"If God didn't control evil then evil would go uncontrolled. God uses the things he hates to bring about the things he loves."
So often we hear people say, "How can a loving God allow evil to happen?" In reality we should praise God for His loving compassion for every moment in which we are not consumed. God is in control of evil, if He were not than evil would run rampant. If God were to destroy all evil than all those who are not in Christ would perish. It is best then that God permit evil for now, for the sake of good, to bring salvation to the world. (read 2 Peter 3:8-9)
Far too often we give evil an authority it does not merit when we say that it is in direct opposition to God. That is to say, somewhere in our unconscious we connect things that are rival to be things that carry equal weight. We envision God and evil off somewhere trading punches. That is called dualism and it is not true, God has the power and control over evil, the authority to be provident over evil and the ability to use it for good. For the Bible teaches us, "that for those who love God, all things work together for good." (Romans 8:27) But do not be mistaken, God does not react. He is not some sort of amazing magician that can take a bad situation and turn it around right quick for those who love Him, or an expert card player who just knows how to play his cards. God is the dealer. God has power over evil for the use of good. Not good that He brings about, in spite of evil, but good that he purposely brings about through evil.
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When I think about divinity and all that I know, It's just a fraction of infinity there's nothing I can show.
3 comments:
Nicely put! I don't think I had ever quite grasped it that well until I read your words. Train!
Thank you for writing this.
::DJ sound:: Fwoo....
Profound truth, excellently stated. I especially like "God is the dealer."
I once heard a youth pastor say, "God wields darkness, as well," and was similarly struck.
It is a glorious thing to serve a sovereign God.
AJ
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I love your quote at the beginning.
I remember studying this concept in my "Reformed Perspectives" class in high school. (The class where my school brainwashed every student into a single doctrine rather than discuss the intricate dynamics of the Bible.) - oh I admit, that last comment was a bit acrid.
Anyways, my teacher (who was 80% deaf and wore intense hearing aids which led to the BEST pranks) contrasted the Bible against the belief system of Dualism (as you mentioned). He explained that in order for Dualism to be correct in the assertion of the complete equal and opposite forces, God and Evil (be it the "Devil", "Satan", or whatever word you choose) would have to each be existent in and of themselves. However, as according to the teachings of the Bible, God stands as the sole creator, thus of both good and evil. (... my wording is a bit misleading, but go with it) Therefore, for one to "win" in the end, they cannot be equal. And this is our strength. - so I guess that the class did provoke discussion :)
A great post DJ! I'm glad to see that you haven't given up on your blog!
~Marge
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