A question raised by the book of Job.  The same question raised by the atheists and even many of the theists.  It has touched the lives of nearly every person born at some time in this world.  If indeed we worship a Sovereign, Almighty God who can do all things.  And if His nature is really good.  Then how can we justify evil, pain, and suffering in our life? If the rain falls on the just and the unjust, then what is our hope anchored to.? I daresay everyone in this room has asked that question at some time. 

Most of his life, C. S. Lewis had carefully guarded his heart from love.  That is until he met Joy.  Ultimately theirs became a deep friendship and then on her dying bed, he realized he loved her more than he could imagine.  He married her there.  Miraculously she did recover somewhat and lived for 3 years before the cancer overtook her body once more.  In his book, A Grief Observed, he wrote,

Not that I am (I think) in much danger of ceasing to believe in God.  The real danger is of coming to believe such dreadful things about Him.[1]

That seems to be the same danger Job was confronted with.  Mine was somewhat different as I believed that God was good and all powerful, but perhaps I was too unworthy to be loved by Him.  All of which beg for an answer not initially found when the pain seems too great to bear and answers are too far from our hearts and minds to comprehend.

But God

As we saw last week.  All the evil that surrounds us, God can use for good and promises just that. 

Romans 8(NET) 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes on behalf of the saints according to God’s will.

28 And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose, 29 because those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified. ³¹ What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things?

Note this.  He did not spare His own son.  All things work together for good, not that they in and of themselves seem good at the time.  It all works together to transform us into the likeness of the son.  As such, we become a part in His joy as well.  This is what He prayed for before going to the cross, enduring the greatest injustice of all willingly. 

A Really Good Almighty God-John 17

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was… 11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are….13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

His joy fulfilled in us.  What kind of joy is His?  Perfect joy as within the Godhead. 

Now is that a frivolous kind of joy?  Afterall, did he not say,

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?  Matthew 16:24-26 (ESV)

Deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.  For what?  To gain perfect joy, love, and glory?  Yes. 

So, What Does Pain Have to Do with Joy?

Pain is the megaphone awakening us and the world from our slumber.  Only then can we recognize our discontent with frivolous joys.   

Soren Kierkegaard wrote in The Gospel of Suffering:

When worldly wisdom is capable of realizing goodness, faith is not capable of seeing God.  But when worldly wisdom cannot see a hand’s breath before it in the dark night of suffering, Faith sees God.  For faith sees best in darkness.[2]

without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.  Hebrews 11:6

We come to Him by faith—faith is knowing HE IS (Yahweh) and faith understands HE does reward those who diligently seek Him. 

By Grace are ye saved by faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.    Ephesians 2:8

Even then it is God who gives us that faith.  Albeit it may have to come from a long training in suffering that gives us that kind of faith. 

let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.³ Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.   Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV). 

Am I at any point to think myself less worthy of suffering than my Savior? And from what standpoint?

Really Good Almighty God and Job’s suffering

He (Elihu) saw the superior purpose God had in allowing suffering to come to a child of His who was acknowledged to be a good man.  The three friends had each accused Job of being guilty of gross sin of one kind or another because, according to their viewpoint, no man would suffer as he had suffered unless he had done something very evil.  They thought of suffering as punishment and when Job refused to accept their judgment, they call him a hypocrite. 

Elihu points out that Job’s problem and sin was a wrong attitude toward God and toward God’s judgments.  Job failed to see that even a good man needs refining in God’s school of practical Christian living.  Elihu saw that suffering is not exclusively punitive, it may be corrective.  He saw that God allows suffering not always as a penal matter but for moral ends.  Suffering is not necessarily to requite a man for sin but to bring a man to an even closer fellowship with God.  It may not be for punishment at all, but rather for purification.  (Or) It is not necessarily the Judges rod of punishment, but the Shepherd’s Crook to guide us.   It is designed to push us a little further on in maturing our spiritual lives. [3]

Example of How a Really Good, Almighty God Allows Suffering

C.S. Lewis wrote in The Problem with Pain

My own experience is something like this.  I am progressing along the path of life in my ordinary contentedly fallen and godless condition, absorbed in a merry meeting with my friends for the morrow or a bit of work that tickles my vanity today, a holiday or a new book, when suddenly a stab of abdominal pain that threatens serious disease, or a headline in the newspapers that threatens us all with destruction, send this whole pack of cards tumbling down.  At first, I am overwhelmed and all my little happinesses look like broken toys.  Then, slowly and reluctantly, bit by bit, I try to bring myself into the frame of mind that I should be in at all times.  I remind myself that all these toys were never intended to possess my heart, that my true good is in another world and my only real treasure is Christ.  And perhaps by God’s grace, I succeed, and for a day or two become a creature consciously dependent on God and drawing its strength from the right sources.  But the moment the threat is withdrawn, my whole nature leaps back to the toys; I am even anxious, God forgive me, to banish from my mind the only thing that supported me under the threat because it is now associated with the misery of those few days.  Thus, the terrible necessity of tribulation is only too clear.  God has had me for but forty-eight hours and then only by dint of taking everything else away from me.  Let Him but sheathe that sword for a moment and I behave like a puppy when the hated bath is over—I shake myself as dray as I can and race off to reacquire my comfortable dirtiness, if not in the nearest manure heap, at least in the nearest flower bed.  And that is why tribulations cannot cease until God either sees us remade or see that the remaking is now hopeless.[4]

Can a Really Good Almighty God Allow Suffering in Our Life?

I found this beautifully written post by Justin Craft posted in 2021 at https://withallwisdom.org/2021/04/16/the-problem-of-evil/amp/

I do recommend you read it.  So well done.

But he points out:

Man is wholly responsible for his fallen state, and God does not sin nor tempt others to evil (James 1:13). Though, by the fact of His omnipotence, God could have prevented the Fall, in His perfect wisdom He allowed it to happen for a glorious and perfect purpose.God has allowed men and angels to commit evil and pervert His good creation for the purpose of revealing the riches of His glory. He is making aspects of Himself known to His creation through the display of His justice in the destruction of the wicked. His power and wrath, which is being revealed even now in creation and which will be poured out for all eternity on the reprobate (Rom 1:18), has revealed and will continue to reveal for all time God’s glory to creation. And it has revealed things about God that would have remained veiled to creation otherwise….As God is all-wise and all-good, and does all things perfectly, this way, with evil and all must be the best course of action. John Piper coins this as “the best-of-all-possible worlds,” which means that “God governs the course of history so that, in the long run, his glory will be more fully displayed and his people more fully satisfied than would have been the case in any other world.”⁴ It is that satisfaction we see in verse 23. For God has wisely revealed the riches of His glory in the destruction of the wicked, not to merely reveal that glory to creation in general, but also so that He could redeem us. And as Jonathan Edwards says in his great work Concerning the End for Which God Created the World, “The glory of God is the ultimate end of the work of redemption.”⁵ Without evil in the world, without God’s perfect justice being meted out on sin and evil, God’s elect would not have known God’s mercy and glory and love and goodness in redemption. For there would be no redemption if there was nothing to redeem.[5]

A Final Thought

Romans 8 (NET) 18 For I consider that our present sufferings cannot even be compared to the coming glory that will be revealed to us. 19 For the creation eagerly waits for the revelation of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly but because of God who subjected it—in hope 21 that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children.

22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers together until now. 23 Not only this, but we ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we eagerly await our adoption, the redemption of our bodies 24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with endurance.

We who know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are that hope.  The whole creation eagerly waits for the revelation of the sons of God.  We are the light, the love and the comfort to a world drowning in fears, sorrows, and suffering.  We know the truth and that is what sets us free from the bondages of this world.  Our joy, hope and love are found in Him, regardless of the circumstances.  So let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us and let us run the race, looking unto Jesus our Savior, the author and the finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12)

And as for my faulty theology.

It was precisely a time of deep pain intermingled with God’s grace giving me the ability to love another human unconditionally that gave me to truth. God loved me unconditionally before I was ever born. That love so overwhelming that I want only to please Him now. I love Him more than life itself, because He first loved me. A lesson learned through years of tragedy and sorrow, but so worth the learning. Jesus is my foundation. He is my joy overflowing, steadfast and unwavering. That, my friend is worth every tear I ever cried–just to know Him as my Lord and Savior.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Previously

Two Important Words That Can Energize Your Life with Joy.  “But God!”

How do Faith and Grace Plus Power Display the Glory of God?

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DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2023
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, 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.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Photo licensed through Goodsalt.com

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[1] Lewis, C.S., A Grief Observed, Harper, San Francisco, CA, ©1961, page 6

[2] Kierkegaard, Soren, Gospel of Suffering, 1847 translated by A.S.Aldworth and W.S.Ferrie, James Clarke & Co, Cambridge, ©1955, p36

[3] Epp, Theodore H., Job, A Man Tried as Gold, ©1967,2014, Grace Gospel Press, Duluth, MN, 111-112

[4] Lewis, C.S., The Problem with Pain, ©1940, Harper, San Francisco, CA, pages 106-107

[5] https://withallwisdom.org/2021/04/16/the-problem-of-evil/amp/  ©2021, accessed 1/28/2023

This one little phrase occurs 47 times in the New King James Bible.  Eight of those in Genesis.  Yet, it can be the most transforming pair of words you will ever know.  Those two words can energize your life with joy overflowing, if only you grasp their depth and meaning.  Even before this phrase was used, it had been somewhat obvious who had presented to Adam and Eve. God provided a way of salvation from the sin Adam plunged the human race into.  Again, God preserved the way for Noah and his family to be saved from the flood.  God called Abraham to create a nation through whom the Savior would come. And He held firmly true to His covenant in spite of mankind’s foolishness at times. 

Abraham was applauded for his faith which was counted to him for righteousness.  Yet, his wasn’t a perfect faith.  Indeed the first two times the words “But God” are used in the Bible are when God had to intervene because of Abraham’s sin stemming from a lack of faith.  The first incident was when Abraham had told Sarah to say she was his sister for the second time.  This time King Abimelech had taken her to his home.  Yet, before anything could happen, we read.

But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, “Indeed you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.” Genesis 20:3

Then, due to his lack of faith once more, Abraham had a child by Hagar.  Then Sarah who had arranged it all became jealous once Isaac was born.  She commanded Abraham to send Ishmael away.  He was very upset because he loved his son Ishmael as well.

But God had a Plan for Ishmael

¹¹ And the matter was very displeasing in Abraham’s sight because of his son. ¹² But God said to Abraham, “Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called ¹³ Yet I will also make a nation of the son of the bondwoman, because he is your seed.” Genesis 21.

You might say, unfair.  But was it?  God did make a great nation out of Ishmael and although, they chose to reject Christ as a nation.  Yet, the fastest growing Christian ministries are in the middle east today.  Operation world reported Iran as having the fastest growing evangelical movement in the world in 1921.[1]

Genesis 21: 14-21

¹⁴ So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and ^[f]a skin of water; and putting it on her shoulder, he gave it and the boy to Hagar, and sent her away. Then she departed and wandered in the Wilderness of Beersheba. ¹⁵ And the water in the skin was used up, and she placed the boy under one of the shrubs. ¹⁶ Then she went and sat down across from him at a distance of about a bowshot; for she said to herself, “Let me not see the death of the boy.” So she sat opposite him, and lifted her voice and wept.

¹⁷ And God heard the voice of the lad. Then the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said to her, “What ails you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. ¹⁸ Arise, lift up the lad and hold him with your hand, for I will make him a great nation.”

¹⁹ Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water, and gave the lad a drink. ²⁰ So God was with the lad; and he grew and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer. ²¹ He dwelt in the Wilderness of Paran; and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt.

Although sometimes everything appeared dark, there was never a moment but God had a plan for good to all who trusted Him.

Jacob’s But God moment

Although, his life was more of an up and down faith; yet, Jacob had moments of great highs.  He saw angels climbing stares into heaven and knew God was in that place.  So, you might say he had many but God moments.  Yet, the Bibles recorded these two with that phrase.  Both were revealing that God’s hand had protected him, even with his sometimes wayward faith. 

First was when he decided to return to his land and leave Laban.  We hear his words.

² And Jacob saw the countenance of Laban, and indeed it was not favorable toward him as before. ³ Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.”

⁴ So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field, to his flock, ⁵ and said to them, “I see your father’s ^[a^]countenance, that it is not favorable toward me as before; but the God of my father has been with me. ⁶ And you know that with all my might I have served your father. ⁷ Yet your father has deceived me and changed my wages ten times, but God did not allow him to hurt me.

God Intervened by Speaking To Laban Though Not A Believer

Jacob left with all he had, his wives and his children.  Laban pursued him.

²² And Laban was told on the third day that Jacob had fled. ²³ Then he took his brethren with him and pursued him for seven days’ journey, and he overtook him in the mountains of Gilead. ²⁴ But God had come to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said to him, “Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad.”

Laban worshipped idols.  We know this because he accused them of stealing his gods.  (Actually Rachel had, but no one found out at that time). But God spoke to Laban anyway and protected them. 

Jacob’s true faith did not mature until much later when he wrestled with God and then remained lame for the rest of his life.  Humbled, then he bowed before God. 

Meanwhile, Joseph was just a child when all this happened and was most likely watching all of the events, good and bad. 

Each Patriarch Presented Different Kinds of Faith

“Abel, who offered a more excellent sacrifice, represents redemption through faith.  Enoch, who was taken to heaven represented the walk of faith for he “walked with God.” (Gen 5:22).  Noah, who built the ark and sought to persuade others to enter, represents the confession of faith.  Abraham, who trusted God in the face of insurmountable obstacles, represents the obedience of faith.  Isaac submitted to his earthly father and unresistingly yielded to his Heavenly Father, represents the patience of faith.  Jacob who experienced extreme heights and depths in his life, represents the training of faith.

In the life of Joseph there is a twofold emphasis-the testing and the triumph of faith.  In his life we see in action the principle stated in I Peter 1:7: That the trial of your faith being much more precious than of gold that perisheth though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ”[2]

Then There was Joseph

Joseph lived a very righteous life.  Indeed, no sin was recorded against him, though his life was filled with sorrows, disappointments, temptations, false accusation, and trials.  Despite his mother’s death, his brothers hatred, his sale into slavery, and wrongful jail sentence; Joseph remained faithful to God and did not lose his way.  Are we to think he was sinless?  No for he was human, but much like Daniel God chose not to record anything.

After his rise to Prince in Egypt, he forgave his brothers because he saw the bigger picture of God’s plan for him.  God had even told Abraham a long time ago that the nation would be taken captive, but most likely Joseph did not know that fact.  His life played out as it was supposed to in order to complete God’s plan to grow the nation, to march always forward to the day of Christ’s birth.

Genesis 45:4-8

⁴ And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.

⁵ Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

⁶ For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest.

⁷ And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

⁸ So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

Whatever Happens, But God

Jacob, now named Israel, did come with all his family.  All was well.  Before he died, he said.

 And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers. Genesis 48:21.

God did, in his own time.  Yet, one of the most profound statements of faith that encourages me every day was when Joseph said to his brothers.

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Genesis 50:20. 

Another Story Hidden in This Weeks Reading

You may have wondered about the story of Judah and his daughter in law, Tamar.  Why would God have allowed it in the Bible.  Judah had forgotten her after her first two husbands (Judah 1^st and 2^nd sons had died because of their sin).  She pretended to be a prostitute when Judah was mourning his wife, and he slept with her.  She gave birth to a son.  Well, why put the story in? 

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:

² Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers. ³ Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram. ⁴ Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon. ⁵ Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, ⁶ and Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah….

So, there she is in the lineage of Christ, along with Rahab the harlot, and Ruth, and “her who had been the wife of Uriah”.   Christ came to earth to save sinners. 

Ephesians 2: 1-10

 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, ² in which you once walked according to the ^[a]course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, ³ among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), ⁶ and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷ that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not of works, lest anyone should boast. ¹⁰ For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

But God

Surrounded by evil forces that seem to grow larger each day until life is filled with anxiety.  But God will wound the head of His enemies, The hairy scalp of the one who still goes on in his trespasses. Psalm 68:21 

Sometimes life seems to hard to bear and the sorrow overflows within my heart.  I do not know where or how to respond, feeling as though drowning in the bitterness of my own heart.  My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

Illness calls upon us and we are frightened by its call, fearing its effects.

But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, For He shall receive me. Selah Psalm 49:15

The nations clamor for war, while proclaiming the need for a one world order. The nations will rush like the rushing of many waters; But God will rebuke them and they will flee far away, And be chased like the chaff of the mountains before the wind, Like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.  Isaiah 17:13

When I stand up for the truth of God, all turn against me.  But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

And when temptations come and we think we will never be able to overcome, Remember 1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Previously

How do Faith and Grace Plus Power Display the Glory of God?

---

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2023
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, 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.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Photo licensed through Goodsalt.com

[1] https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/meet-the-worlds-fastest-growing-evangelical-movement/ 2/2/2021, visited 1/21/2023.

[2] Theodore H. Epp, Joseph “God planned it for Good”;Back to the Bible Broadcast, Lincoln, Nebraska, 1971 page 7

Do you ever wonder how God could choose the men we refer to as the patriarchs?  These were the ones who would pave the path leading to the birth of Jesus. The only means of redemption for humanity.  As you read their stories this week, you would recognize they were sinners.  Many times, their choices were foolish.  Lives filled with doubt, sorrow, bad choices, and limited faith at times.  How did they gain the power to overcome their selfish wills and desires?  I dare to propose that true willpower to do that which is right comes by grace?  Faith is the catalyst that allows us to not only see the grace of our past, but also to cling to today’s grace and future grace.  God is the power they and we need to overcome. 

Were it not for grace not even one of these human beings could have reached the heights they needed to succeed.  And without God’s Power to overcome their own frailties, they could never have lead the path to display the Glory of God.  Actually it was more in spite of them, God won the victory.  Just as in spite of all our bumbling, fumbling down here; through grace God can use our faith to display His Glory.  It is His Power in us that can altar our will power to do all that He plans.  Sometimes He even uses our failures to accomplish His greatest acts of Glory.  That I find even more amazing.

FAITH IN FUTURE GRACE

When we look at grace and consider all that it is, we tend to grasp hold on grace that has already been.  Yet, the grace of God engulfs all—past, present, and future.  Past grace looks all the way to the cross where Jesus died for my sins.  It also sees all the times that God so graciously sustained me through hard times.  And each moment when He has displayed Himself to me through grace, building my faith.  Showing me how I can trust in Him.

 Present grace is this very moment in time.  Whether it be the breath I take or the strength to say no to despair at right now.  Faith in present grace is the power to make the right choice now. Or to say something good or kind right this minute to lift a fallen one up. 

 Faith in future grace, takes all that and reaches forward trusting that God will accomplish all that He has planned in the world and in my life.  That is the faith that provides us flowing fountains of hope everlasting. 

Hebrews 11:

 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ² For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

³ By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

Faith at the Dawn of History

⁴ By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.

⁵ By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. ⁶ But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

⁷ By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.  Hebrews 11 NKJV

A Faith that Looks Forward to Future Grace

Each looked forward.  Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all looked forward in faith toward the promises of God. 

¹³ These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. ¹⁴ For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. ¹⁵ And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. ¹⁶ But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country.  Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.  Hebrews 11 (NKJV)

But it goes deeper than that.  Because God step by step had grown Abraham’s faith throughout the years, Abraham was will to offer up Isaac on the altar.  Believing God would perform a miracle, Abraham trusted God enough to obey even if he did not understand.

Strength to Obey because of the Power of God in us.

Note Paul’s prayer to the believers in Ephesus whom he referred to already as Saints, trusting in the Future Grace of God to finish the work He began in these believers.

¹⁵ Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, ¹⁶ do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: ¹⁷ that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, ¹⁸ the eyes of your ^[f]understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

¹⁹ and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power ²⁰ which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.  Ephesians 1 (NKJV)

Mighty Power of God to Transform our Heart

Breaking this down.  The God of our Lord Jesus Christ  in other words, the Father of glory.  Let Him give you wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.  As He reveals Himself to us through His actions and His words, we gain understanding and hope through faith in His future grace promised to us.  Therefore, the same power with which He raised Jesus from the dead He releases in us so we might have the will power needed to fulfill every good work He has planned for us to accomplish in spite of our own frailties and weaknesses.  He is the power in us to do this. 

Hope in Future Grace

¹³ For example, there was God’s promise to Abraham. Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name, saying:

¹⁴ “I will certainly bless you,
    and I will multiply your descendants beyond number.”^[c]

¹⁵ Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.

¹⁶ Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. ¹⁷ God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. ¹⁸ So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. ¹⁹ This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. ²⁰ Jesus has already gone in there for us.  Hebrews 6:13-20 NLT

Our hope is anchored in God.  He has promised and He will accomplish all that He has planned.  He is the power we need to overcome every obstacle our own hearts place in the way to have the willpower to exceedingly display the Glory of God to the world.  I cannot on my own do this.  Only He can in His power accomplish this.  Today and every day for the rest of my life and yours. 

A Prayer of Faith in Future Grace

Pray this for yourself and for others.

²⁰ Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, ²¹ make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13 (NKJV)

He is the power.  Therefore, He is the hope in future grace because we can trust Him.  He is the one who grows up our faith sometimes through trials.  Let us keep our eyes always on Him.  Growing in Him through His word, through prayer, and through seeking Him.  He will complete the work He began in you.  Let a little while and we shall see Him in all His glory.  What a day that will be.  Until then, let us hold fast our faith in future grace by His power working in us. 

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

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Original Sin and Why You Must Understand to Know Grace

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2023
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, 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.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Photo licensed through Goodsalt.com

[1] C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, (New York: HarperCollins, 1952), 47-48

[1] https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/90-235/the-origin-of-evil

We can never truly appreciate the depths of Mercy, Grace and Love it required for God to pay the way for our salvation unless we first understand original sin.  Not just that which entered the world by Adam, but that which resides in our own heart today.  For that reason, this first week of reading through the scripture helps us to understand the depths of depravity that is ours as it is the whole human race.  So, quickly we want to blame society, the world, Satan, or even God for our predicament.  But I fear it is much closer and deeply embedded in our own hearts and minds. 

¹³ Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil,^[o] and he himself tempts no one. ¹⁴ But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. ¹⁵ Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death.  James 1 (NET)

Although, it was Adam who first presented sin into the world, we must realize the depth of sin born within each heart from the moment of birth.  Does not even a baby arch his/her back in anger the moment its immediate desires are not met?  With screeching sounds and flailing arms, it demands its needs to be met immediately.  Ah, but are we not each much like that flailing, screaming baby as we demand our way through this earth.  As we begin this journey through scripture, I do think we will see our own depravity.  And thereby, also see the magnificence of God’s grace toward us.

Ephesians 2: (NKJV)

¹ And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, ² in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, ³ among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), ⁶ and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷ that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not of works, lest anyone should boast. ¹⁰ For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Creation—Genesis 1 and 2

God created the world and all that was in it.   As he completed each step, He declared that it was good.  When all was finished, He declared it as very good.  There was no sin.  For God is righteous and good, there is no essence of sin in Him.  He cannot and did not create evil.  Indeed, evil is the absence of God.  Just as darkness of its own does not exist, rather it is the absence of light.  So, it is, evil is not a created being or thing, it is the absence of God’s perfect Holiness.

John McArthur said it this way:

When God created angels and God created humans, He gave them intelligence, He gave them reason, and He gave them choice.  And there is a sequence.  I put those words in that order for a purpose.

Intelligence gave them the ability to understand things.  Reason gave them the ability to process that understanding toward behavior.  And choice gave them the freedom to determine that behavior.  Intelligence, reason, and choice.  Bottom line: with what they knew, and with the ability they had to process that information, they would be brought to a choice.  And whether angels or men, they would have the choice either to obey God or not to obey God. 

Listen to this, to disobey God was to initiate evil.  Evil is not the presence of something, evil is the absence of righteousness.  You can’t create evil because evil doesn’t exist as a created entity.  It doesn’t exist as a created reality.  Evil is a negative.  Evil is the absence of perfection.  It’s the absence of holiness.  It’s the absence of goodness.  It’s the absence of righteousness.  Evil became a reality only when creatures chose to disobey.  Evil came into existence initially then in the fall of angels and then next, in the fall of Adam and Eve.[1]

John McArthur

Original Sin First Appeared in Genesis 3:

Now, first of all we know from Genesis 2:15-17 (NKJV) that God had commanded the man, saying

Of every tree of the garden, you may freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

This is an important detail, so that the responsibility of the original sin lay directly on Adam for the human race; even though, the woman was the first to doubt God (sin) and to disobey God’s command.  There would have not been a way of redemption had God not made certain of this detail to allow for the virgin birth later.  And so, we reach Genesis 3.

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” Genesis 3:1 NKJV

Well the first clue should have been that this animal was talking to her.  But he most likely did not look like snakes do now.  Instead, his curse was to crawl upon the earth, so more likely this creature was more like the mystical serpents described in Job.  This serpent was possessed by Satan, who had been the most beautiful angel who rebelled against God, desiring His throne.  When Satan was cast out, his anger was to destroy any good plan of God.  After all, men and women were given all of God’s love, care, and were given the ability to procreate.  Angels can’t have children. 

First step to sin is to doubt God’s Goodness and His Sovereign Will

without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.  Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

Yet, think of this, God walked in the Garden with them.  They had experienced His goodness, His love, and His kindness.  Yet, when Satan suggested to Eve that perhaps God was holding out the best from her, she doubted God’s goodness.  She had never seen anything but His goodness.  And certainly, knew nothing of evil, but still she listened, reasoned, and chose to eat of the tree.  Hers we can say was deception; but Adam chose knowing he was responsible for not only himself but for all the creation God had placed under his care. 

Immediately, they had shame, guilt, and feelings which they had never known.  They hid themselves from the only one who could save them. Sound familiar?  Then each one tried to blame God for their failure to follow this one command. 

Yet, God dealt with them with grace and a plan of redemption.  He killed an innocent animal to cloak their shame with a promise of redemption to one day come by grace through faith.  Adam demonstrated his faith, by naming his wife EVE (meaning life).  Before then she was known as woman, now it would be through her that the Savior would one day come, born of a Virgen. It would be Him who would crush Satan’s head.  So, at the Origin of Sin, Redemption was promised.  Adam demonstrated his first act of humility, repentance, and faith by naming his wife life. 

Another Act of Grace concerning Original Sin

Then so they would not be stuck forever in this state of living death, He kept them from the tree of life.  Only by doing this was there the chance for them to be spiritually made alive again in a relationship with Him through faith by grace.  Had they eaten of the tree of life, they would have plunged the world into an eternal state of living death. 

Original Sin and God’s Plan

God was not the author of sin; yet God could take all the sin that his creatures committed from free will and turn it around to use it for the ultimate good to all who would be saved.  And so, the story of human depravity and God’s grace began to be written on our slates of time.  His wrath for sin, cannot ever be forgotten in this story.  Afterall, it is sin that deprives humans from knowing His absolute righteousness, glory, love, and goodness.  Let us look next at Cain.  Adam and Eve must have told Cain and Abel the story; but Cain wanted to worship God his way.  He wanted God to accept his donations of fruits and vegetables.  When God did not accept His sacrifice, God told Cain,

“Why do you look so dejected? ⁷ You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”  Genesis 4:6 (NLT)  

Lack of Repentance in Original Sin Leads to Destruction

Instead of taking heed, he killed his brother and then tried to pretend to God, he knew nothing.  So, God sent him away.  He never repented.  His prodigy continued on in choosing evil. Just as Adam, his was a willful act of disobeying God.  However, unlike Adam, Cain did not repent or seek God’s Grace. 

However, God’s plan of redemption marched on through Seth.  Yet, by 10 generations from Adam, evil reigned supreme.  Each living long lives. After all, the earth needed to be filled as God commanded.  But humanity had choice and despite all that God did that was good, they chose evil more often than not.  The descendants of Seth were lured by the beauty of the women from Cain’s descendants and forgot about God.  Only a few remained faithful, such as Enoch, Methuselah, and then Noah. 

God’s Redemptive Plan Marches on In Spite of Flawed Humanity

Then, God saw the utter depravity of the earth and determined, He must destroy it all.  Yet, for His redemptive plan to move on, He chose the one man and His family who did still worship God.  So, Noah built the boat, the flood came and everyone else was destroyed apart from Noah and his family.  Despite all this, once this was over.  Noah sacrificed to God and then he got drunk.  One of his sons entered the room to find his father naked and looked upon him with lust.  Original sin still lay in the hearts of humans. 

As time went on, through all the corridors of time, men and women were born that chose to follow their own fleshly desires rather than God.  Still God continues His plan.

There were some who decided they were strong enough to build a city to heaven, so God confounded the languages.  Many went off to worship idols, yet God called Abraham out from idol worship to follow Him.  Despite all his flaws, God step by step guided Abraham to a place of deep faith.  Abraham was willing to humble, repent, and follow God’s guidance.  He made many mistakes along the way, but through him would come the Messiah one day. 

Original Sin and Why we must understand it before we know of grace

All too often we want to say that sin is because of circumstances, society, or even that “Satan made me do it”.  But it is much more than that.  It is a desire deep within to prove my worth. Or to rise up to declare, I have the rights to better or more.  That displays how little I understand.  Much like the newborn baby demanding his needs be met, I demand what I want.  Never remembering the goodness of God.  So, quickly I forget the times He held steadfast in His love while I chased after foolish things I thought would satisfy.  He has been all I ever needed and only in Him am I made complete. 

I can never know the depths of sin that were placed upon Him, until I am willing to look honestly at my own heart.  How often do I fall short of His righteousness?  Or doubt His plan for me?  These are those moments when I, like Eve fail to shout to Satan, “I know my Heavenly Father is good.  His love is perfect, and I rejoice in Him, whatever else may come.  I stand in awe of His love and grace toward me.”  One day I will look like Him, He will finish all that He has planned in me.  I will stand upon His promises in Romans 8 and Ephesians to tell me who I am in Him.

Romans 8: (NKJV)

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who^[a] do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. ² For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. …⁹you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. ¹⁰ And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. ¹¹ But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you….

²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ²⁹ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesians 1 (NKJV)

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. ⁴ Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world. That we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. ⁵ Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, ⁶ to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

⁷ In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace ⁸ which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, ⁹ having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, ¹⁰ that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him.

¹¹ In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, ¹² that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Previous

How is the Glory of God Really Our Greatest Pleasure?

---

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2023
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, 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.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Photo licensed through Goodsalt.com

[1] C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, (New York: HarperCollins, 1952), 47-48

[1] https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/90-235/the-origin-of-evil

We fail to recognize that really our greatest pleasure, joy, and hope in this life is found in a close relationship with God our creator.  He designed us to live in relationship with Him.  The more we know of Him, the more joyous and peaceful our life will be.  As we come to see the Glory of God in all His attributes, our greatest pleasure is realized.  Hence, that pleasure reflects back to Him, shining forth the Glory of God like a beam of eternal light into the darkness of this world. 

In the End for Which God Created the World, Jonathan Edwards wrote, “In the creature’s knowing, esteeming, loving, rejoicing in, and praising God, the glory of God is both exhibited and acknowledged, his fullness is received and returned.  Here is both an emanation and remanation (returning, reabsorption).  The refulgence shines upon and into the creature and is reflected back to the luminary.  The beams of glory come from God, are something of God, and are refunded back again to their original.  So that the whole is of God, and in God, and to God; and he is the beginning, and the middle, and the end.” 

The Glory of God in Creation

He spoke and in a second of time, all the universes came into being.  God, the triune head (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).  Elohim spoke and upon His Word, the earth was formed.  “in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” John 1:1. Each detail laid out in preparation for His masterpiece which was man.  With such detail He also formed the perfect helpmate in the beauty of a woman to complement—the perfect couple.  Of everything He created, He said “and it was very good.” 

Yet, by Genesis 3, this perfectly good man and woman who had no sin within them fell by disobeying the one command God had given them.  You see God knows that the greatest love must also involve choice to love.  God is Sovereign and could have prevented this; yet He chose to proceed.

C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity wrote:

“God created things which had free will.  That means creatures can go either wrong or right.  Some people think they can imagine a creature which was free but had no possibility of going wrong; I cannot.  If a thing is free to be good it is also free to be bad. And free will is what has made evil possible.  Why, then, did God give them free will? Because free will though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having.  A world of automata-of creatures that worked like machines-would hardly be worth creating. The happiness which God designs for His higher creatures is the happiness of being freely, voluntarily united to Him and to each in an ecstasy of love delight compared with which the most rapturous love between a man and a woman on this earth is mere milk and water.   And for that they must be free

C. S. Lewis [1]

The Glory of God enlarged by Choice

Without free will, we could never understand nor experience perfect love, joy, hope, or glory.  Instead, we would be like robots wandering about the planet with no depth of feeling and no reasoning. Lewis goes on to say:

Of course, God knew what would happen if they used their freedom the wrong way: apparently, He thought it worth the risk.  Perhaps we feel inclined to disagree with Him.  But there is a difficulty about disagreeing with God. He is the source from which all your reasoning power comes: you could not be right, and He wrong any more than a stream can rise higher than its own source.  When you are arguing against Him you are arguing against the very power that makes you able to argue at all: it is like cutting off the branch you are sitting on.If God thinks this state of war in the universe a price worth paying for free will—that is, for making a live world in which creatures can do real good or harm and something of real importance can happen, instead of a toy world which only moves when He pulls the strings—then we may take it is worth paying.[2] (C. Lewis 1952)

The Glory of God Hates Evil; yet allowed it for our Greatest Pleasure and His Glory

Therefore, God was never the author of evil. Y et, when given the freedom to choose, Adam chose sin through his own volition.  Every human being since then is presented with the same choice.  Since we are free to choose. We no longer can we blame God. Rather it is our own choice.  Indeed, God could have brought immediate judgment upon the earth; after all, He could see through the corridors of time all the evil that men and women would choose.  However, He also could see through the corridors of time, everyone who would accept His gift of salvation.  His overwhelming love for each one of them caused Him to stay His hand of judgment. He continues to steady His hand, today.   Had He not, you nor I would be here to even discuss this.

GOD’S SOVEREIGN GRACE

He could have just turned His back upon the whole of creation.  However, He did not do that either.  Instead, He provided a way for man to choose Him through faith.  From Genesis until now; God has provided a way for mankind to be saved from the evil within their own hearts and the world around them, through faith in Jesus Christ.  The Old Testament looked forward to His coming by faith; and we, look back to see His completed work.  As Paul presented in Romans, everyone is given a chose; because, God reveals Himself to each.  Read Paul’s defense:

I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: … it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth …. therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith.  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 

               For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator. (Romans 1:16-25).

Sovereignty Vs Prayer

I see the free will vs God’s Sovereignty much as I do God’s Sovereignty vs Prayer.  Never am I not to pray earnestly, believing that prayer changes things.  God commands as much. Yet, in that same moment I know God is Sovereign and already has a plan in place.  His Omniscience already knows the answer.  Just because, I am confined within this time/space continuum of humanity on earth does not negate that both are true at the same time with the same magnitude. 

 “Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

My salvation He orchestrated, planned, and carried out.  100% it was His grace and nothing that my guilty hands could have performed.  He compelled my heart to desire and want Him.  And now it is He who transforms my heart.  Yet, each day He gives me the freedom to choose His word, His presence or to leave His love letters laying idle on the shelf.  Even then, He will accomplish all that He has planned in my life.  Much like the children of Israel who so often rebelled, worshiped idols, and walked away from God.  Yet, that did not thwart God’s plan that He would bring salvation through the seed of Abraham to all who would believe, both Jew and Gentile

The Glory of God in Redemption

Jesus  is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn^[ over all creation,
¹⁶ for all things in heaven and on earth were created in him—all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers—all things were created through him and for him.
¹⁷ He himself is before all things and all things are held togetherin him.
¹⁸ He is the head of the body, the church, as well as the beginning, the firstbornfrom the dead, so that he himself may become first in all things.
¹⁹ For Godwas pleased to have all hisfullness dwellin the Son
²⁰ and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of his cross—through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven.  Colossians 1 (NET)

The Glory of God is our Greatest Pleasure

For the Almighty God, who, as even the heathen acknowledge, has supreme power over all things, being Himself supremely good, would never permit the existence of anything evil among His works, if He were not so omnipotent and good that He can bring good even out of evil”[3] (Augustine 1961)

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ (Philippians 3:8).

God has a purpose and a plan which is for our good.  Evil exists in this world; yet, without it would I really know the ecstasy of knowing Jesus.  Only God can take a broken life, filled with wrong choices, and still make it one filled with hope, love and joy.

So, in this world so desperately in need of hope and real joy, we must take time to learn of Him.  That is why we are embarking on this journey together this year. 

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

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DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, 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.

Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

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[1] C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, (New York: HarperCollins, 1952), 47-48

[2] Lewis, Christianity, 47-48

[3] Augustine, Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Love, trans. J.F. Shaw, (Chicago: Henry Reguery, 1961), 11