We are owed nothing. We are entitled to nothing. We are in a position to demand nothing. God is under no obligation to do anything for us. If you think otherwise you know nothing.I have run across the position of those first sentences and the attitude described in the last taken by zealous folk when discussing God. Truth be told, I may have taken it myself at one time or another. At this point in my life, however, I'm not sure it's tenable. Certainly, none of us would argue for such a position being justified among humans in positions of authority; for example, pet owners.
How could such a position be anything other than callous and oppressive for anyone in a powerful position? Claiming it for God casts him in a very Marie Antoinette-like light. I see absolutely no upside in doing so. A holy and just God merits a better defense than to be cast in that tyrannical light!
Does God not have obligations to sentient beings given his decision to create them? After all, they did not wish themselves into existence with their capacity to (even the inevitability that they would) go against God. I think God does have some responsibility, especially since such souls are eternal and risk everlasting fire. God certainly acts like he has some parental obligations. Perhaps we should take our cue from him regarding this and not press Romans 9:16-24 beyond reasonable measure.
Time continues, giving opportunity for humans to be made right. God has stamped a witness into creation and poured out his Spirit profusely. We have been given all things, including Christ, even holiness is ours if we want it. We may turn our backs upon the responsible provision of God and be left to our fate, but thankfully, God is not so callous that he didn't feel the compulsion to provide.
4 comments:
In a discussion on Islam the difference between Allah and Yahweh relates to this point. In Islam right is whatever Allah says it is, at that moment. He can change his mind and, because he is God, men can do nothing but accept it. In the case of Yahweh He declares things right because they are. He is a holy God and cannot declare unrighteousness as righteous just because He changed His.
God created us and that means that certain resposibilities go along with it. Why? Because that is who He is.
Grace and peace.
Pumice,
That is a great point: the constancy of God keeps us (Malachi 3:6)
Hello SLW
Who let Mark Driscoll onto this blog?
You know him ...
"Not only does God not like you. but that shirt does NOT go with that tie!"
Hello Anthea,
That's funny.
Theology from Akron...
God may not like one's tie, but he always loves the tire.
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