09/11/2022 – Chapter Three Discussion: “Why This Idea is not as Ridiculous as it Seems.” // “God wrote a novel, not an equation.”
Once again, the semmingly ridiculous : “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
I think we can add an answer to how can evil exist if God is perfectly holy and all-powerful? He could have created us to be robotic, but that wouldn’t be all loving, as it removes free will.
-The concluding point that this applies only to those who love Him is critical.
- I thought the contrast between Dr. Norman Vincent Peale and Saint Paul was insightful, leading to appalling and appealing, respectively, and paradoxically as well perhaps.
I have asked this before in a previous post:
What is the bigger gap in wisdom
- Between me and my dog?, or 2) Between God and me?
We are created in the image of God. But my dog isn’t. But I maintain, it is #2 my axiom for God’s wisdom is infinite. So, by definition, trying to fully understand God is more futile and ridiculous than my dog comprehending my lectures to him on Calculus. So, doesn’t that also answer how Romans 8:28 might seem ridiculous to us as in: Indeed, how could Aushchwitz, Hiroshima and ISIS be ultimately contribute to a greater good?
Here is another example that occured to me in the conclusion of a group study in the book of Job:
A brother noted how Job ended up more blessed in the end for he had more children, and it sound like they were prettier and smarter too. But I did not resonate with that at all, for it occurred to me if I had one child that died, then later I had twelve healthy children that outlived me, I would still not be able to mollfy the grief of that one child. (This actually happened with my paternal great grandparents.)
So, if I have that capacity to love, could I not see how God would have died on the cross for just me, given his infinite capacity to love? When combine it with unfathomable power, we can easily grab onto the total truth of Romans 8:28 so forget about a polyanna conclusion. No?
Romans 12:2: We are still called to worship God with all of our minds….. It is a paradox if we don’t have that eternal perspective. In fact, I don’t think we will ever fully understand God, not even in heaven. We all face a judgment, so I am taking a risk here that I am giving God too much credit. haha
One more: We all have a vision of heaven with a promise from God of ; no more tears. What do you imagine our the actual experience will be lack compared to our vision?
Soli Deo Gloria!