2Co 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
1Jo 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Okay, I'm on board with you, realizing how God uses suffering to strengthen his elect or to even draw them. But why would he allow the non-elect to suffer? Kicks and giggles?....cause for them it serves no purpose except good for a bad example to the elect. Yet so my of the non-elect are so prosperous and healthy, isn't that sending the elect mixed messages?
Look at that verse of PJ�s 1jn3:8 He that committeth sin is (of) the world...................
God cast satan INTO the earth, ALL the earth, we were scooped from the dust. he WALKS around like a roaring lion, we are carrying him (not us). There is verse after verse that confirms this. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Monkey on your back, two faced, the devil made me do it. our own language even confirmed it for ever. Gen 3:14 ...... upon thy BELLY shalt thou go... . When Ezekiel ate the flying roll it was sweet in his mouth but bitter in his BELLY, wonder why? I wonder where we will be when he is released from the PIT . The pit of your belly ever get hungry? Its up to each individual to overcome that dust.
God doesn�t want to hurt us, He just wants to get the dust out of our vessels so he can fill it with some cool, clean, wonderful, spiritual water.
This post is for the saved to understand the unsaved, watch who your yoking with and entertaining, could be the devil himself.
Okay, I'm on board with you, realizing how God uses suffering to strengthen his elect or to even draw them. But why would he allow the non-elect to suffer?
James replies:
That is a good question. I would guess for many reasons.
If a person is involved in sin, then God has made this world so that whatever you do, comes back on you. I mean, if anyone commits gross sin, Christian or non-Christian, the effects of that sin, MAY make them turn from it. For the non-Christian that would mean less sin to pay for in Hell.
Twosparrows continues:
Kicks and giggles?....cause for them it serves no purpose except good for a bad example to the elect. Yet so my of the non-elect are so prosperous and healthy, isn't that sending the elect mixed messages?
James replies:
Well, first off we can never know that a person is not elect.
I attend a small church, and we have a man that got saved when he was 67 years old. I understand your comment about some non-Christians being prosperous, and doing well in this world. I think God does that on purpose. There is a verse that says that God does not save many of the upper class in this world. God does everything for a reason, but I sure don't know why He does some things.
I don't question God at all these days, but in the past I have wondered why there was this level of suffering, or did there have to be this much suffering in order to accomplish His purposes? The answer has to be yes. I wish there was less suffering in the world, but things could get worse in the future.
I know I'm oversimplifying, but as for the wicked being prosperous, the Bible does say that there is common grace.
As for suffering of God's people, it also says that He pours rain on the righteous and unrighteous.
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
