Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Is God just?

One of the most often debated subjects deals with the Christian God's sense of justice.  Statements like, "I would never serve a God who condemns individuals to hell" or "Why does God call for the destruction of others."  Usually, most individuals are just acting on sound bites of information they have heard other spew their way.  This perception of God has also troubled individuals within the church.  Looking recently at Rob Bell's interview on CNN, would seem to indicate that he has trouble with a just God.

Why is it that some within the Church have trouble with this aspect of God's nature?  I could be wrong, but it is my belief that a little egotistical attitude enters the equation.  Within the "Emergent Movement" there seems to be a disdain for a God of justice.  If hell is so wrong for some, the obvious push in the opposite direction would be toward universalism, but is this how God is described in the bible?  Absolutely not!  One of the aspects of God's nature is that of justice, for without justice, God is no longer loving. 

2 Peter 3:9 states, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."  In other words, God does not take pleasure in some one's choice to continually rebel against Him and consciously separate themselves from His goodness.  For those who have a problem with the justice of God, are they not guilty of judging where only God can judge?

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