Tag Archives: God

O Death, Where is Thy Sting?

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So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:54-57

The sting of death, the victory of the grave, is to usher man’s soul into the eternal torment of Hell, God’s just condemnation for the unrepentant and unredeemed soul. In the natural course of events, we all have this coming.

But thanks and gratitude to God, who gave us a way of escape, a provision for salvation from his wrath through faith in his son, Christ Jesus. On the cross, Jesus took the sting of death for us; he suffered and died as the perfect and final atonement for the sin of man. By faith and submission to him, his righteousness is credited to us, and we will not stand before God with unredeemed sinners to be judged unrighteous and condemned to the fire of hell. This is how death is defeated, its sting eliminated, and a horrific fate swallowed up in victory.

Thanks also to God for his promised provision to bring his children into heaven. A mortal, earthly body of flesh and blood, corrupt, weak, subject to defect and decay, cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. So, when we are raised at the appearance of Christ, we will be given a new body that is incorruptible and immortal, raised in glory and power, and designed to exist in the spiritual world. Moreover, if you happen to be alive when Jesus arrives to take His church off the earth, you will be instantly transformed into the new, glorified body and taken to be with Him, never to experience death. How great is that!

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20

Why All the Suffering?

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We suffer because Earth is not Heaven.

Suffering is an inevitable part of life. There is common suffering we all endure, and then there is extraordinary suffering, such as that which comes from natural disasters, horrific accidents, terrible illness, the murder of a loved one, or the murder of everyone.

Suffering originates from one of two sources: natural or malevolent (evil) events. No doubt, this world is a dangerous place, and is indiscriminate and unforgiving. Natural catastrophes, physical diseases, mental disorders, accidents, or the effects of stupidity can inflict terrible suffering, but in this, there is no profound immorality or wickedness. It is just the way things are, though some would say anything that causes unjust pain and death is evil. Suffering is also the result, and often the objective, of malevolence. Humankind has proven to be even more proficient at inflicting suffering on his fellow man than Mother Nature. However, in a much more disturbing way, there is a willful intent. The presence of evil in our world is self-evident.

Where is God in All This?

It is essential to understand the nature of God. He is sovereign, all-powerful, and all-knowing of the past, present, and future. He controls everything, is incapable of evil, embodies pure righteousness, is the source of all good, is merciful, dispenses grace, and is the essence of love. However, when the holy nature of God is juxtaposed with the pain and suffering in the world, we often ask, why does God allow such things? Additionally, the correct logical deduction is that if God is in total control, being all-powerful and all-knowing, then he must be willfully allowing evil to exist; otherwise, he would stop it. Is God then responsible for the evil and the suffering it causes? The answer is yes if you consider the one who had the power to intervene but did not as being responsible.

Though God is not the author, but the fact that he allows evil and suffering and may use it to his advantage is troubling to some. Many have rejected God because of this, which is ridiculous, as they have chosen an eternity of agony in protest. God is not the perpetrator; he cannot be, but he has his reasons for allowing suffering, and for those who love him, there is a reality that transcends our plight and proves that he is a loving God.

Why Does God Allow Suffering??

Below are three reasons why a loving God would allow evil and suffering not only to exist but to flourish on earth.

Free will trumps intervention. Man is free to make his own choices and decisions. It is free will that gives meaning to our humility, obedience, and submission to God. Sadly, free will also presents the opportunity for unspeakable evil. It is the misuse of free will that brings astounding disaster. Man can choose to love his neighbor as himself, or he can decide to murder his neighbor. It is an awesome liberty to have self-determination, but there is a great risk of misuse in the hands of a profane man. But ultimately, everyone will be held accountable for their actions.

God may use the evil of others to accomplish his will. God can and does use evil and suffering to accomplish his will. Jesus is a prime example of this. The sinless Son of God was brutally tortured and killed by hanging on a cross (the worst of evil) to accomplish atonement for our sins and reconciliation with God (the best of good). The murder of Jesus was the will of God.

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. Acts 2:22-23

The stark contrast between good and evil glorifies God. Man’s unrighteousness dramatically demonstrates the righteousness of God. God is glorified by the contrast of evil in the world, not because he is evil, but because he is the perfect opposite.

What about the suffering of the innocent?

Certainly, there is nothing more heartbreaking, grievous, and unconscionable than our children suffering or being taken from us. The harsh reality is that no one is exempt or immune to catastrophe in life. Prayer is often the only recourse, and it can be highly effective; however, ultimately, God’s will prevails.

The fact that kids get sick and die is a favorite reason to conclude that God does not exist or hate him because he allowed it to happen. However, those who persevere in the faith through these awful times will be comforted and will receive their reward in Heaven. But, for sure, when our children suffer, it is the worst of tough times.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalms 34:18

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12

The Christian response to suffering.

Christians are empowered to endure and comforted in times of suffering. Understanding God’s plan, our faith, and the experience of his love, along with complete confidence in his promises, sees us through. God wants us to be successful and an example to lost souls in times of trouble. Here are the truths we hold to endure:

God is in control. God is sovereign over evil; evil does not have control over God. We find comfort in knowing that our Father, the almighty God, has our lives in his hands. Trust in God, and though you will have trouble in this life, he will perfect, establish, strengthen, and sanctify you in preparation for the incomprehensible joy of Heaven.

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. Peter 5:10

All things happen for our good. We rest in complete confidence that God uses all things for our ultimate good, though it may not seem that way at the moment.  Every experience and circumstance (the good, the bad, and the terrible) is used to accomplish His will for those who belong to him. His will is to mold us to be more like his son, Jesus Christ, and there is no better outcome than we could hope for than to be more like Jesus.

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. Romans 8:28

God is going to fix this. God is going to make everything right. There will be no evil or suffering; the wicked will be eliminated and held accountable to face eternal punishment. There will be no disease, war, malice, tears, pain, death, tragedy, or heartbreak. God will fix it, but not until the traumatic end of human history. When Jesus returns, the shit is going to hit the fan. So, until then, we endure this life with faithful perseverance, looking forward to our inheritance: the new Heaven and the new Earth.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.Revelation 21:3-5

This life is a test. The goal of this mortal life is not comfort, pleasure, or security. Instead, we are tested and challenged to validate and grow in our faith, build character, and be a witness to the power and love of God in times of difficulty. Suffering is part of the plan, and to endure in the faith is the lot of the Christian; freedom from pain and suffering is later.

Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

The Irreligious response to suffering.

For those who live without Christ, trials may build character through suffering and hardship, but there is no benefit beyond the grave. Suffering in the world is a reason for natural man to curse God. Those who live without Christ are on their own, and not all things happen for their good. To suffer alone, with no hope, would seem to be a taste of hell on earth.

Is Christianity the Only True Religion?

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It is well known that Christians, particularly the Evangelical Protestants (who make up only 12% of the world population), have an irritating and offensive trait of claiming their religion as the only valid or true way to God. To say that all other paths lead to an eternity of agony in the fire of hell seems a bit intolerant and narrow-minded. Here is a look at why they are convinced the doctrine of their faith is superior to all other paths. 

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The Unrighteous Nature of Man

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God created man and set him above all other creatures with the qualities and competencies of a self-conscious and rational being (a person). He gave us intellect, the ability to grasp abstract concepts (such as faith, morality, truth or lies, and evil), faculties of communication, and feelings of deep emotion. We also possess the capability to act of our own free will, as we have agency, and the ability to make choices. These attributes are elements of personhood; qualities that make us meaningful and valuable. This is what is meant by “made in the image of God”. We have dignity and worth, creatures built for relationships; God created us to have a relationship with him.

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. Genesis 1:26

But the elements of the image of God in which we were made are of capability, not so much character. Man is an innovative and resourceful creature, but he does not possess, in any meaningful way, God’s divine characteristics, particularly that of righteousness. To be righteous is to be morally correct, and we all fall far short of God’s standard of perfection.

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: Romans 3:10

for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

We see this clearly and profoundly in the world’s immorality and depravity. We also notice it in our daily lives, as we often prioritize our pleasure and comfort. We place our interests, desires, and love of worldly things above our love for God. Jesus tells us that the most important commandment is: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Matthew 22:37-38 To love God is to obey him, and to hate God is to live against his will, violating his commandments. This is sin, a malady common to all mankind.

The Terrible Result of Sin

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For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:30-31

God is clear about how he deals with sin. Every person will be held accountable for their unforgiven sins, and the penalty is eternal damnation. We all deserve God’s wrath that will come when we stand before him and face his judgment.

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11-13

The unrighteous nature of man and the coming judgment raise a crucial question. If no one, no matter how hard they try, has a righteous standing before God, then are we doomed to suffer in Hell forever? The answer is yes.

This is why mankind desperately needs a Savior.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 9:27-28

Jesus is the Only Way to Heaven.

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Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

The Bible clearly teaches that faith in and submission to Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven. The truth of this is supported by the suffering he endured to bring salvation to humanity. In the Gospels, we learn about his anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal by his disciples, the rejection by his people, and his horrific suffering through scourging and crucifixion. Why would he have endured this if there had been any other way to save us from the penalty of our sins?

Jesus clearly states that he is the only way, not just a way to the Father. Faith in Jesus Christ is the only path to Heaven; all other roads lead to Hell. Trusting anything, anyone, or any religious system other than Jesus Christ is to commit spiritual suicide.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12

If Jesus is the only way to Heaven, then there must be many roads leading to Hell.

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14

Below are four common paths to destruction, each characterized by the failure to make Jesus Christ the Lord over everything in your life.

First, some will end up in Hell because they are satisfied in their unbelief, with no desire or need for God. Prosperity, success, social acceptance, and self-sufficiency often negate their conscious recognition of the need for God. They believe they don’t need to be saved. For them, Christianity is an unnecessary waste of time.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. Ist Corinthians 1:18

Secondly, others mistakenly believe they are in good standing with God because they strive to live moral lives and be good people. Overestimating the good within themselves, they assume that treating others well, thinking good thoughts, and doing good deeds should be sufficient to secure a place in Heaven. They, too, are convinced that they do not need to be saved. The word of God tells us otherwise; it is clear that reliance on one’s righteousness ends in death.

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isaiah 64:6

Thirdly, the next road to Hell is reliance on compliance. The religious are often taught to do something to make amends with God. They attempt to win God’s favor through actions they think will please him, such as self-righteous efforts, following religious rules and rituals, or living piously. However, in God’s eyes, these efforts are futile nonsense. Jesus railed against the Jewish religious leadership, who taught adherence to rules, rituals, sacraments, and traditions for salvation. You cannot work yourself into righteous perfection; that is why you need a savior to deliver you from being judged wanting and condemned. God desires your heart, mind, and soul, not your best efforts at religion.  

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21-23

Finally, there is a path to Hell marked by deception, evil, and treachery. It is the perversion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by charlatans of organized religion that leads people away from Christ.

These frauds intertwine corruption, lies, and error with some element of truth, as they teach heresies that go against the Gospel in the Bible. They promote ideas like promised prosperity, the goodness of humanity, and devotion to religious rituals and ceremonies for salvation. They downplay the deity of Jesus, some by dramatic blasphemies such as claiming Jesus is a created being or even that he is Satan’s brother (Mormons). They minimize the punishment for unrighteousness and forget the plan of salvation; all the while, often taking money for personal gain. These persuasive voices tell people what they want to hear, and people believe them no matter how absurd the message is. Be aware that Satan sometimes carries a Bible.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2nd Timothy 4:3-4

The Bible is also clear that those who propagate lies and distortions of the word of God are cursed, and their destruction is inevitable.

But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 2nd Peter 2:12

Faith Tested

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There are two clear objectives in mortal life. The first is to come to Christ for salvation. The second is to grow and mature in the faith, to be sanctified by God, to glorify him, and to live a life that is pleasing to him.

Salvation

Whose (winnowing) fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his (threshing) floor, and gather his wheat into the garner (barn); but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Matthew 3:12

The agricultural symbolism in the verse above is clear. The saved are gathered in Heaven, while the lost spend eternity in Hell. His “threshing floor” represents God’s judgment, with the verdict determined during each person’s earthly life. God’s children—those saved by the blood of Jesus Christ—are distinguished and separated from those who are forever lost and condemned during our brief time here on Earth. To be saved from the wrath of God is the primary reason we are here.

Transcendent, eternal joy and peace await those who successfully arrive at the threshing floor as wheat, not chaff. The word of God is crystal clear on how this is accomplished; it is by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Later, in Heaven or Hell, we will reflect on our time here on Earth, when the quality of our eternity was settled, with either gratitude and joy or deep anguish, remorse, and sorrow. This mortal life is God’s sieve to separate those who are his from those who are not.

Sanctification by Trials

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers (diverse) temptations (various trials); Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work (effect), that ye may be perfect and entire (complete), wanting (lacking) nothing. James 1:2-4

In this life, God puts us through trials to realize our potential, refine our abilities, build endurance, and strengthen our faith. Our character, whether good or bad, will be shaped, and our station in the next life will be determined. Testing fosters maturity and transforms us into stronger Christians, conforming us to the likeness of Christ. Trials humble us, create dependency on God, and reveal our true character. We who are in Christ can face distress and trouble with a sense of calm, stability, and confidence because we trust that all things are within his control and work for our ultimate good.

A Christian who remains steadfast in faith amidst adversity is a powerful testimony to God’s love, power, and peace. A Christian who maintains unwavering faith when life is easy and prosperous with humility and gratitude is also a compelling testimony to God’s loving generosity.

A man without faith pursues the desires of his heart, believing that peace and happiness come from achieving success based on worldly values such as wealth, vain relationships, status, power, attractiveness, and material possessions. He attributes the troubles in his life to the malevolence of others, bad luck, or foolishness. Without God, a person must navigate life on their own. While he may experience prosperity during his brief time on Earth, he ultimately fails the test that truly matters. However, there is hope, as many turn to Christ during tough times – those who are broken often come to realize their need for a savior.

Life is a grand test, serving as a proving ground to separate the wheat from the chaff. The Elect will come to Christ and obtain eternal life, while the lost will die in their sins. The faithful Christian will be sanctified and transformed to be more like Christ, whereas the unholy person will be consumed by the lusts and depravity of their mind. Our purpose in this life is to come to know Christ, obey God, fear him, glorify him, grow in faith, and share the incomparable gift of salvation available only through faith in Jesus Christ.

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23:10