evil and suffering in His plan to offset His unending glory? There again, I don't know. All I know is that a dark cloth in the background of a diamond ring worked and made me desire the ring.
Only when we come to the cross can the problem of evil begin to make sense as a part of God's overall Sovereign plan. I pray these series of blogs have proven helpful to you, dear reader. As always, I welcome any comments. May God richly bless you as you aim to grow in the grace of Christ.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
The Problem of Evil - The Invisible realm Part 2
As we continue in this series on the problem of evil and suffering, we will again explore how this issue is understood as it pertains to the existence of the demonic realm. The scripture gives us clear answers as to why God permits such beings to exist. Thankfully, we have a good and all powerful God who is Sovereign.
The demonic realm, despite being that 1/3 number who followed Lucifer in the Satanic rebellion, are still by nature angelic - albeit "fallen angels". In Colossians 1:16-18 and Ephesians 6:1-11 we read of Satan and powers and principalities and rulers. In the book of Daniel we see a glimpse of prince demons assigned over pagan nations such as Persia. Deuteronomy 32 tells us that Israel is the only nation in the world that has God directly excercising rule over its affairs, assigning Michael the good angel as its angelic representative. Jude 6 tells us that there were some demons that were reserved in chains in the blackest parts, reserved for judgment. Obviously there are other demonic spirits who were allowed to roam our visible world, since Christ and the apostles had to deal with them.
The power of the demonic realm was broken at the cross, however the persuasive devices of the demonic realm is left for the church to defeatColossians 2:14-15 states - "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." The cross is the objective event in time and eternity that God ordained to break the power fo the demonic realm. When God the Son came from eternity into time to become a man, He did something that had never occured: He excorcised and subjected demons to His control. At the cross, he asserted His supremacy over them.
With the Sovereignty of Christ established at the cross and demonstrated by His resurrection, the Church of Jesus Christ has the responsibility to spread the gospel. By the word of God Christians are to take ground for the Kingdom. The demonic realm still assaults the church. However the Christian does not have to be bound by these beings. We as Christians must remember the following things about the demonic realm:
1. There are more good angels than fallen angels.
2. Christian are positionally seated with Christ. Thus we have delegated authority
3. The scriptures, prayer and the preaching of the word are the God appointed means by which the church asserts its victory won by Christ at the cross
4. God permits demons and the kingdom of darkness to exist for the church to experience victory that was already won at the event of the cross
5. Greater is the Lord who is in the Christian than the enemy and his minions who are in the world (1 John 4:4)
The demonic realm, despite being that 1/3 number who followed Lucifer in the Satanic rebellion, are still by nature angelic - albeit "fallen angels". In Colossians 1:16-18 and Ephesians 6:1-11 we read of Satan and powers and principalities and rulers. In the book of Daniel we see a glimpse of prince demons assigned over pagan nations such as Persia. Deuteronomy 32 tells us that Israel is the only nation in the world that has God directly excercising rule over its affairs, assigning Michael the good angel as its angelic representative. Jude 6 tells us that there were some demons that were reserved in chains in the blackest parts, reserved for judgment. Obviously there are other demonic spirits who were allowed to roam our visible world, since Christ and the apostles had to deal with them.
The power of the demonic realm was broken at the cross, however the persuasive devices of the demonic realm is left for the church to defeatColossians 2:14-15 states - "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." The cross is the objective event in time and eternity that God ordained to break the power fo the demonic realm. When God the Son came from eternity into time to become a man, He did something that had never occured: He excorcised and subjected demons to His control. At the cross, he asserted His supremacy over them.
With the Sovereignty of Christ established at the cross and demonstrated by His resurrection, the Church of Jesus Christ has the responsibility to spread the gospel. By the word of God Christians are to take ground for the Kingdom. The demonic realm still assaults the church. However the Christian does not have to be bound by these beings. We as Christians must remember the following things about the demonic realm:
1. There are more good angels than fallen angels.
2. Christian are positionally seated with Christ. Thus we have delegated authority
3. The scriptures, prayer and the preaching of the word are the God appointed means by which the church asserts its victory won by Christ at the cross
4. God permits demons and the kingdom of darkness to exist for the church to experience victory that was already won at the event of the cross
5. Greater is the Lord who is in the Christian than the enemy and his minions who are in the world (1 John 4:4)
Monday, September 12, 2011
Problem of Evil - The Invisible realm Part 1
Revelation 12:3-4 3And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 4And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
All the angels were created goodWhen God created the heavens and earth, He stated seven times that all He had made was good. By the end of the creation week in Genesis 1 and 2, we see a completed creation. When we add in Psalm 33 and Psalm 104, we observe that in the invisible realm, all was good. We have also noted in this blog series that God is not the author of evil, however in His permissive will he did permit evil to come into the heart of Satan to achieve Satan's prideful lust for his own exaltation.
Some of the Angels chose to rebel, following Lucifer
Was Satan alone in his rebellion? Though scripture gives us a faint sketch of what took place in the heavenly realms following the creation week of Genesis 1-2, we do know that the Satanic rebellion took place very shortly thereafter. In Genesis 3 we see Satan in the Garden of Eden, posturing himself to tempt the man and the woman. In the passage above we are given the clearest summary of the scope and nature of this rebellion that took place between Genesis 2 and 3.
As Lucifer turned into satan, 1/3 of the angelic host became the demonic realmThe Bible tells us that the angelic host is ultimately more numerous than we can count (Hebrews 12:22). Around the throne of God alone is over 100 trillion angels (Revelation 4 and 5). Yet we do know that the number of angels is not infinite, since Revelation 12:3-4 gives us the number of 1/3. These angels were swayed by Lucifer. According to the profile we read in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28, Lucifer most likely was the choir leader of heaven, the chief over the Cherubim - the guardians of God's very presence. When he rebelled, it was undoubtedly the last thing any angel would had expected. As a result, 1/3 of the angelic hosts, of all different kinds and ranks, followed Lucifer, and were cast out of heaven.
Different types and ranks of angels and demonsThe angelic realm is noted for the fact that it was created in orderly ranks. There is Michael the archangel (Daniel 10, Revelation 12:3-4), there are angels that worship God, called "seraphim" (Isaiah 6) and there are four angels committed to the throne of God called "cherubim" (Revelation 4 and 5). There are angels that will be assigned to execute God's judgment, as well as messenger angels and guardian angels (Matthew 18). There are even angels assigned to cover children and illuminate their way prior to their reaching the age of accountability (Matthew 18). The sheer number of angels could number way above the trillions.
In tomorrow's blog we will look more into the issue of the problem of evil as it relates to the invisible realm.
All the angels were created goodWhen God created the heavens and earth, He stated seven times that all He had made was good. By the end of the creation week in Genesis 1 and 2, we see a completed creation. When we add in Psalm 33 and Psalm 104, we observe that in the invisible realm, all was good. We have also noted in this blog series that God is not the author of evil, however in His permissive will he did permit evil to come into the heart of Satan to achieve Satan's prideful lust for his own exaltation.
Some of the Angels chose to rebel, following Lucifer
Was Satan alone in his rebellion? Though scripture gives us a faint sketch of what took place in the heavenly realms following the creation week of Genesis 1-2, we do know that the Satanic rebellion took place very shortly thereafter. In Genesis 3 we see Satan in the Garden of Eden, posturing himself to tempt the man and the woman. In the passage above we are given the clearest summary of the scope and nature of this rebellion that took place between Genesis 2 and 3.
As Lucifer turned into satan, 1/3 of the angelic host became the demonic realmThe Bible tells us that the angelic host is ultimately more numerous than we can count (Hebrews 12:22). Around the throne of God alone is over 100 trillion angels (Revelation 4 and 5). Yet we do know that the number of angels is not infinite, since Revelation 12:3-4 gives us the number of 1/3. These angels were swayed by Lucifer. According to the profile we read in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28, Lucifer most likely was the choir leader of heaven, the chief over the Cherubim - the guardians of God's very presence. When he rebelled, it was undoubtedly the last thing any angel would had expected. As a result, 1/3 of the angelic hosts, of all different kinds and ranks, followed Lucifer, and were cast out of heaven.
Different types and ranks of angels and demonsThe angelic realm is noted for the fact that it was created in orderly ranks. There is Michael the archangel (Daniel 10, Revelation 12:3-4), there are angels that worship God, called "seraphim" (Isaiah 6) and there are four angels committed to the throne of God called "cherubim" (Revelation 4 and 5). There are angels that will be assigned to execute God's judgment, as well as messenger angels and guardian angels (Matthew 18). There are even angels assigned to cover children and illuminate their way prior to their reaching the age of accountability (Matthew 18). The sheer number of angels could number way above the trillions.
In tomorrow's blog we will look more into the issue of the problem of evil as it relates to the invisible realm.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Problem of Evil and Suffering: How Jesus would address 9/11
Luke 13:4-5 Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
What I experienced and saw the day 9/11 took place
As a nation we should never forget the terrorist attacks that would come to define life as we know it in the 21st century. At the time I was working night shift in a plant in Eastern Pennsylvainia with non-Christian men who were tough, rugged and used to the harshness of life. I was also attending seminary and was taking a course on Christian counseling. The day that those events unfolded, a faculty member ran into our class, wheeling a T.V on a cart. As the class and I watched those events unfold, the Dean of the Seminary dismissed all classes. Not a sound was to be heard as faculty and students alike left the campus. That same night, as I went to work, the atmosphere was identical at the plant. No joking, no crass humor could be heard. All were walking around, as in a daze. More questions than answers were in the chilly air that night. Many were asking the question: "Why did this happen"?
A falling Tower and Jesus' response to it
In the passage above we are brought into a middle of a conversation between Jesus and a group of people discussing the problem of evil and suffering. Two situations are mentioned. The first had to do with a group of Jews who were minding there own business, worshipping God at the temple, when suddenly a group of Romans soldiers came in, ambushed the worshippers, and quite literally the blood of those victims mixed with the blood of the sacrifices on the cold temple floor.
The second incident involved a collapsing tower - the tower of Siloam. The Bible says some people were walking by as construction was being done. These people, minding their own business, were suddenly crushed when the tower, without warning, fell over. Jesus even gives the death toll - 18.
The first incident was mitigated by ruthless men who cared nothing for the sanctity of human life. They were more bent on carrying out tyranny rather than preserving justice and fairness. Like the incident in the temple, the day those twin towers were struck, ruthless men, with ruthless ideologies, were behind the plot. The second incident would be what we would term "an accident". It could not be explained - at least from a human point of view. Yet Jesus gives a response to both incidents: "I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
Why did Jesus respond the way He did
Jesus short and terse response did not offer explanations, did not pull back the curtain to reveal all the "why's" or answers to these two incidents. Rather his response points us to a far greater need than simply answers - He points us to the God of scripture. His response tells us a few things:
1. God is not unaware of those who perish. Whether those who died in both of these incidents were believers, or unbelievers, is not revealed by Jesus. The fact that Jesus tells the death toll reveals that God is keenly aware of the souls of men and women. Even those who die in their sins, the Bible reminds us that God does not rejoice over the death of the wicked. (Ezekiel 33:11)
2. Man's greatest need is spiritual. Jesus' word to his audience was that of "repentance". All men need to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).
3. The Greatness of God's Mercy. The fact that not everyone is wiped out on the planet is testimony to God's mercy. The Bible says: "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God". (Romans 3:23) It is amazing that God has granted this age of grace, holding back the judgment that all men justly deserve. Only the cross can explain why God extends such common grace to all men. The word there for "perish" points not merely to a worse calamity in this life, but eternal judgment that awaits those who die in rejection of Christ as Savior, Lord and Treasure. (John 3:16-19)
4. God does not owe anyone explanations. Jesus did not feel the need to go into a detailed explanation about these events. His fundamental assumptions were that God is good, and that if anything, He was giving His listeners, who were no better than those people who had perished, the chance to trust in Him as Savior and Lord.
5. Our greatest comfort in times of calamity is Jesus Christ. As we come to the end of the sequence of events here in Luke 13, we read the response to Jesus' words in Luke 13:17 "As He said this, all His opponents were being humiliated; and the entire crowd was rejoicing over all the glorious things being done by Him." Clearly Jesus' opponents were shown for who they were - they did not desire the God of glory, only answers. Would it be, dear friend, that you and I find in Jesus the answer - for truly He alone did something about the problem of evil - the cross.
What I experienced and saw the day 9/11 took place
As a nation we should never forget the terrorist attacks that would come to define life as we know it in the 21st century. At the time I was working night shift in a plant in Eastern Pennsylvainia with non-Christian men who were tough, rugged and used to the harshness of life. I was also attending seminary and was taking a course on Christian counseling. The day that those events unfolded, a faculty member ran into our class, wheeling a T.V on a cart. As the class and I watched those events unfold, the Dean of the Seminary dismissed all classes. Not a sound was to be heard as faculty and students alike left the campus. That same night, as I went to work, the atmosphere was identical at the plant. No joking, no crass humor could be heard. All were walking around, as in a daze. More questions than answers were in the chilly air that night. Many were asking the question: "Why did this happen"?
A falling Tower and Jesus' response to it
In the passage above we are brought into a middle of a conversation between Jesus and a group of people discussing the problem of evil and suffering. Two situations are mentioned. The first had to do with a group of Jews who were minding there own business, worshipping God at the temple, when suddenly a group of Romans soldiers came in, ambushed the worshippers, and quite literally the blood of those victims mixed with the blood of the sacrifices on the cold temple floor.
The second incident involved a collapsing tower - the tower of Siloam. The Bible says some people were walking by as construction was being done. These people, minding their own business, were suddenly crushed when the tower, without warning, fell over. Jesus even gives the death toll - 18.
The first incident was mitigated by ruthless men who cared nothing for the sanctity of human life. They were more bent on carrying out tyranny rather than preserving justice and fairness. Like the incident in the temple, the day those twin towers were struck, ruthless men, with ruthless ideologies, were behind the plot. The second incident would be what we would term "an accident". It could not be explained - at least from a human point of view. Yet Jesus gives a response to both incidents: "I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
Why did Jesus respond the way He did
Jesus short and terse response did not offer explanations, did not pull back the curtain to reveal all the "why's" or answers to these two incidents. Rather his response points us to a far greater need than simply answers - He points us to the God of scripture. His response tells us a few things:
1. God is not unaware of those who perish. Whether those who died in both of these incidents were believers, or unbelievers, is not revealed by Jesus. The fact that Jesus tells the death toll reveals that God is keenly aware of the souls of men and women. Even those who die in their sins, the Bible reminds us that God does not rejoice over the death of the wicked. (Ezekiel 33:11)
2. Man's greatest need is spiritual. Jesus' word to his audience was that of "repentance". All men need to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).
3. The Greatness of God's Mercy. The fact that not everyone is wiped out on the planet is testimony to God's mercy. The Bible says: "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God". (Romans 3:23) It is amazing that God has granted this age of grace, holding back the judgment that all men justly deserve. Only the cross can explain why God extends such common grace to all men. The word there for "perish" points not merely to a worse calamity in this life, but eternal judgment that awaits those who die in rejection of Christ as Savior, Lord and Treasure. (John 3:16-19)
4. God does not owe anyone explanations. Jesus did not feel the need to go into a detailed explanation about these events. His fundamental assumptions were that God is good, and that if anything, He was giving His listeners, who were no better than those people who had perished, the chance to trust in Him as Savior and Lord.
5. Our greatest comfort in times of calamity is Jesus Christ. As we come to the end of the sequence of events here in Luke 13, we read the response to Jesus' words in Luke 13:17 "As He said this, all His opponents were being humiliated; and the entire crowd was rejoicing over all the glorious things being done by Him." Clearly Jesus' opponents were shown for who they were - they did not desire the God of glory, only answers. Would it be, dear friend, that you and I find in Jesus the answer - for truly He alone did something about the problem of evil - the cross.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
The Problem of Evil and Suffering: Its origins
TWO ASSUMPTIONS FOR ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM OF EVIL AND SUFFERING
As we are on the eve of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I felt it necessary to do a series of blogs on the problem of evil and suffering. Throughout the course of these next few blogs, the fundamental assumption will be two-fold: that only the Bible can answer the problem of evil. Second, although we may never fully comprehend all the issues raised by this question - yet God's goodness, justice and power are certainties, despite the presence of evil and suffering. Today we will begin to look at evil's origins.
SO WHERE DID SATAN DERIVE HIS SINISTER IDEA?
We must realize that Lucifer was an angelic being that originally was created good and perfect along with the rest of creation (compare Genesis 1:31-2:3). The closest the Bible comes to answering this question is Ezekiel 28:17a “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom by reason of your splendor". In other words, Lucifer took his eyes off of God's ultimate goodness and reasoned that his creaturely goodness was superior to God's goodness. When it comes to the problem of evil, as it pertains to satan, we're not told why he did it, rather we're told what he did, and from whence it came - his focus on his beauty and the pride in his heart.
GOD IS NOT THE SOURCE OF EVIL, YET HE DECREED TO PERMIT IT God is not the author or direct source of evil since no darkness is in Him (1 John 1:5). We know that God is eternally good and hates the sight of sin (Habakkuk 1:13). Whenever we speak of God's will, we can sometimes speak of what He decrees and what He Permits. We know from other scripture that nothing occurs in our universe apart from God either decreeing it directly or decreeing to permit it. (Please compare Daniel 2:21-23; 4:35 Romans 11:33-36). In fact the Bible tells us in Isaiah 45:7 "I form light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil (some versions say "calamity"): I the Lord do all these things."
EVIL EXISTS FOR THE SAKE OF GOD'S GLORY
From these verses we can say the following: First, God decreed to permit evil. Second, God does not desire nor condone such evil. Thirdly, evil exists ultimately to bring glory to God. Though God did not place evil in satan's heart (for the Bible says it was satan who stirred up the pride), yet God did permit it to occur. Though God is against evil morally, yet He allowed it ultimately to bring glory to Him. Bible teacher John MacArthur uses this simple string of thinking to bring clarity to the problem of evil:
A. God exists
B. Evil exists
C. God willed evil to exist
D. Though He is not the origin of evil
E. Yet He permited evil to accomplish one ultimate purpose, his glory
As we are on the eve of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I felt it necessary to do a series of blogs on the problem of evil and suffering. Throughout the course of these next few blogs, the fundamental assumption will be two-fold: that only the Bible can answer the problem of evil. Second, although we may never fully comprehend all the issues raised by this question - yet God's goodness, justice and power are certainties, despite the presence of evil and suffering. Today we will begin to look at evil's origins.
SO WHERE DID SATAN DERIVE HIS SINISTER IDEA?
We must realize that Lucifer was an angelic being that originally was created good and perfect along with the rest of creation (compare Genesis 1:31-2:3). The closest the Bible comes to answering this question is Ezekiel 28:17a “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom by reason of your splendor". In other words, Lucifer took his eyes off of God's ultimate goodness and reasoned that his creaturely goodness was superior to God's goodness. When it comes to the problem of evil, as it pertains to satan, we're not told why he did it, rather we're told what he did, and from whence it came - his focus on his beauty and the pride in his heart.
GOD IS NOT THE SOURCE OF EVIL, YET HE DECREED TO PERMIT IT God is not the author or direct source of evil since no darkness is in Him (1 John 1:5). We know that God is eternally good and hates the sight of sin (Habakkuk 1:13). Whenever we speak of God's will, we can sometimes speak of what He decrees and what He Permits. We know from other scripture that nothing occurs in our universe apart from God either decreeing it directly or decreeing to permit it. (Please compare Daniel 2:21-23; 4:35 Romans 11:33-36). In fact the Bible tells us in Isaiah 45:7 "I form light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil (some versions say "calamity"): I the Lord do all these things."
EVIL EXISTS FOR THE SAKE OF GOD'S GLORY
From these verses we can say the following: First, God decreed to permit evil. Second, God does not desire nor condone such evil. Thirdly, evil exists ultimately to bring glory to God. Though God did not place evil in satan's heart (for the Bible says it was satan who stirred up the pride), yet God did permit it to occur. Though God is against evil morally, yet He allowed it ultimately to bring glory to Him. Bible teacher John MacArthur uses this simple string of thinking to bring clarity to the problem of evil:
A. God exists
B. Evil exists
C. God willed evil to exist
D. Though He is not the origin of evil
E. Yet He permited evil to accomplish one ultimate purpose, his glory
ILLUSTRATION: DIAMOND RINGS AND DARK CLOTHES When I was getting ready to ask Debi to be my wife, I went to the Jeweler to look at engagement rings. The Jeweler brought out a dark piece of cloth. Now did I want the cloth? No. Then the Jeweler brought out some rings. Now they did shine, but was I able to see their beauty completely? Well, no not really. The cloth and the diamond are two completely different things. The diamond is a diamond, whether I see it or not. The dark cloth is completely useless and undesired by me. However, the Jeweler took the ring and placed it on the cloth. Wow! Did that ring ever pop out! How is it that someone came up with idea of putting together a dark cloth and a diamond ring as a means of making the diamond more desireable to the onlooker? I don't know. Likewise, why did God decree to permit evil and suffering in His plan to offset His unending glory? Consider Romans 3:5 "But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous, is He? (I am speaking in human terms.) Though we may never fully comprehend the why questions in the problem of evil, we can be certain that God is always Good, always Fair and that in His Power He works to accomplish the Highest Good - His glory.
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