Does Everything Work Together for God's Glory and Our Joy? ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba

For Our Joy and God’s Glory

Jonathan Edwards present the argument that ultimately the existence of evil in this world was necessary for both our joy and God’s Glory. Before balking at this thought, I ask you to read thoroughly His argument. I will let it stand upon its own merits. Of all the defenses, this one was the one that shone light into my heart during many years of suffering. It provided me with a deeper understanding of my suffering and ultimately lead me to rejoice, even in my suffering.

A CASE for GOD’S GLORY AND OUR JOY

It is a proper and excellent thing for infinite glory to shine forth; and for the same reason, it is proper that the shining forth of God’s glory be complete; that is, that all parts of his glory should shine forth, that every beauty should be proportionably effulgent (=radiant), that the beholder may have a proper notion of God. It is not proper that one glory should be exceedingly manifested, and another not at all….

Thus, it is necessary, that God’s awful majesty, his authority and dreadful greatness, justice, and holiness, should be manifested. But this could not be, unless sin and punishment had been decreed; so that the shining forth of God’s glory would be very imperfect, both because these parts of divine glory would not shine forth as the others do, and also the glory of his goodness, love, and holiness would be faith without them; nay, they could scarcely shine forth at all.

If it were not right that God should decree and permit and punish sin, there could be no manifestation of God’s holiness in hatred of sin, or in showing any preference, in his providence, of godliness before it. There would be no manifestation of God’s grace or true goodness, if there was no sin to be pardoned, no misery to be saved from. How much happiness so ever he bestowed, his goodness would not be so much prized and admired, and the sense of it not so great….

So, evil is necessary,

in order to the highest happiness of the creature and the completeness of that communication of God, for which he made the world; because the creature’s happiness consists in the knowledge of God, and the sense of his love. And if the knowledge of him be imperfect, the happiness of the creature must be proportionably imperfect.^[1] (Edwards 1974)

FURTHER THOUGHTS:

Reread this argument, prayerfully. Think about it whenever confronted with suffering or evil. I have found this argument richly comforting to my soul. Its truth illuminated further when I consider what Paul wrote.

What if God, willing to shew His wrath, and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction. And that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had afore prepared unto glory (Romans 9:22-23).

So, which do you choose to be? Are you one of the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction; because, you refuse to accept the gift of God’s dear Son? Or are you one of the vessels of His Mercy? Either you are one of His beloved, blessed children, redeemed by the blood of Christ or you are not. If you know Jesus Christ as Your Lord and Savior, then let me assure you. All things work together for your good, your joy and your blessings as promised in Romans 8:28. Even the suffering you face in this journey will bring about for you greater joy than you could ever imagine both in this life and in eternity. Keep your eyes focused on Him.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

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A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.

WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”

Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.

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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.