Questions That Need Answering: Part3

Question from Warrior Child: How do we trust a God that allows bad things to happen to people that scar them for life?

When we face injustice, suffering or great loss there are only 2 possibilities: There is a God who loves us, who is near to us, and will wipe away every tear. This brings the possibility of meaning in suffering, and love and goodness will overcome.

The second possibility is there is no meaning to our existence. There is no god, or there is a god but he is indifferent to our predicament. This position leads to hopelessness and futility. One way to trust God, is to understand the alternative. If you cannot hope to trust in your maker, where else can you go. We have no power in and of ourselves to triumph in the end.

Brennan Manning said “Our trust is based not on proof but on an intuitive sense, and instinct, a feeling - a feeling not without some basis, of course, but likewise not the end result of a syllogism or a questionnaire.” I don't agree with this statement. I trust my wife because I know her character. Her words, her deeds. I know God loves me because he suffered and died for my sin. He is preparing a place for me, so where he is I will be also. I trust him because of his words and deeds.

Pain has a way of obscuring reality. Philippians 4:8 says “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

The apostle Paul is encouraging us to overcome by transforming our minds to truth and goodness. When the mind is set on what is good, true, right, and praiseworthy, the reality of the goodness of God is brought into focus. This is not an overnight cure, but a process that requires diligence and perseverance. Romans 5: 3-5 says “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

The mind must lead the heart. Sometimes it must drag it kicking and screaming, but when it prevails the heart is still and at peace. 1 John 4:8 says “God is love”. Think on this scripture. Take all of the wonderful things in your life and give God thanks. Your soul friend sounds like a gift of comfort from God. You do not need to feel something in order to trust. Motorist speed down the highway at 70 mile an hour, and rarely give a thought to the faith they are exercising in their fellowman. Individuals can have hope in God because rationally there is none without him or his goodness. The choices are meaning or nothing.

The Nature and Attributes of God Part 4: God is Triune

God is triune. This view of the nature of God is distinct to Christian theology. Christianity is a monotheistic faith (Belief in one God), so what is meant by triune? Before this question is answered, it must be demonstrated that the Bible does teach monotheism.

Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.

This scripture is a fundamental for Christians and Jews alike.

Isaiah 43:10 Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.

God plainly removes any doubt of another God existing before him or after. There is none before or after him because God is eternal (read Nature and Attributes part 2).

The Bible clearly teaches that God created the Heavens and the earth (Genisis 1:1). Bob Passantino, in his article "Is The Creedal Doctrine Of The Trinity Biblical? (© 1992) says " The Bible teaches that this one true God created everything ex nihilo, or from nothing (Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 44:24; Hebrews 3:4; 11:3).When Christians say "the Father is God," we mean that a distinct person known as the Father is identifiable as the one true God, the creator ex nihilo (1 Cor. 8:4-6; 2 Peter 1:17). When we say "the Son is God," we mean that a distinct person known as the Son is identifiable as the one true God, the creator ex nihilo (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16).When Christians say "the Holy Spirit is God," we mean that a distinct person known as the Holy Spirit is identifiable as the one true God, the creator ex nihilo (Job 33:4; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 2:11)."

Christians do not mean by this that there are 3 gods and one god. This would be a contradiction. What is meant is there is one God in three Persons, and there are three persons in one God. This is a numerical identity. God exist as triune. If the Father ceased to be, God would cease to be. If the Son cease to be, God would cease to be. If the spirit cease to be, God would cease to be. Humans share a "generic" identity. If you or myself were to die, humanity would not cease to be. All humans share human nature. The Father, Son, and Spirit do not share in God's nature, they are fully the one true God.

The Bible says that the Father is God (Titus 1:4), the Son is God (John 1:1), and the Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4), but also teaches that there is one eternal God (see above). Jesus proclaimed that he and the Father were one. In Mathew 28:19, Chritians are told to baptize in the name of the THE Father,The Son, and The Spirit. In 2 Corinthians 13:14 the text says "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.". These are early creedal statements of the Church in the first century. The new testament never uses the term "trinity", but the concept is embedded in theses confessional statements.

Grammar

I have been advised that my grammar needs improvement. I would have to agree with this assessment, and will work to make improvements. It would be sad for my poor grammar to detract from the ideas I am trying to convey. I would appreciate comments on improving my communication as a truly novice writer. I am not being facetious. If you think my ideas are not being presented in the best light, I will take any helpfull directions offered.