I love theology. Years ago, when I was writing a book with a theological theme, I realized that I had better get it right–wouldn’t want to have to explain to the Lord how I figured it out all by myself and gave people the WRONG answer.
So I went back to school. Got a master’s in theology, then completed two doctorates–one in theology proper, and another in biblical studies. I certainly don’t know everything, but I know more than I did when I started.
That’s when I realized that many of the things I’d been taught growing up were just . . . wrong. Not wrong enough to destroy my salvation, but wrong enough to misinform my thinking about God. And once I came to a clearer understanding of Him . . . well, for at least two years, I couldn’t sing praise choruses in church without bawling.
You see, I’d grown up feeling a quiet pride that I’d had the good sense to choose Jesus as a child. But after studying the Word, I realized that I didn’t choose HIM, HE chose me! Not because I was good or worthy, but simply because He extended mercy toward me.
That simple realization turned my perspective upside down. My pride–which wasn’t so quiet after all–vanished, and was replaced by amazement, humility, and gratitude. Despite all my faults and failings, God decided to draw me to Him (John 6:44).
My next novel, The Woman from Lydia, features Lydia, the seller of purple. And the Bible tells us that “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” The Lord initiated the action! So when you pray for lost friends and family, ask the Lord to open their hearts.
All that to say this: if you have a theological question you’d like to ask, leave it in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer it in a coming post. Like this one, from a previous blog post:
Dear Ms. Hunt;
The question that April asked is something that I’ve often wondered myself and I haven’t been able to answer it whenever nonchristians intentionally or unintentionally try to challenge my faith. You said, “He often ordains that men carry out evil deeds according to his will (example: the crucifixion of Christ).”
My question is . . . if it God who ordained for men to do evil even if it is for His purpose, then why are they punished for something beyond their control? When I say punish, I mean in an earthly sense. I understand that no matter what one has done if they confess and believe that Jesus is their Lord and Savior then they will be saved from the fires of hell but that doesn’t mean that they’re exempted from being punished according to the law. And if it is God who uses the evil for His will, then is it no longer something that is evil? For God is perfect, I would think that He’ll be incapable of doing evil. I understand that because we’re only human, we can’t possibly fully understand God and the things He does but I was just wondering what your opinion will be in this. God Bless You!! –Esther
Dear Esther:
Thank you for your question. It’s a tough one, but I think we have to realize that this is something we won’t fully understand for a while. God’s thoughts and reasons are far above ours. But lest that seem like a cop-out, I’ve come to realize that it works a little like this (an idea I tried to express in The Novelist): we are like characters in a story. God has created our characters, our personalities, and our “bents.” He knows what we will do in any given situation, and he directs our path and orders our steps. As the Author of our lives and of Eternity, He is completely sovereign–in complete control. He doesn’t sleep, He doesn’t get distracted, He doesn’t close His eyes.
Just this morning, my gaze fell on Proverbs 20:24: “How can we understand the road we travel? It is the Lord who directs our steps.”
We live on a lower plane. On our earthly plane, we live and work and move and make decisions, often completely unaware of how God is working. We have–and exercise–free will. We are responsible for our decisions, because we freely choose to do good and evil. We cannot escape responsibility for our actions, nor do we deserve to. God offers grace and forgiveness for those who trust Him, but if we break the law, we still have to face the consequences for the evil we’ve committed.
So–though men crucified Christ according to God’s plan, they weren’t aware of that plan. They acted, on their own plane and of their own volition. They exercised their own free will, even though it was all part of God’s plan.
And–you mentioned that Christians believe in Jesus, they’ll be saved from hell yet still be punished . . . on earth, but not in heaven, thank the Lord! The Bible says “there is no condemnation waiting those who are in Christ Jesus,” so when we stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, we will be clothed in His righteousness. We are forgiven, and our sins have been removed “as far as the east is from the west.” We will be judged, but for our works, for the good deeds we have done–did we do them for the glory of God, or for the praise of men?
God is perfectly holy and he does not sin . . . and he is sovereign over all of his creation, including evil and evil beings. He allows people to commit evil and uses that evil for His purposes. And sometimes–especially when we consider things from an eternal perspective–the evil we suffer turns out for our good.
Remember how Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery? Joseph later told them that what they intended for evil, God intended for God. During that famine, Joseph not only saved his family, he saved Israel and much of the known world. No evil can touch the believer without God’s permission.
~~Angie
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Thanks for that wonderful post, Angie. About 14 or 15 years ago, I participated (along with you) in a group Systematic Theology study. That was amazing, and I learned so much. But what has changed my understanding of the Bible the most after about 40 years of faithful reading was when I began to study the Word through a Middle Eastern lens (about seven or so years ago), and when I began to see God and Jesus through that same lens. The Bible was written in a particular place to a particular people. Yes, it is for all of us, and God speaks to us no matter where we live, no matter when we were born, no matter our language. But we miss so much when we don’t have the context and a better grip on the original language of Scripture. And there are many amazing Bible teachers and writers who are teaching/writing through that lens today. I am so grateful.
I know what you mean, Robin. Studying the Bible from a Jewish perspective is like hearing without cotton in your ears. 😉
Angie, when I read the lady’s question I immediately thought of the sermon series we’ve been listening to on Sundays. It was a 6-part (6 Sundays) series, ending just this past Sunday, entitled “When God Doesn’t Make Sense” using the book of Job. You can get them via the church’s On Demand. The church is the First Baptist Church of Palmetto, FL. The senior pastor is Phillip Hamm (He grew up in the church we went to in Virginia but was already gone but his parents and brother were still there.) The website is FBCPalmetto.com. I just checked and all 6 are in the On Demand. This sermon title and subject is one I don’t think I have ever heard preached. My answer to “when God doesn’t make sense” has pretty much been “God’s ways are not our ways.” I always felt God knew best and He had a plan and I’d just have to learn to wait on Him. I tell you, Phillip sure did open my eyes in ways I’ve never heard explained before. When God doesn’t make sense, we are not to just sit back and wait. Each sermon has a question as a sort of subtitle. I hope you will get a chance to listen to these. His sermons are only about half an hour. I think either it’s just the sermon (usually from the 2nd service) or there are two things to click on: the sermon or the celebration (music) part.
Love you guys and give Gary a hug for us.,
Patti
PS: I see you’re going to have baby chickens in your kitchen again. They can be an interesting centerpiece for the dining table when you entertain!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣
Yes, we have two tiny chicks in the kitchen–not as many as usual, but they’re still entertaining ! I’m going to try to hatch another dozen and hope for the best. Thanks for the info! Hugs to you and Bill.