Bible Discussion Thread

Further thoughts on God working things out for the good.

Scripture; of course is our guide to all truth ( 2 Tim. 3:16). The overarching theme of the Bible is God's big picture from the Creation to the downfall of man; to final restoration of both body and soul of mankind; as well as nature and in the end the whole universe. We certainly can look at God putting Satan on a string who puts men on a string. When our identity is in Christ as His adopted sons and daughters ( Romans 8:14-17 etc) then we are part of the whole army of God and hence we shall rule and reign with Christ someday ( 2 Tim. 2:12; and parts of Revelation). We are part of those who are of the great "cloud of witnesses" ( Hebrews 12:1 which summarizes Hebrews 11 the "heroes" of the faith. What is done to us in some sense is done to Christ Himself ( Matt. 25:40). Whoever destroys the Temple of God will himself be destroyed ( 1 Corinthians 3:17); and blessed are those saints who die in the Lord ( Psalm 115:16; again see Revelation)

Hence; death itself is to be something looked forward to ( Philippians 1:23). It is indeed the "last enemy that shall be destroyed" ( 1 Cor. 15:26). In the meantime; as Paul also stated "I die daily" ( 1 Cor. 15:31). In Christ we can appreciate the experience of a slow death of the outer man so that the inner man can reach glorification. Keep in mind that it is the health and vitality of our soul that counts for eternity; all men will be Resurrected but it is the TYPE of resurrection that is important.

None of this; certainly takes away from the wisdom that we should have in regard to avoiding problems when we are able and it doesn't contradict God's plans for us; or of course for troubles that result from our own sin ( James 1:14-15). May it be that it won't happen to us as believers but sadly that's what it takes for some ( 1 Cor. 11:30 for the extreme example of an early earthly demise in certain cases). Better saved through the fire than not at all ( 1 Cor 3:15

Again, Thanks Richard for such a good essay on this topic of God's Sovereignty in all things. Sometimes we forget that he rules ALL and His love for us means that he is always working to our benefit, even in circumstances that are painful, frightening, and difficult. We forget how much is needed for us to become like Jesus, to be conformed to His character and the purity of His life. But, thankfully, God knows what is needed and brings to us only what will, in the end, prepare us for glory and, in the short term, help us to love Him and others.