In the last post I mentioned the verse:
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." -Romans 8:28-
This verse is a wonderful promise to believers. But, before you meditate upon this verse, or go off making up your own meaning for it, I think there are a few misunderstandings of the meaning of this great verse.
What it is not saying:
It is not saying that God is going to allow only good things to happen to you all the time, or that He will never let anything bad come into your life. Don't be so vain. The Christian life is not all "butterflies and green fields" (Julianna Weaver; I may misquoted, but you get the point). Just take examples from Job, Jeremiah, Jesus, Peter, Stephen, Paul. Especially take a look at the experiences of Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, and let me know if thats the idea of mainstream, pop-psychology, self-help, health and wealth "Christianity" of today.
What it is saying:
What may look to you like horrible situations and things you would classify in the "not good things" category are in the end brought back to your personal good. God's providence is beyond measure, it is hard to fathom how it is that He has so ordained all things to take place down to the minutest detail so that in the end it would work out for the good of those who are called according to His purpose. Take a minute to look back on your life, imagine every small detail, every instance where had you made a different decision you may not be where you are today, a Christian blessed by God. God has guided your feet to the place you now stand. Even think of "bad" situations and what good came out of many of them: i.e. faith and obedience are strengthened, lessons are learned, people that have encouraged you in your walk may have been met along the way.
The point is, "If God Is Not Sovereign" then He does not know your steps or your directions, He is not able to bring all things together for the good of those called according to His purpose. The thought contradicts the scripture.
God is sovereign and God is bringing all things in your life together for good, the ultimate good, eternal life in heaven praising Jesus Christ.
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." -Matthew 10:29-31-
Further Reading:
The Mystery of Providence - John Flavel
All Things for Good - Thomas Watson
Honestly I have only read the first one, but I know the other will be good because Thomas Watson is a great writer. Both of these guys are Puritans, and in my opinion Puritans have left behind Christian writings that are unparalled. Check these books out.
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1 comment:
I will check these books out! Thanks Jon! :)
Wow. It's been a while.
There are really three options. The Arminian will see God as all-loving which means that though He would like to avert disasters and bring good to everyone, He can't because He isn't all-powerful.
They would claim that those who believe God is all-powerful, would therefore have to believe or come to realize that God is thus not all-loving. He would be a mean, spiteful God who would let a little child starve in Russia.
However, the Bible clearly portrays God as both loving and all-powerful. He upholds all things by His hand:
Act 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
and nothing takes place apart from His decree. Why does bad happen then? Well, because ultimately it is for the good of His people and that is what the entirety of history shows us, the acts of God in history and nature are for the good of His people and therefore for His glory. This doesn't insinuate that God uses terrible means and doesn't care about the rest of His creation, but just like an animal was sacrificed in the garden to provide Adam and Eve with clothes, so God is willing that others of His creatures should be a sacrifice as it were.
Because of our sin, He isn't beholden to give any of us any good thing, and it is a blessing even that most of us spend most of our days without being sick all the time. He gives the wicked a season of "happiness" while on this earth, which is something none of us deserve and He is thus gracious in granting it.
God is sovereign and rules all things according to the counsel of His own will, but He is also loving and it is into the hands of such a God that we can surrender all doubts and misgivings and rely totally upon Him in trust and faith.
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