A physics teacher once asked his students whether God made both good and evil. A student answered �yes�. The teacher then said that this proved that God was evil, because �by their fruit ye shall know them.� The teacher�s conclusion was then shot down with the response that: just as cold is the absence of heat, darkness is the absence of light, so evil is the absence of good. Heat, light, good, are all measurable mater, and the absence of them causes an affect: cold, darkness, evil.
However, what does the Bible say?
God says in Isaiah 45:7 �I formed the Light and create darkness, I make peace, and create evil, I the Lord do all these things." He created evil. Likewise, 1 John 1:5-7 says �� (5) God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (6) If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: (7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.�
So, I�m just wondering how these two concepts work together? God is pure, but created evil. I feel that he created both to give us the majesty of choice. But how do you explain the presence of these two factors to someone like the physics teacher mentioned above when they ask �How come he created evil, but is good?�
PS. I love the Book of 1John, as John preaches against the Gnostic theory that �the deeds we do with our bodies (which are inherently evil) cannot contaminate our souls (which are inherently good)�. I like how the apostle John puts it, (1:8) �If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us�. And (1:9) �If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness�.
Thanks Pinkpanther. That's a good way to look at it.
I was reading another verse yesterday, and it sort of was a 'Archimedes in the bath' "Eureka!" moment. I'll share the verses with you that I stumbled upon.
James 1: 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
James 1: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
James 1: 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
Shows me that God doesn't try us... Jesus said, "Simon, Satan hath desired to have you that he may sift you as wheat but I have prayed for you that your faith fail not, and when you are converted strengthen your brethren." ...I always kinda thought that Jesus was constantly testing us, but not now after my eureka moment. :D yay!
Ahem. Well, I take it back. While the Lord doesn't test us... and the verses in James are true, and applicable, I now believe that "Many of us need no other argument than our own experiences to prove that suffering is indeed God's testing room of faith" (J. H. McC). And "Better the storm with Christ than smooth waters without Him" (Macduff). I guess life is tough, and there is suffering, but he can help us get stronger through it and turn our lemons into lemonade. :bouncy:
I have a firm opinion that G.od does not try us....
When we pray we say...
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,...
thy kingdom come meaning that the kigdom is not here yet...am not playing with words just trying to see.
We are under the influence of...
Ephesians 6:10-20 (New International Version, �2010)
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil�s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Suffering is the cause of non knowledge of G.od. That is why Jesus came to free us". You were blind now you see" he kept saying..Any way i agree with your second sayings about lemons and lemonades..:-) G.od bless
