My Bible And I

Isa 8:20
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
KJV

Spurgeon used this text to preach a sermon entitled “Search The Scriptures.”

Surely this is what we should do.

Regardless of what we read or hear, let us always search the Scriptures to determine the validity of what is presented to us.

Scripture is the only authoritative rule of faith and order for the Christian.
Let us therefor search the Scriptures.

 

Evolution Answers All?

Daniel Dennett has called evolution the “universal solvent”. Anyone who has read widely in both science and social sciences will readily understand what he means. The processes and products of evolution are present in just about every aspect of our lives. Biodiversity, for example, is both a prerequisite and product of ecvolution.  Indeed, it is said that “Nothing in life makes sense except in the light of evolution”. Yet both secular and religious leaders fail to see that evolutionary concepts are fundamental to every environmental, health and medical  issue of concern, including mental health as well as things like genetic engineering, antibiotic resistance, agriculture and breeding, medicine, epidemics, biodiversity, pollination…all of which have important implications for human economies and social systems.

We have the social sciences to thank for this, dominated for decades by secular leftists who separated out human behavior from that of all other animal species, to whom they willingly granted a genetic influence, but not so with humans. One could almost say that the controversial field of study, sociobiology, was the result of the social sciences ignoring evolution.

Evolution, in fact, provides the soundest and most stable basis for just about every progressive environmental position, and in the end for the most ethical. The common origin of all forms of life and the evolutionary relationships that have evolved into a stunning ecological complexity should compel us to place the preservation of the evolutionary process at the center of all our efforts. The preservation of these relationships and of biodiversity is arguably the highest moral consciousness and responsibility of which humans are capable. That religious leaders fail to recognize may explain why they continue to flail and flounder in addressing humanity’s dilemma.

Religious belief not only is useless in rescuing humanity and the world, but detrimental. Islam sees no contradiction in prescribing alms for its poor but assassination for non=Muslims. It is not for nothing that secularists so vigorously defend the separation of religion and state. It is not only because this is the best protection for all religions, but that the state -  having a material existence via our government structures and laws as well as its citizens - is the only entity capable of changing the human condition by changing the policies that oppress and deprive people. Let’s not get distracted by religion or personal spirituality to the point that we abjure institutional change. And let’s defer to nature and evolution, without whom the human species would not have persisted this long.

Article here.

If evolution has an answer for everything, it would have to be personally and intelligently designed evolution.  Why?  Because to give an answer there must be intelligence, and a person somewhere behind the intelligence.  Thus, the evolutionist meets a delimma.   How will he explain that?

Then the statement is made that nothing makes sense apart from evolution.  What??????????  How so?  If blind, random forces and chance brought us to where we are, there is no absolute.  If there is no absolute, there is no settled meaning.  If there is no settled meaning, there is no chance of things making much sense at all - all is relative.  What I say something may mean something different to you.  Thus we will come to the point to say “It all depends on what the definition of ‘is’ is.”  In other words, things will mean whatever we want them to mean, and therefore, there will be no meaning.

Then the statement that evolutionary concepts are fundamental to scientific issues is nothing less than a fallacious mistake, and possibly a bold-faced lie.  Modern science is the product of Christian theists such as Newton.

The fact of complexity works against the evolutionist.  Complexity and organization are the products of intelligence, not blind random forces and chance.  The fact that religious people have failed to affect lasting change does not necessarily testify to the invalidity of their belief system.  Christians have indeed failed.  We have miserably failed to work for social justice as we should.  At the same time, most evolutionists would not agree with Christians on many areas of social justice such as true tolerance and freedom of speech (thus those who are opposed to homosexual behavior are called ‘homophobes’, and pro-lifers are called ‘anti-abortion’, etc).  Christianity, however, provides an answer to the ills of this world.  That answer is the vicarious death of Christ for our sins, His resurrection from the dead, and His return to renovate this earth and make it new.  The Christian’s Bible told us that we would live in an age like this.  This is not an excuse for us not to fight against evil.  It is simply a fact of how things are.

Finally, we are told that humanity would not have lasted as long as it has without evolution.  As a matter of fact, evolution is the basis of many of the social evils today.  Genocide, infanticide, abortion, immorality, and amorality are all the result of the bankrupt theory of evolution.  A theory that holds some humans to be more valuable than others, some lives to be expendable, and nothing to be absolute.

Perhaps the evolutionist would like to rise to the challenge to show us HOW evolution could bring about a moral society with moral good, and social graces that will make for us a better world where all live in harmony one with another.

Just musing….

 

An Example of Evolutionary Incoherence

It seems that W. Christopher Epler has an incoherent argument for getting rid of the rich and bringing in socialism.

It is common biological knowledge that if “outliers” (used in a broad sense) are allowed to run amuck, that life form or, more importantly, that ecological system, is in grave danger of going extinct. Indeed, it is a near certainty that extinction will follow since the outliers are destroying any possibility of creative harmony which is the homeostasis of healthy evolution.

What’s the problem with this statement?  Two, at the least.

1.  He is attempting to apply the theory of biological evolution to society and its ills.  Biology and sociology are two distinct fields.  We cannot bridge the gap so seamlessly and easily, I dare say.

2.  He assumes that evolution is the result of creative harmony.  Evolution is actually red in tooth and claw. The theory of evolution does not speak to us of creative harmony.

It cannot, because:

a.  There is no creator in the theory of evolution

b.  The theory of evolution speaks of the survival of the fittest.  Survival of the fittest tends toward personal autonomy and a dog-eat-dog mentality.

Evolution needs magnificent harmony, balance, and energy. The ideal human society for Mother Nature would be socialism. This isn’t complicated or debatable. This is the high rationality of nature.

Said in language perhaps many would prefer, nature is functional Democracy.

I have stated before that there is no rationality to evolution because there is no absolute.  It is clearly seen here.  Epler equates democracy with socialism.  The meaning of words can mean whatever you want them to mean in the evolutionary system, I suppose.  Not so in a Christian/Theistic system.

it seems we’re in a life a death race to rid the planet of pig, pig rich people.

From the point of view of evolution, the “means” to this end is irrelevant.

So it should also be for us.

How much more incoherent could one be?  First he calls for harmony.  Next he states that it does not matter how the “pig, pig rich people” are eradicated.  You cannot have both.  They are mutually exclusive.

This is a glaring example of the incoherent thought process that is the result of the evolutionary/atheistic/agnostic belief system that is embraced by so many today.

I do not say that all atheists and agnostics speak in such careless manners.  I do say that, taken to its logical conclusion, evolutionary thought will lead to just such incoherence and even worse.

Just musing…

 

Baptists, Thomas Jefferson, and Freedom

Read it here.

 

No Theism, No America?

Would there be an America if there were no Christian Theists among the founding fathers?
Probably not.  After all, the Declaration of Independence opens in this manner:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Without a Creator who is eternal in nature and absolute in goodness there would be no absolutes.  Men would derive their “rights” from the assent of others.  Those rights would not be inalienable, because they would not be inherent.

Let us thank God that our forefathers were, for the most part, committed Christian Theists.  Without them we would have had a very different nation.

This is why that, today, we do have a vastly different nation.  The USA is off the course set for her by her founders.

Happy Independence Day

Just musing…

 

The End For Which God Created The World

The End For Which God Created The World

God’s Passion For His Glory

Just as surely as God is gloriously happy, He is passionate about showing His glory to others and being honored thereby. As He spoke with Moses, the LORD stated that His name would ever be remembered. “Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” (Ex 3:13-15) KJV God will ever be remembered and glorified as the great “I Am.” He alone exists by His own power and might. He has stated “as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord.” (Num 14:21) KJV God’s determination is that His great joy in Himself be known to all creatures. He has also told us “ I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” (Isa 42:8 ) KJV

Is it any wonder that God is passionate for His glory? His very nature is eternal and His glorious joy lasts forever. “His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed. Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.” (Ps 72:17-19) KJV The Psalmist is declaring that the glory of God will be recognized by men in all ages. Not only so, but the glorious name of God will endure forever and ever. This means that the fame of God will be broadcast, recognized, and enjoyed in all eternity. It is for this reason that God does all that He does. “Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.” (Ps 111:1-4) KJV God works for the express purpose of being remembered. All that God does is for His glory and fame.

God’s Purpose In Creation

God’s creation of the world was also calculated to demonstrate His glories. “ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” (Rom 11:33-36) KJV The eternal self-sufficiency of God as well as His infinite wisdom and knowledge are displayed in His creation to the end that man will see His greatness. The cycles of the seasons demonstrate the goodness of God (See Acts 14:17). The fact that man is unable to search out all of the mysteries of the universe is a testimony to the unsearchable wisdom and knowledge of God (Rom 11:33-36). When we receive rain and sunshine from Heaven and are not sent a bill for it we are reminded that we cannot give God anything to make Him indebted to us (Matt 5:44,45 cp. Rom 11:35). God created all things for the pleasure of honoring His own name. “ The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Rev 4:10,11) KJV This pleasure in His name being honored is seen in the statement “ He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered…” (Ps 111:4) KJV Let us, as we wander through this world, never cease to remember that the beauty, order, and power that are on display in this world point us to the matchless beauty and glory of God.

God’s Purpose For Mankind

Man, being the crown of God’s creation, was created for a special purpose. That purpose is to glorify God in a way that all other creatures cannot. “God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” (Gen 1:26-28 ) KJV Man, being made in the image of God, is to show forth the nature and character of God in an intelligent, personal manner. Man is the only creature who was made with personal intelligence. Man is bears the imprint of God upon his person. Man is uniquely able to interact with God and is thus uniquely able to represent God to the world by showing the personal, glorious attributes of God to the world. It is for this reason that we read of God saying, “

I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.” (Isa 43:7) KJV

Having created man to give Him glory, God righteously condemns all who do not give glory to Him. “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” (Rom 1:18-21) KJV Why is man condemned for not giving glory to God? Man is not thankful for all of the good things that are given to him by this benevolent Creator. In fact, he does not even honor this Creator as God. Yet man knows that there is a glorious God; man knows that this glorious God is his Creator and is to be honored. It is for this reason God’s wrath is upon those who do not glorify Him. This, too, points to the fact that God created man to give Him glory.

God even works in men’s lives for the purpose of being glorified. “Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.” (Ps 30:11,12) KJV God works in the lives of men to give them joy that He might receive the praise and honor for His goodness toward men. The very reason that the Psalmist’s grief was replaced with great joy and gladness was so that he would sing praise to the Lord. Let us not forget that, while we live in a world that is cold, dark, and filled with trouble and grief, God is at work to glorify Himself by giving great joy to all who trust Him. That is why the child of God can say with assurance “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28 ) KJV It is often difficult to trust in God and His wise plan for our lives. It is a matter of fact that human nature revolts against pain and suffering and often wonders how a good God can permit (and even send) these things. In the end, however, God is able (and will) use all of these things not just for His glory, but for the eternal joy of His people. That is His promise and His passion. He will not fail to do so. Paul spoke with confidence saying “I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8:38,39) KJV We, too, can rejoice knowing that neither cancer, nor heart disease, nor death of a spouse, nor death of a child, nor any other catastrophic even shall be able to prevent our loving God from glorifying Himself by giving us His joy forever. With this confidence we can obey the command “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  (1 Thess 5:18 ) KJV

Application

What, then, is the duty of man in response to this truth? Charles H. Spurgeon’s Puritan Catechism speaks of man’s duty in this manner: “What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.” [ (A PURITAN CATECHISM compiled by C.H. Spurgeon

AGES Software Albany, OR USA Version 1.0 © 1997) ( See here also.)] We have indeed seen that this is the purpose for which God has made us. How shall this then be lived? How do we act upon this truth? First of all, we must rid ourselves of human pride as much as is possible and rejoice in the LORD. “Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” (Jer 9:23,24) KJV We must always remember that all that we have is a gift to us from God. Our joy and rejoicing should not be in the gifts, but in the One who gave us the gifts. The gifts simply represent a small portion of His glorious greatness. His gifts are given to us that we might enjoy Him and trust in Him (See 1Tim 6:15-19). We should be grateful for the gifts given to us, but we should only rejoice in the fact that we know God. God is exalted when we rejoice in Him. In fact, prayer is given to us for our joy and God’s glory. Jesus said, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:24) KJV We are to pray that we might rejoice. Jesus also told us “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:13) KJV Not only should we pray that we might rejoice in receiving that for which we prayed, but we also are to pray that we may receive that for which we asked to the end that God would be glorified. Thus, God is exalted when we rejoice in Him.

This of course brings us to another crucial issue: faith. If we are to please God we must have faith in Him. “Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Heb 11:6) KJV Faith gives glory to God (See Rom 4:20). Why is this so? Faith gives glory to God because it is trusting God’s wisdom, goodness, power, will to bless us, and His faithfulness to His Word. When we have faith it also means that we are not lifted up in ourselves and our abilities (See Hab 2:4). Faith does not exalt self, but it exalts God. It is no wonder, then, that God will not be pleased except we have faith in Him. Let us fully trust in the Lord that He is indeed the gloriously happy God who does all things well for those who trust Him.

Finally, we should praise God. “Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” (Ps 29:1,2) KJV Praise is not something that is perfunctorily given. Praise that is done for sake of duty alone is hollow and hypocritical. We praise that which we enjoy. Thus it is that the Psalmist said “ My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.” (Ps 63:5,6) KJV True praise is born out of joy. When we enjoy something, or when we love someone, praise comes easily and naturally. It is common to say “Wasn’t that a beautiful sunrise? Or “Isn’t she a lovely baby?” We praise because we have joy in the object which we praise. Praise is, in a sense, the consummation of the joy we have in something, or someone. Joy is not complete unless we share it. Thus it is with praise to God. When we enjoy God we praise Him. It is not only a duty to praise, but true praise is also a delight.

There are many other ways in which we can give God glory. Let us seek to heed the admonition of the beloved apostle who said, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10:31) KJV

 

Andrew Fuller Upon The Death of His Daughter

“30. – But at other times I am distressed beyond due bounds. On the 25th, in particular, my distress seemed beyond all measure. I lay before the Lord, weeping like David, and refusing to be comforted. This brought on, I have reason to think, a bilious cholic; a painful affliction it was, and the more so as it prevented my ever seeing my child alive again! Yes, she is gone! On Tuesday morning, May 30, as I lay ill in bed in another room, I heard a whispering. I inquired, and all were silent . . . all were silent! . . . but all is well. I feel reconciled to God! I called my family round my bed. I sat up, and prayed as well as I could; I bowed my head and worshiped, and blessed a taking as well as a giving God.

From The Memoirs of Andrew Fuller

 

Biblical Manhood

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that movethf upon the earth. “  (Genesis 1:26-28 ) KJV

What is Biblical manhood?  Simply put, it is manhood as described in God’s Word.

What is one manifestation of Biblical manhood?  Dominance!

DOMINANCE????????????

Yup!  You read correctly.  Dominance.

Mankind was made to rule the earth.  At the same time, God gave leadership of the family unit to the males of mankind.

Men need to dominate.

NO!  I don’t mean cruel, harsh, domineering domination.  I mean that men need things to conquer.  They must be the master of something in some manner.  It is part of their nature.  Men need to have not only leadership skills in the home as well as the ability to make right decisions in every area of life, but men also need challenges to overcome in a way that demonstrates the benevolent Lordship of Christ in whose image man was made.

Perhaps that is the problem today.  We live in a climate of fear.  Fear of change.  Fear of offending someone.  Fear of being mocked.  Fear of being misunderstood.  Fear of failure.  Fear of the opinions of others.

Men need to step beyond the bounds of comfort and conquer something.  Gain courage by fighting fear and dread.  Go out, find a hobby, and learn to do it well.  Set a goal for life and strive to meet it.  Get a hard book and wrestle with its concepts and learn from it.  Get a plow and plant a garden.  Pursue purity and capture it. Provide opportunity for your sons to do the same.  Give them room to fail, but encourage them to get back up and try again.  Teach them.  Train them.  Help them become men by conquering.  Help them become men by learning that failure is often a part of the path to conquest.

Is it any wonder that we have so many effeminate men today?  So many have been squeezed into a box that is too small for them and made to think that the problem is with them and not with the box.  Wives, back up and give your man a chance to break free from the box.  You may be surprised at what a great husband he’ll become if he’s given the opportunity.  Mothers, protect your sons, but don’t be over protective and keep them from skinning their knees, bruising the elbows, and being boys.  Give them a chance to dominate in life.  Christian gentlemen are not meant to be softies.  They are meant to be fighters who will stand up and be counted when the going gets tough.  Let them be boys so that they will grow up to be men.   Training boys up in the Christian graces will go a long way toward preventing their bent toward dominance from becoming a form of tyranny.

If they aren’t allowed to dominate they will never learn to lead.  Neither will they learn how to rightly fight for what needs to be fought over.  They will either be softies or hard-hearted creeps who violently take whatever they please.  Biblical manhood seeks to dominate kindly and benevolently.  That is what God intended to happen.

Just some random thoughts and musings…

 

Interesting Post On Jesus’ Historical Existence

Read it here.

 

God And Suffering

Often there are those who refuse to believe in God because of the suffering in the world.

I’ll grant that this does pose a problem to some extent.  It is not, however, the death knell for theism.

Why?  There are several reasons:

1.  The God who created the world would have no problem at all creating a world in which people have choices and consequences related to their choices.

2.  The God who created the world would have no problem informing men of the choices and their consequences.

God has done these things, according His Word, the Bible.  He told man that, if he chose good in the beginning, good would come.  He also said that, if man chose evil in the beginning, death would come.  Man made his choice.

3.  For the atheist/agnostic to speak of genocide, rape, murder, torture, cancer, heart disease, or any other crime or malady as evil is a problem.  Why?  Because there is no room for evil in a worldview that does not presuppose the Creator.  Why?  Because there is no absolute in a world that is the result of random forces and chance.  There is no personal, objective standard of right and wrong.  It is only when you have an absolute that you can be consistent in speaking of evil and good, or right and wrong.

The simple fact is that God made a world in which the following existed:

Men with freedom of choice

Perfect righteousness

Perfect health and goodness

and

A choice between this perfection and sin, which is a deviation from perfection, righteousness, and goodness.

Man made his choice to deviate from perfection, righteousness, and goodness.  This, as he was warned by God, leads to death and any number of evils and maladies on the road to death.

Man not only would die physically, but spiritually.  He is now depraved.  His heart and mind are not in tune with God, and His goodness and righteousness.  That means that man causes more evil and suffering in the world by his mistreatment of his fellow man.  The greatest, kindest, most honest of men still tend to be self-centered in some fashion and thus hurt others to some degree.

Why blame God?  You say, “God could have stopped the evil.”  Yes, He could have, but what would that make out of man?  An automaton?  What reasonable person wants to live in a world in which he has absolutely no choice in what he does or loves?

The reality is this:  God often does stop many evils today.  He does it in a manner that is consistent with the choices and limitations of men.  Some are simply not strong enough to do what they choose to do.  Others find their plans thwarted by circumstances beyond their control.  These things do not often benefit the one who chooses to do evil, but cannot.  They do, however, benefit society and those about them to some degree.  God lets men make their choices, but , in the end, God still rules.

Imagine what kind of world it would be if every person were able to do all the terrible things that were in the depths of their hearts.

God is good to us in that He does not yet allow that to happen.

Yet, He has allowed man to go deeper and deeper into depravity.  Blind man refuses to see the harm that he is doing to himself and to the world by his wrong-doing.

In the end, God will allow practically any evil that man wants to do to be done for a while.  Hell will break loose on earth.  All of these things will come to an end when God finally says that it is time for it to stop.  He will then demonstrate that the choice of right was worthwhile for those who made that choice.  God will also bring an end to all the evil in the world by the death that He promised would come to those who practiced evil.  It is called HELL.

The most important of all these facts is that God stepped into the middle of history in the person of Jesus Christ and showed just how good that He is.  He demonstrated that He loves mand and is serious about abolishing evil.  In fact, God will abolish the evil that is in our own hearts.  Jesus was punished for our evils that we might be acquitted by His goodness and righteousness being credited to our account.

You see, there is no real room for questioning the goodness of God.  We simply must accept that God’s goodness is expressed differently than we would expect it to be expressed.

Isn’t that what you would expect of a god, though?  After all, if God is God, He will be wiser than we and do things differently than we would expect.

In the midst of all of this, my dear atheist/agnostic friend, let me ask you a couple of questions:

1.  If you truly believe there is no God, why are you angry with Him for allowing evil to happen?  How can you be angry with one who does not exist?

2.  While you bemoan the evil in the world (and rightly so…thank you for being aware that it is there and wanting to do something about it) what are you doing about the evil that is in your own heart?

Please remember that Jesus Christ is indeed a historical figure who truly died and rose from the dead to change your heart, as well as this world, into a righteous place.

Just musing….