Why would God kill?

Hard Questions


Why would God command the death of so many people in the Bible?




A1 Some examples

B1 People in Noah's day before the flood.

B2 Canaanites

B3 Amalekites

B4 Aaron's son

B5 Judah's son

B6 God's son

A2 Notes

B1 Israel and the church are different.

B2 The church is never asked or commanded to kill anyone.

B3 Israel is a nation.

B4 People are evil and break God's laws. Psalms 14:1-4, Romans 1:28-31, Romans 3:9-19, Ephesians 2:1-3, Titus 3:3.

B5 God hates some things. Proverbs 6:16-19, Proverbs 11:1, Proverbs 11:20, Proverbs 15:8-9, Proverbs 17:15, Deuteronomy 18:10-12, Deuteronomy 23:18, Deuteronomy 25:16, Psalms 11:5, etc.

B6 Everyone, every city, every country, and even the whole world crosses God's line of no return, will be punished. Ezekiel 18:20, Psalms 62:12 (all our works are evil), Matthew 16:7, Matthew 15:18-19.

B7 God warns before judgment. We are responsible to repent (a complete change of mind and life) and ask for forgiveness. 2 Chronicles 36:15, Hebrews 12:25, Jeremiah 18:8-10, Matthew 21:28-32

B8 God brings judgment and carries out the sentence. Zephaniah 1:1-18, 1 Thessalonians 4:6, 2 Thessalonians 1:8

A3 Some examples with answers

B1 People in Noah's day before the flood.

C1 Became very wicked. Genesis 6:5-6

C2 God warned them through Noah's preaching for over 100 years. 2 Peter 2:5, Hebrews 11:17, 1 Peter 1:20

C3 The babies and young children that died, died because of the bad decision of their parents. Jeremiah 9:14, 1 Peter 1:18, Ezekiel 20:18, Amos 2:4, Mark 6:24

B2 Canaanites

C1 Worshiped idols Deuteronomy 29:17, Psalms 106:34-38

C2 Practiced many wicked things Deuteronomy 18:9-11

C3 Sodom and Gomorrah Genesis 18:20, 2 Peter 2:6

B3 Amalekites

C1 Descendants of Esau Genesis 36:12

C2 Even though they were related to Israel (Jacob), they hated Israel and killed and maimed many. Exodus 17:8-16, Deuteronomy 25:17-19

C3 The Amalekites continued to fight Israel and cause loses. Judges 6:3

C4 Because of this continued fighting to destroy Israel, God passed judgment that the Amalekites should be completely destroyed. They had crossed that line by doing evil. Deuteronomy 25:17-19

C5 King Saul was given this responsibility but failed. 1 Samuel 15:1-33

C6 Not every Amalekite was punished. Some stilled lived, carried out raids against Israel (1 Samuel 30:1-20), and eventually married into other groups (1 Chronicles 4:41-43).

B4 Aaron's son

C1 Aaron had 4 sons--Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar

C2 The 2 oldest, Nadab and Abihu, sinned by going before God's altar with wrong motives, wrong technique, and wrong (unauthorized) fire. Leviticus 10:1-2

C3 This is explained by Ellicott in his commentary on that passage--

And Nadab and Abihu.—Immediately after the Divine manifestation of God's acceptance of the services connected with the institution of the priesthood, and whilst the congregation are still giving utterance to their profound expressions of thankfulness and joy, the assembled people see a most daring act of sacrilege committed by two of the five newly-installed priests, and have to witness the most awful punishment which befals the offenders. The offenders are the two eldest sons of Aaron, who had received the high distinction to be invited to accompany their father and Moses to the summit of the hallowed mount (Exo. 24:1); the lesson to the Israelites being that the priests, though mediators between God and the people, are beset with the same infirmities as the laity, and must not presume upon their office.

Took either of them his censer.—The sin of Nadab and Abihu was of a complicated nature, and involved and consisted of several transgressions:—(1) They each took his own censer, and not the sacred utensil of the sanctuary. (2) They both offered it together, whereas the incense was only to be offered by one. (3) They presumptuously encroached upon the functions of the high priest; for according to the Law the high priest alone burnt incense in a censer. (Sec Lev. 16:12-13; Num. 17:11.) The ordinary priests only burnt it on the golden altar in the holy place (Exo. 30:7-8), or on the brazen altar as a part of the memorial. (See Lev. 2:2-3; Lev. 2:16, &c.) The case of Korah and his company was an exception, since it was ordered by Moses for an especial purpose (Num. 16:6-25). (4) They offered the incense at an unauthorised time, since it was apart from the morning and evening sacrifice.

And offered strange fire.—They filled their vessels with common fire instead of taking it from the holy fire of the altar, which was always to be used in burning incense. (See Lev. 9:24; Lev. 16:12.) It is with reference to this practice that we are told—"And the angel took the censer and filled it with fire off the altar" (Rev. 8:5). Ancient tradition says that Nadab and Abihu had partaken too freely of the drink offering, and performed their service in a state of intoxication, when they were incapacitated to distinguish between what was legal and illegal. So general was this tradition that it is actually embodied in the Palestinian Chaldee Version of Lev. 10:9, which contains the solemn warning against wine to those engaged in the service of the sanctuary, and which is regarded as a sequel to this awful catastrophe. Others, however, suppose that the phrase "strange fire" denotes not offered according to the prescribed law, just as "strange incense" is used in the sense of incense not prepared in the manner ordered by the Law (Exo. 30:9).

Before the Lord.—This may mean before the door of the sanctuary (see Lev. 1:5), or in front of the holy of holies. (See Lev. 4:6.) As the dead bodies are said in Lev. 10:4 to have lain in the court of the tabernacle, the former must be the meaning in the passage before us.

Which he commanded them not.—According to a figure of speech frequently used in Hebrew, where the negative form is used for the emphatic affirmative, this phrase is better rendered, "which he had strongly forbidden them." Though the command is only expressed in Lev. 16:12, there can hardly be any doubt that it was previously given by Moses, since it is implied in Lev. 1:7; Lev. 6:12. A similar reference to a well known statement, though not here recorded, we have in the following verse.

B5 Judah's son

C1 Er was wicked and God killed him (Genesis 38:6-7). While we don't know the exact issues, Er and God did know.

C2 Onan was also wicked and was killed (Genesis 38:8-10)

C3 This is known as the Levirate Law.

D1 If a married man dies, then his nearest male relative takes her as his own.

D2 The male child born from that relationship takes the name and inheritance of the married man that died.

D3 See Ruth 4:1-17

B6 God's son

C1 Was sinless Hebrews 4:5, Isaiah 53:9, John 8:46, 1 Peter 2:22

C2 Came to suffer for our sins. This is termed imputation.

D1 I am a sinner. I deserve to die and go to hell for eternity. Jesus volunteered, out of love, to die for my sins. My sins in this sense became His sins. He died. He rose again, because He had not sinned. The debt, punishment, was paid in full. It can now be applied to me for forgiveness, if I meet God's conditions. See NeedGod. 2 Corinthians 5:21, Isaiah 53:4-6

D2 Doctrine

E1 Defined--"to place on one's account," thus it is an accounting/business term. The charge for goods is place not on one's own account but on the account of another.

E2 Concepts

F1 Adam's sin was imputed, charged, to all of humanity. We all have the desire to seek our own way and sin. Romans 5:12, Romans 5:19, 1 Corinthians 15:21

F2 Humanity's sin was imputed, charged, to Jesus Christ. John 19:17, Hebrews 10:5-12, Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 3:18

F3 Jesus's righteousness, sinlessness, is imputed, credited, to those who believe and place their faith in Him. Colossians 2:14

C3 Came to destroy works of devil 1 John 3:8, Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14

C4 Suffered the wrath of God and man Matthew 27:32-44, Isaiah 53:4-6

Little details can be important

The details can be important!

This is the world's smallest skyscraper. You can use a search engine to find more pictures.

It is 12.192 meters tall (480 inches). The story can be found here and here. Interior pictures.

J. D. McMahon was the builder and owner. He was in the business of building oil rigs. Office space was scant in Wichita Falls in the 1910s after oil was found nearby in 1912. McMahon's business was located in a small, one story building. He saw a way to have people invest in a tall office building, which was presented as being 480 feet tall. Over $200,000 (about $2,700,000 today) was raised from investors to have it built.

After the blue prints had been approved and signed by the investors, McMahon's construction crews built it. The investors quickly saw that they were being swindled and sued McMahon. The case was decided in favor of McMahon who pointed that the blue prints had 480 inches not feet. The investors did not pay attention to the details. The difference being ' for feet and " for inches. The investors reading the blueprints assumed the building to be 480 feet but did not pay attention to the symbols used. They felt they saw ' when it reality it was ".

When studying the Bible, the little details can make a difference.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be prepared with a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; (1 Peter 3:15, EMTV). Did you notice?

• The word always


• The word everyone


• The word ask

But many who are first will be last, and the last first. (Matthew 19:30, EMTV). Did you notice the word many?

Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28, EMTV). Did you notice the word many? Why isn't the word all used? Here the word many is used, because Jesus did not give His life as a ransom for Himself.

Has not Moses given you the law, yet none of you keeps the law? Why are you seeking to kill Me?" (John 7:19, EMTV). Did you notice the word none? It is important.

He (Peter, the Apostle) is staying as a guest with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is beside the sea." (Acts 10:6, EMTV). This Simon is a tanner, and he lives by the seaside. Note this small detail seaside.

From The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia under the topic of tanner--

The Jews looked upon tanning as an undesirable occupation and well they might, for at best it was accompanied with unpleasant odors and unattractive sights, if not even ceremonially unclean. We can imagine that Simon the tanner found among the disciples of Jesus a fellowship which had been denied him before. Peter made the way still easier for Simon by choosing his house as his abode while staying in Joppa. Simon's house was by the seashore, as is true of the tanneries along the Syrian coast today, so that the foul-smelling liquors from the vats can be drawn off with the least nuisance, and so that the salt water may be easily accessible for washing the skins during the tanning process.

Little details can add much to the understanding of the passage.

Dispensationalism—an overview

Dispensationalism




A1 Defined

B1 Bible Interpretation--the plain, normal sense consistently.

B2 Groups

C1 Jew--literal DNA descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

C2 Gentile--everyone other than literal DNA descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

C3 Church--those, Jew or Gentile, who believe and put their trust into Jesus Christ. Romans 1:17-18, John 3:36, Philippians 3:9, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

B2 Dispensation--A period of time in which God reveals certain specific truths, then He tests the people to see if they will obey. This has nothing to do with saving grace or earning salvation. It is simply showing mankind that no matter what the situation, law, or environment, people will always rebel, disbelieve, and sin. Salvation, the Gospel, has been, is, and always will be the same. It is in believing God. It is through faith in God. Salvation has been, is, and always will be by grace. The importance of a dispensation is the test to show mankind that no matter what, people choose to sin. Sin has been dealt with by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and His resurrection. God has a purpose which He is going to fulfill. And He uses a progression of truths to build upon the truths already given.

B3 Dispensationalism--a system of interpreting the Bible consistently. It seeks to understand the different time periods recorded in the Bible.

B4 Messiah's coming--His physical appearance on earth and seen by many.

B5 Resurrection--a permanent rising from death.

B6 Judgment--facing the Lawgiver, who is the judge. He will judge all people and all angels.

B7 Law--things we must do or must not do. God is the lawgiver.

B8 Grace--receiving what we don't deserve. Romans 3:24, Romans 4:4, Romans 5:15, etc.

B9 Salvation--a deliverance from the penalty of spiritual death. The penalty was paid in full. Jesus died on the cross.

B10 Rewards--God gives rewards to the saints based on their faithfulness. These are rewarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

B11 Believers--those who have faith, believe, and trust in Jesus. This is the Jesus of the Bible in its plain, normal sense.

B12 False converts--these are those who say they believe but do not live (or even want to live it) the Christian life as it is taught in the New Testament.

B13 Covenants--an agreement based on God's promise. It is not conditional. It never ends.

A2 Explained

B1 Dispensationalism

C1 Normal

D1 An administrative period or type of administration

D2 God's type of administration in different periods of time

D3 Three main points

E1 Bible interpretation is in the plain, normal sense.

F1 Prophecy

G1 This is done to be consistent.

G2 This is because the prophecies about Messiah were fulfilled literally.

G3 Since the prophecies about Messiah were fulfilled literally, the prophecies about the second coming and actions of Messiah will also be fulfilled literally.

F2 Non-prophetic passages.

E2 Israel and the church are not the same.

E3 The Millennium is a literal period of 1,000 years.

E4 The main theme of Scripture for humans is the glory of God. Covenant theology understands the main theme to be the salvation of humans. See the Moody Handbook of Theology by Paul P Enns for the topic of dispensationalism.

D4 God gives each period of history (dispensation) a certain amount of revelation, certain required duties (regulations), the need to believe Him, a test from God to see if they obey, humans fail the test, judgment, and then advances to the next dispensation.

C2 Ultra/hyper dispensationalism

D1 Most of New Testament is not applicable to the Church.

D2 Some have the beginning of the church in mid-Acts or even at Romans 1

D3 The Book of Acts is a writing about the Jewish church. The epistles of Hebrews, James, Peter, John, and Jude were written to this Jewish church.

D4 Basically the only applicable epistles are the one that the Apostle Paul wrote.

D5 This Jewish church will be re-established in the Millennium.

D6 Water baptism and the Lord's Supper are for this Jewish church and not the church of Christ's body.

B2 Seven dispensations

C1 View One

D1 The dispensations

E1 Innocence (Genesis 1:1—3:7) Adam and Eve had not sinned, rebelled, or broken any of God's laws in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.

E2 Conscience (Genesis 3:8—8:22) People had in their heart what is right and wrong. Romans 2:12-15

E3 Human Government (Genesis 9:1—11:32) Had leaders who would obey and enforce God's rules.

E4 Promise (Patriarchal) (Genesis 12:1—Exodus 19:25) Knowing that a time of blessing and forgiveness was coming. Despite the promise people still sinned.

E5 Law (Exodus 20:1—Acts 2:4) What God wants people to do and not do. A written standard of right and wrong.

E6 Grace (Acts 2:4—Revelation 20:3) Faith and trust into Jesus Christ.

E7 Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 20:4–6) Jesus rules as King of the World.

D2 The pattern

E1 Responsibility

E2 Failure

E3 Judgment

E4 Grace

E5 Moves on to next dispensation

B2 Messiah's Coming--comings or advent are defined as public appearances. Messiah made many appearances but most were private to one or a handful. His post resurrection appearance was not public but was seen by over 500 people. 1 Corinthians 15:6

C1 Two comings

D1 These are official appearances of Jesus Christ on earth where He is publicly seen.

D2 Other appearances would not be considered "comings" in this sense. Examples would be God talking with Adam and Eve, Enoch walking with God, Noah, Abraham, Moses, the prophets and prophetesses, and many others.

C2 First advent--This is the history recorded in the Gospels. It lasted about 33 years.

C3 Second advent--This is the time He reigns in Jerusalem over the whole earth for 1,000 years. It is mentioned in latter part of Revelation and some of the Old Testament prophets. Acts 1:9-11, Matthew 24:30, Matthew 25:31, John 14:3, Revelation 1:7, etc.

C4 Most understand that the second coming is in two phases. The first phase is the rapture for His saints. The second is His coming to earth with His saints

C5 The rapture

D1 True and will happen. 1 Thessalonians 4:17

D2 Differences between rapture and Second Coming of Christ. Below are a few. This is only a partial list.

Rapture	Second Coming
For the saints 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, Hebrews 9:28, 1 Thessalonians 4:14	With the saints Jude 1:14
Secret 1 Corinthians 15:50-54, 1 Thessalonians 5:2	Seen by all Revelation 1:7, Matthew 24:29-30
In air 1 Thessalonians 4:17	To earth Zechariah 14:4
Without any notice or warning 1 Corinthians 15:50-54	Many signs point to it 2 Thessalonians 2:4, Matthew 24:15-30

D3 Types

E1 Pretribulational (References: here,

F1 Pro

G1 Believers are not to face God's fierce anger. 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9, Romans 5:9, Revelation 3:10

G2 The rapture will happen without any warning. It is imminent. Matthew 24:42-44, Matthew 25:13, Mark 13:33, Philippians 4:5, Titus 2:12-13, James 5:8-9, 1 Peter 4:7

G3 The whole tribulation is a time of God's wrath. Revelation 6:16-17, Revelation 14:19, Revelation 15:1, Revelation 16:1

G4 The whole world is involved and receiving God's wrath during the tribulation. Isaiah 24:1-6, Revelation 13:17 (no one will be able to buy or sell, so the whole world will be involved). But God does not want us to suffer His wrath. 1 Thessalonians 5:9

G5 The idea of imminence is very important. We are to be prepared and ready for the bridegroom who may come at any time. For a good description of imminence see here. 1 Corinthians 1:7 (eagerly waiting for the Lord Jesus), Philippians 3:20, Philippians 4:5, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 9:28, James 5:7-9, Jude 1:21, Revelation 3:11

F2 Con--I can't think of any. See below for other views arguments.

E2 Midtribulational

F1 Pro

G1 The first 3.5 years of the tribulation are not the wrath of God. It is only the last 3.5 years reveal the wrath of God.

G2 The seal and trumpet judgments come from humanity. Only the bowl judgments come from God.

G3 The trumpet of 1 Corinthians 15:52 is the same as the trumpet in Revelation 11:15.

G4 It seems to be an argument from philosophy rather than from Scripture.

F2 Con

G1 The whole tribulation period reveals and experiences God's wrath, not just the last 3.5 years.

G2 Christians are to be delivered from wrath. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

G3 Just because trumpets are mentioned doesn't mean that the trumpets mentioned above are the same.

G4 Most likely the last trumpet is mentioned in Matthew 24:31 is last. It is at the very end of the tribulation and after the 7 bowl judgments.

G5 The trumpets sounding in Revelation are related to judgment. The trumpet in 1 Corinthians 15:52 is the trumpet for resurrection.

E3 Posttribulational

F1 Pro

G1 The differing views here deal with a mix-up of the church with Israel, a nonliteral tribulation, missing the idea of the imminent return of Jesus. They all believe that the church goes through the tribulation.

G2 Matthew 24:29-31. This passage teaches

H1 Jesus returning and ALL see Him.

H2 This happens at the end of the tribulation.

H3 Angels gather the elect. Because the word elect is used, they take out of context and proof text Romans 11:7 to imply that the word elect cannot refer to Israel. But Isaiah 45:4, 2 Samuel 21:6 (King Saul was chosen/elect), 1 Chronicles 16:3, Psalms 105:43, and many other places.

F2 Con

G1 Mixing the church with Israel, not interpreting the Bible in its plain, normal sense, and not knowing the Bible teaches the imminent return of Jesus.

G2 Romans 11:7, the election, is the Jewish believers. The context is clear that there were before Messiah was born of the virgin Israelites who were believers and had faith. Those who did not were hardened.

G3 Romans 11:28, the election, is Israel.

G4 The Tribulation is a time of punishment for the world and for Israel. God's purpose for Israel at that time is for them to repent. Joel 3:12, Zechariah 14:2, Jeremiah 30:7, Daniel 12:1, Zephaniah 1:16, Revelation 6:16-17, etc.

E4 Prewrath

F1 Pro--this is somewhat similar to the mid-tribulation rapture. They teach that only the bowl judgments are the wrath of God.

F2 Con

G1 The whole tribulation period reveals and experiences God's wrath, not just the last 7 judgments (the seven golden bowls--Revelation 15).

G2 The rapture is seen as being as any time (imminent).

E5 Partial--only those who are worthy because of prayer, Christian living, and faithfulness will be raptured. The rest will have to go through the tribulation.

F1 Pro

G1 2 Timothy 4:8. It is interpreted that only those who love His coming will be raptured. (Problem--They are adding to the words of the passage. This verse is not speaking about who will and who will not be raptured. It simply states that those who love His appearing will receive a crown--the crown of righteousness).

G2 Hebrews 9:28. The words "...to those who eagerly await Him" have been interpreted to mean some will and some will not be raptured. The same problem of interpretation in 2 Timothy 4:8 is also used here. These who hold to this view simply read between the lines something that is not stated in the passage. I would understand the passage in its plain, normal sense and context to be stating that those who eagerly wait for His coming are those who believe the Gospel. All die (Hebrews 9:27) and are judged, but those who eagerly await His coming (believers) will be saved.

F2 Con

G1 Doesn't interpret the Bible in its plain, normal sense

G2 Is a type of protestant purgatory

G3 The cross of Jesus was not good enough for the believer. They must also do something to obtain a better salvation.

G4 Romans 5:1 teaches we are justified by faith and have peace with God. Colossians 2:13

G5 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 states that the body of Christ (the believers) are one body, not a divided body.

B3 Resurrections Acts 24:14-15.

C1 All humans will have a resurrection. Daniel 12:1-2, John 5:28, 1 Corinthians 15:22, Acts 24:15

C1 The blessed

D1 This is for believers who had died before the Rapture.

D2 It happens at the Rapture. This is called the First Resurrection. 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18, 1 Corinthians 15:22-23, John 5:29.

D3 The tribulation believers are raised before the Millennium. These believers are the ones killed by the antiChrist. Revelation 20:4.

D4 Thus the blessed resurrection is two phrase, but it is for believers only.

D5 Chronologically this is before the Judgment Seat of Christ (the bema judgment). This is for believers who will be judged and receive rewards.

C2 The cursed

D1 This is for unbelievers.

D2 It happens at the end of the Millennium.

D3 This happens just before the Great White Throne Judgment (the judgment time for unbelievers only). Revelation 20:5, John 5:29, Daniel 12:1-2

C3 Some hold to the view that Israelites will be raised at a later time (the end of the millennium). Daniel 12:1-2

C4 The resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:4

D1 The was prophesied. Psalms 16:10, Isaiah 53:9-11,

D2 After resurrection, He was seen by over many people including one time over 500 people. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

D3 Called the first fruits. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23

B4 Judgments

C1 It is true. Psalms 96:13, Acts 17:31, Hebrews 9:27

C2 The judge is Jesus Christ. John 5:22-23, John 5:27, 2 Timothy 4:1, Acts 17:31, etc.

C3 The judgments

D1 Regarding believers--this is Jesus dying, paying the penalty for sins. Jesus's death is for all (unlimited atonement) but applied only to those who believe. 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 3:18, Galatians 3:13, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 9:26, Hebrews 1:3, Romans 8:1

D2 Regarding believers who sin--this is chastisement of believers. 1 Corinthians 11:31-32, Hebrews 12:7

D3 Judgment Seat of Christ

E1 This is for believers only. 1 Corinthians 3:10-17, Romans 14:10-12, 2 Corinthians 5:9-10

E2 This is for rewards or no rewards of how we lived in our life on earth.

E3 The five crowns--Life (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10), glory (1 Peter 5:24), rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, Philippians 4:1), righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8), incorruptible (1 Corinthians 9:25-27)

E4 It is NOT to judge sin but to determine rewards.

E5 Takes place in heaven.

E6 It is after the rapture.

D4 Great White Throne Judgment Revelation 20:11-15

E1 This is for the unsaved only.

E2 The unsaved are resurrected.

E3 It happens on earth.

E4 It happens at the end of the Millennium.

E5 The resurrection of believers has already happened.

F1 The saints at the rapture. 1 Thessalonians 4:17, etc.

F2 The tribulation saints at the end of the Tribulation. Revelation 20:1-5

D5 Separation of sheep and goats Matthew 25:31-46

E1 Also called the Judgment of the Nations.

E2 Deals with the judgment of the gentile nations just after the end of the Tribulation.

E3 It happens at Jerusalem on earth.

E4 Messiah examines how they treated "My brethren," which is probably Israel.

E5 The saved gentiles go into the Millennium.

E6 The unsaved go to Hades.

D6 Of Israel Ezekiel 20:33-44 and Psalms 50:16-22

E1 Just after the end of the Tribulation

E2 In Israel

E3 The saved of Israel (Jews) will enter the Millennium.

D7 Regarding angels. 1 Corinthians 6:3, Jude 1:6, 2 Peter 2:4

B5 Difference between law and grace

C1 Law

D1 This is understood as Mosaic law especially as seen in the summary commonly called the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20).

D2 This law was required. Deuteronomy 10:12, Luke 10:27-18. (However no one can obey the law perfectly, except for the Savior, Jesus).

D3 It was not designed to make people right with God. Galatians 3:24-25

D4 It was for a nation--Israel. Romans 9:4

D5 Salvation was still by faith. Habakkuk 2:4, Deuteronomy 21:8-9 (one had to believe, which was proved when they looked).

D6 Was to show humanity that no one is righteous and no one can obey God's laws perfectly in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.

C2 Grace

D1 Nothing we can do.

D2 Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone.

D3 God gives something that someone does not deserve. It is free and undeserved. Romans 4:4-5 (a gift is not given because we earned it), Ephesians 1:7 (we do not deserve redemption or forgiveness), 2 Thessalonians 2:16 (we do not deserve, nor have we earned, eternal hope and comfort), 1 Peter 1:10 (we have not earned, nor deserved, salvation. It is a gift).

B6 Difference between the believer's standing and state

C1 Standing--this is salvation. 1 Corinthians 6:11, Romans 3:26, Romans 8:33, 1 Peter 1:18-19, 2 Corinthians 5:17

C2 State--this is the current situation as we live our Christian life. Romans 8:5-6, 1 John 3:4, Galatians 5:16-26

B7 Difference between salvation and rewards

C1 Salvation--this is passing from death to life, having no forgiveness to forgiveness, not reconciled to reconciled.

C2 Rewards--has nothing to do with being saved. These are given in response to how we lived our lives after we became Christians.

B8 Difference between believers and professors

C1 Believers--those with a true heart change. 2 Corinthians 5:17, James 2:14-26

C2 Professors--those who say they are believers, but their lives show otherwise. Matthew 7:20-23, Matthew 12:33-35, Matthew 23:25-28

B9 Seven covenants

C1 Covenant defined

D1 An agreement between two parties. It is a very formal, legal agreement.

D2 Types

E1 Conditional--the only conditional covenant is the Mosaic covenant. The Scriptures state, "Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice, and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession from among all peoples; for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel." (Exodus 19:5-6, WEB)

E2 Unconditional--all the other seven. No conditions, just promises given by God.

C2 Adamic Genesis 3:14-19

D1 Adam and Eve had sinned.

D2 God passes judgment and sentence on the serpent, Adam, Eve, and all creation.

D3 God gives an unconditional promise of a coming redeemer, a savior, a descendant of Eve (Adam is not mentioned). This is singular.

D4 This redeemer will destroy the serpent, even though the serpent will injure the descendant.

D5 This has been mostly fulfilled. Galatians 4:4. Complete fulfillment when all the works of the devil and sin are destroyed is still future at the end of the Millennium and just beyond it.

D6 Jesus was tempted by the devil, (Matthew 4:1-10), but Jesus did not sin.

D7 The reason Jesus came was to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8

D8 The complete fulfilling of the covenant does not depend on us or anything we do or do not do. God has promised and will do it.

C3 Noahic Genesis 8:20-9:27

D1 God had destroyed every living thing that breathed air except for what was on the ark.

D2 God now gives an unconditional covenant to never destroy every living thing again. Genesis 8:21

D3 Seasons were established and never will end. Genesis 8:22

D4 There is also the relationship between God and Shem. Genesis 9:26

D5 Japheth was to be enlarged. Genesis 9:27

D6 Canaan was to be the servant of servants (Genesis 9:25). This was fulfilled when Joshua conquered the land (Joshua 23:1, Psalms 44:1-3).

C4 Abrahamic Genesis 13:4-18, Genesis 15:1-21, Genesis 17:4-8, Genesis 22:15-24, Genesis 26:1-5, Genesis 28:10-15

D1 The establishment of the nation of Israel.

D2 The ownership of that land in the Middle East that God promised.

D3 This covenant is unconditional. It has and will happen. Psalms 105:8-11

D4 There was the promised seed, descendant. This is singular, not plural, and it refers to Messiah--Jesus. Galatians 3:16

C5 Mosaic Exodus 19:5-8, Exodus 19:25

D1 This is the only one that is conditional. Do it and live. Luke 10:28

D2 The summary of this covenant is the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:1-17, Hebrews 9:1-7

D3 The reason that this is conditional is found in Galatians 3:19-29. It is to show all humanity that we are not good enough for heaven and fellowship with God. Romans 3:19 and Romans 7:7-13

D4 Jesus fulfilled this law perfectly (Matthew 5:17) and was sinless (Hebrews 4:15, 1 John 3:5, 1 Peter 2:22-24).

D5 Yet Jesus died, being sinless, because He was the sacrificial lamb. He became sin in our place (Romans 5:8, 2 Corinthians 5:21,

C6 Palestinian Deuteronomy 30:1-20

D1 The nation of Israel will be scattered. Deuteronomy 30:1 This happened because they sinned and God gave Israel the curses as they knew He would. (Deuteronomy 27)

D2 The repentance and return of Israel to worshiping God. Deuteronomy 30:2

D3 The regathering of Israel to its land. Deuteronomy 30:3-5

D4 Israel converted 2 Corinthians 5:17, Deuteronomy 30:6, Ezekiel 36:25

D5 God judges Israel's enemies Deuteronomy 30:7

D6 God's blessing on the repentant Israel. Deuteronomy 30:9

C7 Davidic 2 Samuel 7:8-17

D1 David would have a son who would sit on the throne of Israel and reign forever.

D2 This descendant would be God and man. Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 9:6-7

D3 The reality of this wonderful reign is peace in the universe. Isaiah 11:6-9

D4 This son has been born Luke 1:31-33

D5 Part of this is still future Acts 3:20-23

C7 New Hebrews 8:6-10:39. Read Hebrews 8:6-13

D1 This starts at Pentecost. Acts 2:1

D2 Israel can be part of it and will. Jeremiah 31:31-34

D3 The sacrificial death of Messiah is the base of this covenant. Matthew 26:28

D4 Is composed of believers in Messiah Jesus. Ephesians 2:11-15

B Summary, as I understand it.

C1 The Bible is to be interpreted in its plain, normal sense.

C2 Israel and the Church are separate.

C3 There is a true, literal 1,000 year reign of Messiah, Jesus, in the future

C4 The Gospel is always the same.

C5 The difference between law and grace

C6 The difference between the Old Testament and New Testament

C7 God is different periods in history had different situations to extinguish all complaints of people who were falsely accuse God of being unjust in punishment.

D1 Everything was perfect when Adam and Eve were created. They needed to believe. Proof of their faith would be tested. They failed when they disobeyed God. God judged them by a curse on the land and their relationship to God and each other.

D2 The first descendants of Adam and Eve, up to the flood, still had weather, etc. and understanding, but still failed. God judged them by the flood.

D3 So it happened after the flood, then there was failure.

D4 Then with Israel being chosen and the Law given. Failure happened again.

D5 In this day of grace, people have preached a false gospel much too often, which will also result in failure and judgment.

D6 So it will happen in the Tribulation and the Millennium.

A3 Resources

B1

B2 The following accurate and helpful statement has been formulated by the men of the New England Bible Conference and is entitled "A Clarification Regarding Dispensationalism."

When God's Word, the Bible, is taken in a consistent, literal manner it will result in dispensationalism. Dispensationalism is the result of a consistently literal, normal interpretation.

A dispensation is a unique stage in the outworking of God's program in time, whereby some or all of mankind are to have a believing response, being responsible to be good stewards of the particular revelation which God has given (Eph. 3:2,9; Col. 1:25; Exodus 34:27,28; Gal. 3:10–12; 1 Tim. 1:4; Eph. 1:10; etc.).

We believe that in order to be "rightly dividing the Word of truth" it is essential to distinguish things that differ and to recognize certain basic Biblical distinctions, such as the difference between God's program for Israel and God's program for the Church (Acts 15:14–17; Rom. 11:25–27), the separation of 1000 years between the two resurrections (Rev. 20:4–6), the difference between the various judgments which occur at various times (2 Cor. 5:10; Matt. 25:31–46; Rev. 20:11–15), the difference between law and grace (John 1:17; Rom. 6:14–15; Rom. 7:1–6) and the difference between Christ's present session at the right hand of the Father as the Church's great high Priest and Christ's future session on the restored Davidic throne as Israel's millennial King (Heb. 1:3; 10:12–13; Acts 15:16; Luke 1:32).

We believe the Church is a distinct body of believers which was not present on earth during the Old Testament period and which was not the subject of Old Testament prophecy (Eph. 3:1–9; Col. 1:25–27). In accord with God's program and timetable, the Church is on earth between the two advents of Christ with the beginning of the Church taking place after Daniel's 69th week (on the Day of Pentecost, Acts 2) and with the completion of the Church's ministry on earth taking place at the rapture before the commencement of Daniel's 70th week (Dan. 9:24–27). During this interval of time God is visiting the nations to call out a people for His Name (Acts 15:14–16; Eph. 3:1–11; Rom. 11:25). Indeed, the Church is God's called–out assembly.

We believe God will literally fulfill His covenant and kingdom promises to the nation of Israel just as the prophets foretold (Gen. 12:2–3; 15:18–21; Deut. 30:3–10; 2 Sam. 7:4–17; Jer. 31:31–37; 33:15–26). We believe that the promises of the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen. 12,15, 17), the Palestinian Covenant (Deut. 30), the Davidic Covenant (2 Sam. 7) and the New Covenant (Jer. 31) were made unconditionally to national Israel and that the thousand–year kingdom will include the literal fulfillment of these covenant promises to ethnic Israel (Jer. 31:31–37; 33:14–26; Ezek. 36:25–28; 40–48; Rom. 11:23–32). The church is not the "new Israel" or the "spiritual Israel," but rather "one new man" created of two groups, saved Jews and saved Gentiles (Eph. 2:15; 1 Cor. 10:32). The terms "Israel," "Israelite," and "Jew," are used in the New Testament to refer to national ethnic Israel. The term "Israel" is used of the nation or the people as a whole or the believing remnant within. It is not used of the Church in general or of Gentile believers in particular. Saved Gentiles of this present age are spiritual sons of Abraham who is the father of all who believe (Rom. 4:12,16; Gal. 3:7,26,29), whether Jews or Gentiles; but believing Gentiles are not Israelites [that is, they are not the sons of Jacob]. The Israelites are carefully defined by Paul in Rom. 9:4–5.

We believe that in every dispensation God's distinctive programs are outworked for His great Name's sake and that in every dispensation persons have always been saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8; Gen. 15:6; Heb. 11:4–7; Rom. 4:1–8). We believe that the glory of God is the determining principle and overall purpose for God's dealings with men in every age and that in every dispensation God is manifesting Himself to men and to angels so that all might redound to the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:6,12,14; 3:21; Rom. 11:33–36; 16:27; Isa. 43:7; 1 Tim. 1:17).

http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/doctrine/danger10.htm

B3 The Seven Covenants

B4 The Moody Handbook on Theology by Paul P. Enns and many others.

Daily Bible Study—1 John 2:13

I am writing to you, fathers, because you have come to know Him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I am writing to you, little children, because you have come to know the Father. (1 John 2:13, EMTV)




A1 Outline

B1 Fathers

B2 Young men

B3 Children

A2 Notes

B1 Fathers are those who have been Christians longer.

B2 Young men are those who have been Christians for a short time.

B3 Children are those who have just believed.

C1 The Greek word in verse 13 is παιδίον paidion.

D1 "A little child," a diminutive of No. 1, is used only figuratively in the NT, and always in the plural. It is found frequently in 1 John, see 1Jo 2:1, 12, 28; 3:7, 18; 4:4; 5:21; elsewhere, once in John's Gospel, John 13:33, once in Paul's Epistles, Gal 4:19. It is a term of affection by a teacher to his disciples under circumstances requiring a tender appeal, e.g., of Christ to the Twelve just before His death; the Apostle John used it in warning believers against spiritual dangers; Paul, because of the deadly errors of Judaism assailing the Galatian churches." Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, by Vine

C2 It is different from the Greek word for children in is τεκνίον teknion in some of the other 1 John verses.

D1 Vine writes "It is used...by the Apostle John to the youngest believers in the family of God, 1 John 2:13, 1 John 2:18; there it is to be distinguished from teknia, which term he uses in addressing all his readers (1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:12, 1 John 2:28"

B4 These terms may also be used for believers who are that chronological age as in Titus 2:1-8.

B5 The verb know as it is used here signifies came to know and still know. It is the growth process for the Christian.

B6 The verb overcome (subdued) also signifies have overcome and still are overcoming (subduing).

B7 The beginning usually refers to creation but here it could also refer to the start of Jesus's ministry or even the start of these believer's faith. John 1:1-4, Psalms 90:2, Genesis 1:1, Isaiah 41:4, Matthew 19:4

B8 How do we overcome the evil one?

C1 Knowing he wants to overcome us.

C2 Knowing that he can overcome us.

C3 Being alert at all times. This would include not taking substances that cloud our mind (overdoing alcohol, using mind alerting drugs, etc.) and religious practices that silence our mind. Colossians 4:2, 1 Peter 5:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:6, 1 Peter 1:13, 1 Peter 4:7

C4 Wearing the armor of faith. These are word pictures that describe methods of protection that God gives us. Ephesians 6:10-18

C5 Know verses as "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy," (Jude 1:24, NKJV)

B9 The children have come to know.

C1 Salvation is initiated by God and brought to completion by God. Humans do not seek God or even want to, since we are dead in sins and trespasses and desire to do what our flesh (body, mind, and spirit) wishes. Matthew 11:27, John 1:18, Luke 19:10

A3 Questions

B1 Is the Christian life one of growth through many circumstances or sudden and complete?

B2 What is the importance of belief?

B3 What is faith? (Faith is believing God, so when Jesus states that He is coming again, He will).

B4 Have we overcome the devil? How do we do this? Is it in our own strength or with the strength of God?

B5 What is the importance of being alert at all times?

Why would a good God allow evil to exist?

Why would a good God allow evil to exist?




A1 Definitions

B1 Good

C1 Something comfortable

C2 Something that eases pain

C3 A lack of disasters

C4 Something that relives sorrow and unrest. We might have to call this happiness and peace.

C5 Something that is pleasant

C6 Something that obeys God's laws

C7 Something that I like or approve of (this would be the real life daily application to ourselves)

B2 God

C1 Something or someone who is better or stronger than us.

C2 An imaginary being that has complete control

C3 Someone who is excellent in what they do as in looks, sports, music, etc.

C4 Something or someone who is admired by us as money, etc.

C5 Yahweh

D1 Attributes (a few. for more see here or here

E1 Eternal

E2 Faithfulness

E3 Foreknows

E4 Good

E5 Holy

D2 Some more attributes

E1 Omnipotent

E2 Omnipresent

E3 Omniscient

B3 Allow--give permission

B4 Evil

C1 Something uncomfortable

C2 Something painful

C3 A disaster as a powerful storm, fire, trauma

C4 Something that causes sorrow and unrest

C5 Something unpleasant

C6 Something that breaks God's laws

C7 Something that I don't like or approve of (this would be the real life daily application to ourselves)

B5 Exist--The state or fact of being objectively real. WordWeb definition for existence.

A2 Notes

B1 The formal statement

C1 The common version

D1 If an all-good, all-knowing, all-loving, all powerful God exists, then evil (suffering) does not exist.

D2 Evil exists.

D3 Therefore, an all-good, all-knowing, all-loving, all powerful God does not exist. (Reference)

C2 The detailed version (Reference)

D1 God exists.

D2 God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent.

D3 An omnibenevolent being would want to prevent all evils.

D4 An omniscient being knows every way in which evils can come into existence, and knows every way in which those evils could be prevented.

D5 An omnipotent being has the power to prevent that evil from coming into existence.

D6 A being who knows every way in which an evil can come into existence, who is able to prevent that evil from coming into existence, and who wants to do so, would prevent the existence of that evil.

D7 If there exists an omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent God, then no evil exists.

D8 Evil exists (logical contradiction).

B2 Adam in his sinlessness states might have thought it evil to not be allowed to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

B3 But in our normal usage of the word we would understand that God pronounced a curse upon creation, because Adam disobeyed God.

B4 This curse resulted in

C1 Death

C2 Pain

C3 Guilt

C4 Fear

C5 Lying

C6 Blaming

C7 Hate

C8 Sorrow

C9 Marital troubles

B5 Who and what suffers?

C1 Everything in the universe

C2 All humans including Messiah Himself, Jesus, who suffered under Pontius Pilate and was nailed to a cross.

B6 Even knowing all this, the question still remains why would God allow such suffering if He was good and loving?

C1 Free will

D1 Negative

E1 Evolutionist, naturalists, and others do not believe in free will. They essentially believe that we are a bag of chemicals with sensors to the environment. We respond to stimuli from the environment differently, uniquely, which makes us different.

E2 The Calvinist believes much the same way. God is such a sovereign that He allows no free will (that is, an alternate choice or even to resist). He decrees all things and all things come to pass. There is no alternative. There is no resistance (unless God decreed resistance). Calvinist view. Arminian view. Calvinist view of compatibilism.

D2 Positive

E1 Typically a person believes in real free will, that is, one can make a true choice, can resist, and can change their mind.

E2 The Bible teaches a true free will that can make contrary choices and can resist. This free will is limited, not complete. There are many things we want but cannot. Explained better here and here.

C2 Love

D1 Defined

E1 General

F1 tender and passionate affection for another person--Wordsymth

F2 a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.--Dictionary dot com

E2 Bible

F1 Hebrew

G1 אהב / אהב 'âhab / 'âhêb This is love for people as family and sexual. It is also love for objects as food etc. Song of Solomon 1:7 and Genesis 27:9 as examples. H157

G2 חשׁק châshaq This is love as in desire. Deuteronomy 7:7, Psalm 91:14, and 1 Kings 9:19 as examples. H2836

F2 Greek

G1 ἀγαπάω agapaō This is the highest love, the love of choice. John 3:16 and Ephesians 5:25 as examples. G25

G2 φιλέω phileō This is the love of friend for friend. Matthew 6:5 (love standing where all can see them praying) and John 21:17 G5368

G3 ἔρως érōs This is sexual love whether God blessed or God cursed.

G4 ἄστοργος astorgos This is in the negative. (στοργή storgē is the word natural affection). Natural affection would be a parent's love for their children. 2 Timothy 3:3 G794

D2 Articles here and here

C3 Faith

D1 Defined

E1 What it is.

F1 It is believing God.

F2 When Jesus states that He is coming again (John 14:3), so He will. Paul believed this (2 Thessalonians 2:1).

E2 What it is not.

F1 Believing what we want to believe.

F2 "God told me so." "I feel in my spirit that it will happen." These things are based on our wants and physical experiences.

D2 Examples--Genesis 15:6, Jonah 3:5, Matthew 21:32, etc.

C4 Test

D1 Why? To see if they really do believe God. God knows, but people do not know until we are tested.

D2 Results

E1 Failure

E2 Success

B7 Atheist

C1 First reference

D1 Definition of evil

E1 Philosophically speaking, let's define evil in one of two ways. Evil could be defined as the opposite of good or as the absence of good. (Problem--what is the definition of good?--editor).

E2 That third definition of evil that I alluded to earlier addresses this issue. I talk about it more in depth in here. But to make a long story short, good and evil are human constructs. When we are talking about evil in this context we are not talking about some supernatural force. We are not talking about the character of Satan or his plans. Good and evil are not actual forces in the world acting on human beings. These are concepts create by people to help us interact with each other and the world around us. There are no all-powerful gods who are willing or able to stop suffering. We as human beings must stop suffering on our own. (Problem: what is the definition of good. Evidently by this author every human being will have their own definition or some world political/philosophical body will define good and evil. He still does not answer the question of what is evil and why is there evil--editor).

E3 Human compassion is the atheist solution to the problem of evil. (Problem--there still is no answer of why there is evil. There is only a response to a problem. A Christian would offer the same solution--editor).

C2 Second reference The author and other authors (links on the page to other responses to the problem of evil) no definition of evil or good is given. There is no answer to the question of why? There are only responses to theists positions or arguments. (I did not read each article that is linked, so there may be an author who does define good and evil. Judging by the articles titles, the only answer they have is "theists are wrong").

B8 Theists

C1 Plantinga's Free Will Defense

D1 Argument

What might God's reason be for allowing evil and suffering to occur? Alvin Plantinga (1974, 1977) has offered the most famous contemporary philosophical response to this question. He suggests the following as a possible morally sufficient reason:

(MSR1) God's creation of persons with morally significant free will is something of tremendous value. God could not eliminate much of the evil and suffering in this world without thereby eliminating the greater good of having created persons with free will with whom he could have relationships and who are able to love one another and do good deeds. (reference)

D2 Problem

E1 No answer to the question, "Why did God create free will," nor "what is free will?"

E2 No answer to the question, "Why is there evil and suffering?" The solution offered assumes good and evil just exist.

B9 Defining good and evil

C1 Most define good and evil as the above (A1 B1 and B4)

C2 God's definitions

D1 Good Micah 6:8, Deuteronomy 10:12, Matthew 19:17,

D2 Evil. This would be not doing in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds what God requires. What God requires is the way He lives His life.

D3 Both good and evil demand a standard.

E1 Breed standards for animals, for example, the Labrador Dog and here For cattle here for example.

E2 God has standards, too. Consider the summary of the 613 Old Testament commandments is the Ten Commandments. In the New Testament that are over 1,000 rules. Here are some examples. We are NOT to

F1 Tempt the Lord (Matthew 4:7; Luke 4:12)

F2 Kill (Matthew 5:21; 19:18; Luke 18:20; Romans 13:9)

F3 Commit adultery (Matthew 5:27-28; 19:18; Luke 18:20; Romans 13:9)

F4 Pray to be seen of men (Matthew 6:5)

F5 Steal (Matthew 19:18; Mark 10:19; Luke 18:20; Romans 13:9)

F6 Bear false witness (Matthew 19:18; Mark 10:19; Luke 18:20; Romans 13:9)

F7 Covet (Romans 13:9)

C3 Can God only do good?

D1 Depends on how one defines good.

D2 Omnipotency in God is defined by many as all powerful in the sense that God can do anything as "can god create a rock so heavy than he cannot lift it" and other omnipotent paradoxes.

E1 Some demand this according to their definition of omnipotence. God is a being, not an abstract thought, force, superman, or alien.

F1 Be a liar, but cannot lie.

F2 Be a murderer, but cannot murder.

F3 Can do a and not a at the same time.

E2 Some things God cannot do.

F1 He cannot lie. Numbers 23:19, Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18

F2 He cannot deny Himself. 2 Timothy 2:13, James 1:17 (The idea of deny Himself is we may apostatize, but He is consistent and does not turn away from what He is).

F3 God has some characteristics, personality traits, that are consistent and cannot be otherwise.

B10 Why does God allow what we consider evil, bad, uncomfortable, pain, sorrow, death, loss, destruction, etc.?

C1 What God says is in the Bible.

C2 The first use of the word evil is And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (Genesis 2:9, NKJV)

C3 Evil existed before, however, because the devil has already rebelled. Ezekiel 28:12-19, Isaiah 14:12-14 (No earthly could ever be described as such).

C4 Why did the devil do evil? (Evil here is defined as rebellion against God. Ezekiel 28:15). He was proud. His business or merchandise is slander. Some people's occupation is an evil activity. For example an assassin. Pride was the downfall. He thought he was better than he really was.

C5 God wants volunteers to serve Him. Exodus 25:1-2, 1 Corinthians 9:17, 1 Peter 5:2, Philemon 1:14, etc.

C6 God makes resistance possible. Acts 7:51, 2 Timothy 3:8, James 4:7, etc.

B11 It should be noted that God is so powerful, so sovereign, that He CAN decree, allow, a libertarian free will. This is not a sovereign free will but a limited free will. Some use the illustration of a pasture where the cattle can roam wherever they wish but cannot go out of the fence. Some use the illustration of a dog on a rope tied to a stake or tree. The dog can go wherever he will but is limited in extent by the rope. A libertarian free will allows for genuine resistance in choices.

B12 Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, also suffered evil from being tired, to being thirsty, to being mocked, hit, and crucified, but there was a reason.

B13 The book of Job shows the problem of suffering, trying to understand why, and God's solution.

A3 Other's articles

B1 How can a good God allow evil?

B2 The problem of evil

B3 The problem of evil

B4 Why the problem of evil is a problem