In continuing our series on the questions most frequently asked by unbelievers we come to one that has perplexed even, at times, sincere Christians - How can a God of love put people in Hell?
"After all", it is said, "most people are not seriously wicked, they seek to help their neighbours and lead law-abiding lives, is the Bible correct to say that there is a Hell, as well as a Heaven? I can understand your view of Hell, if it is for people like Hitler, but most of us are not bad enough to deserve that, surely?"
Before answering this question we need to bear in mind 2 important points - in our natural state we are all humanistic, that is, we believe in the innate goodness of human nature; and, secondly, we are all unwilling, to submit to authority when it doesn't agree with us.
First, of all, people are NOT innately good. The Bible teaches that we are all corrupt, compared to God's standard of perfection we have ALL fallen short (Romans 3 v 10-23). Indeed, Psalm 51 v 5 speaks about being in sin from the mother's womb. This is deeply offensive to the natural man, but it is the truth and must be taught. Remember, too, that the natural man refuses to accept God's word unless their eyes are opened (1st Cor. 2 v 14).
Secondly, God, in His great mercy and love, has provided a way for us to avoid the eternal destiny that we all deserve. The immortal John 3 v 16 makes it clear that eternal life is on offer for all who turn to Christ. When we point that out we are often met with 1 of 2 responses - either people will accept that God is love and they need to avail themselves of His offer (or at least give it serious consideration and further reflection) or they will show their innate rebellion against the authority of God's word and declare that it is arrogant to be so narrow-minded as to state there is only 1 way to be saved. They may also consider that "God is arrogant to demand the willing subservience of His creatures".
Either way, by pointing out that God has opened the way for people to be saved we put them on notice that, if they end up in Hell, it is entirely their own fault. Rather like the hospital patient who dies because he refused the medicine, one who refuses to accept Jesus as the Christ, has refused to avail himself of the "medicine" that will heal his sin-sick soul.
I do hope this is helpful. Next time we will look at the objections to some of the Old Testament passages on the Israelites attacking the inhabitants of the promised land.
Saturday, 30 September 2017
Saturday, 16 September 2017
FAQs from the unsaved #3 - Why does God allow suffering?
Continuing on with our series of questions asked by sincere enquirers when we spread the Gospel, we come, now, to one of the most common. Indeed, it is a question which even the most zealous Christians may ask, from time to time. The question is this - "Why does God allow suffering?".
The short answer is that God ordains "all things according to the counsel of His own will" (Eph. 1 v 11) and we are to submit to His sovereignty. However, that may be deemed a touch insensitive, particularly if the enquirer is going through a time of distress, or trial.
A more measured response is to look at this in 4 ways:
1. We can't blame God for man's wickedness, or folly.
Most of the suffering in this world occurs because of people's acts of malice. Crime, violence, aggression, and so forth, cause a great deal of distress and God is not to blame for that. Moreover, there are times when accidents and suffering are caused by acts of folly by people who are simply not thinking about the consequences of their actions - again that is not God's doing but man's.
We can say the same thing about food shortages in some parts of the world. There is enough food to go round but it is not being shared out and, of course, bad farming methods can result in famine.
2. When God created the world it was perfect, but man rebelled.
We read, in Genesis chapter 3 that after God made the world Adam and Eve rebelled against His command and, as a result, the earth was cursed (v 17). This has led to so many problems we cannot possibly enumerate them here. Examples would include freak weather, earthquakes, tsunamis etc etc etc. While not wishing to sound uncaring to people who have suffered as a result of these disasters, it is not God's fault that Adam and Eve sinned, and the earth was put under a curse. If they had not disobeyed Him then the earth would still be perfect - it is that simple.
3. When God created man there was no sickness and death.
When Adam and Eve first walked the earth they were healthy and not in any danger of death. However, as we are told in Romans 5 v 12, their susceptibility to frailty and death came about as a direct result of their sin. While it would be wrong to suggest that every sick person is suffering because of personal sin (though that may be true in some cases eg. drunkenness) there is a general principle that needs to be stressed here. Sickness, frailty and death only came into the world after Adam sinned - and we see this in people today because we have all inherited the consequences of the Fall of Man. Again, if man had not sinned in the Garden of Eden, we would not be sick and die.
4. Pushing God away robs one of the peace which only He can give.
Ultimately, we cannot give easy answers to the problem of suffering, especially when the enquirer has recently had a bereavement, or is facing a terminal illness; but we can stress that the God whom they question, is the God who can give them the peace they need to get through this trial.
Making that point then gives us an excellent opportunity to present Christ to a person as the only one who can give the peace of God, and peace with God - John 14 v 27.
The short answer is that God ordains "all things according to the counsel of His own will" (Eph. 1 v 11) and we are to submit to His sovereignty. However, that may be deemed a touch insensitive, particularly if the enquirer is going through a time of distress, or trial.
A more measured response is to look at this in 4 ways:
1. We can't blame God for man's wickedness, or folly.
Most of the suffering in this world occurs because of people's acts of malice. Crime, violence, aggression, and so forth, cause a great deal of distress and God is not to blame for that. Moreover, there are times when accidents and suffering are caused by acts of folly by people who are simply not thinking about the consequences of their actions - again that is not God's doing but man's.
We can say the same thing about food shortages in some parts of the world. There is enough food to go round but it is not being shared out and, of course, bad farming methods can result in famine.
2. When God created the world it was perfect, but man rebelled.
We read, in Genesis chapter 3 that after God made the world Adam and Eve rebelled against His command and, as a result, the earth was cursed (v 17). This has led to so many problems we cannot possibly enumerate them here. Examples would include freak weather, earthquakes, tsunamis etc etc etc. While not wishing to sound uncaring to people who have suffered as a result of these disasters, it is not God's fault that Adam and Eve sinned, and the earth was put under a curse. If they had not disobeyed Him then the earth would still be perfect - it is that simple.
3. When God created man there was no sickness and death.
When Adam and Eve first walked the earth they were healthy and not in any danger of death. However, as we are told in Romans 5 v 12, their susceptibility to frailty and death came about as a direct result of their sin. While it would be wrong to suggest that every sick person is suffering because of personal sin (though that may be true in some cases eg. drunkenness) there is a general principle that needs to be stressed here. Sickness, frailty and death only came into the world after Adam sinned - and we see this in people today because we have all inherited the consequences of the Fall of Man. Again, if man had not sinned in the Garden of Eden, we would not be sick and die.
4. Pushing God away robs one of the peace which only He can give.
Ultimately, we cannot give easy answers to the problem of suffering, especially when the enquirer has recently had a bereavement, or is facing a terminal illness; but we can stress that the God whom they question, is the God who can give them the peace they need to get through this trial.
Making that point then gives us an excellent opportunity to present Christ to a person as the only one who can give the peace of God, and peace with God - John 14 v 27.
Saturday, 9 September 2017
FAQs from the unsaved #2 - Hasn't science disproved the Bible?
Continuing on with my series of articles on FAQs asked by the unsaved we come now to one of the most common viz.
"Hasn't science disproved the Bible?"
When confronted by questions such as this, the tendency is to assume that the enquirer is simply trying to be contentious and, in some measure, to "wind us up". That may be so, at times, but I'm inclined to the view that, unless we have good cause to believe that the enquirer is insincere, we should proceed on the basis that this is a genuine enquiry, and seek to answer it accordingly.
It is a fair question, after all, we are asking people to stake their lives, and, indeed, their eternal destiny, on a book written thousands of years ago, when people didn't have the scientific knowledge they have today. Moreover, in watching TV documentaries on alleged scientific discoveries, they may have heard the narrator make comments that flatly contradict Biblical teaching. So what answer should we give?
First of all, we should state that no provable fact of science contradicts the Bible. That may come as a surprise given the prominence in the world of science to the evolution issue. However, remember, evolution is a theory and, contrary to popular belief, has NOT been proved. As far as provable facts are concerned we can point to the following 4 scientific discoveries:
1. The 5 categories of science.
In Victorian England one Herbert Spencer declared that there were 5 categories of science viz.
Time
Force
Action
Space
Matter
Mr Spencer was lauded for this discovery, perhaps he didn't realise that God's word beat him to it. In Genesis 1 v 1 we read "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." What do we see here? In the beginning (Time) God (Force) created (Action) the heaven (Space) and the earth (Matter).
2. The Earth "hangs on nothing".
At one time it was believed that Atlas carried the Earth on his shoulders. Then it was discovered that this was not the case but that it doesn't have any material substance holding it up. What does the Bible say? In Job 26 v 7 we read that God "...hangs the earth upon nothing".
3. The Earth is round, not flat.
At one time it was believed that the Earth was flat, and that if you travelled on a boat across the sea you would eventually fall off the end! It was then discovered, to the evident relief of sailors, that the world is, in fact, round. What does the Bible say? In Isaiah 40 v 22 we read that God "sits upon the circle of the earth..."
4. The stars are innumerable.
At one time scientists believed that it was possible to count the stars in the night sky. Indeed, in the 2nd century AD Ptolemy confidently stated that there were 1,056 stars. However, the truth was eventually realised when Galileo stated that they could not be counted, there were so many. What does the Bible say? In Jeremiah 33 v 22 we read that the stars "cannot be numbered".
If one was to do the necessary research it would be seen that the above examples are just a small sample of the many, many provable scientific discoveries that confirm that the Bible really is trustworthy.
We should never be afraid to declare the truth of the Bible's absolute trustworthiness and encourage people to do look into the matter more thoroughly, in order to satisfy themselves.
Let us remember, though, that scientific facts alone will not convert people to Christ; that is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit as they are "born from above" - John 3 v 3.
"Hasn't science disproved the Bible?"
When confronted by questions such as this, the tendency is to assume that the enquirer is simply trying to be contentious and, in some measure, to "wind us up". That may be so, at times, but I'm inclined to the view that, unless we have good cause to believe that the enquirer is insincere, we should proceed on the basis that this is a genuine enquiry, and seek to answer it accordingly.
It is a fair question, after all, we are asking people to stake their lives, and, indeed, their eternal destiny, on a book written thousands of years ago, when people didn't have the scientific knowledge they have today. Moreover, in watching TV documentaries on alleged scientific discoveries, they may have heard the narrator make comments that flatly contradict Biblical teaching. So what answer should we give?
First of all, we should state that no provable fact of science contradicts the Bible. That may come as a surprise given the prominence in the world of science to the evolution issue. However, remember, evolution is a theory and, contrary to popular belief, has NOT been proved. As far as provable facts are concerned we can point to the following 4 scientific discoveries:
1. The 5 categories of science.
In Victorian England one Herbert Spencer declared that there were 5 categories of science viz.
Time
Force
Action
Space
Matter
Mr Spencer was lauded for this discovery, perhaps he didn't realise that God's word beat him to it. In Genesis 1 v 1 we read "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." What do we see here? In the beginning (Time) God (Force) created (Action) the heaven (Space) and the earth (Matter).
2. The Earth "hangs on nothing".
At one time it was believed that Atlas carried the Earth on his shoulders. Then it was discovered that this was not the case but that it doesn't have any material substance holding it up. What does the Bible say? In Job 26 v 7 we read that God "...hangs the earth upon nothing".
3. The Earth is round, not flat.
At one time it was believed that the Earth was flat, and that if you travelled on a boat across the sea you would eventually fall off the end! It was then discovered, to the evident relief of sailors, that the world is, in fact, round. What does the Bible say? In Isaiah 40 v 22 we read that God "sits upon the circle of the earth..."
4. The stars are innumerable.
At one time scientists believed that it was possible to count the stars in the night sky. Indeed, in the 2nd century AD Ptolemy confidently stated that there were 1,056 stars. However, the truth was eventually realised when Galileo stated that they could not be counted, there were so many. What does the Bible say? In Jeremiah 33 v 22 we read that the stars "cannot be numbered".
If one was to do the necessary research it would be seen that the above examples are just a small sample of the many, many provable scientific discoveries that confirm that the Bible really is trustworthy.
We should never be afraid to declare the truth of the Bible's absolute trustworthiness and encourage people to do look into the matter more thoroughly, in order to satisfy themselves.
Let us remember, though, that scientific facts alone will not convert people to Christ; that is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit as they are "born from above" - John 3 v 3.
Thursday, 31 August 2017
FAQs from the unsaved #1 - What about those who've never heard of Jesus?
It has been my privilege to engage in street evangelism since the 1970s and, over that time, I've been asked numerous questions by literally 100s of people. As I pondered the issue of what to write as my next article, it occurred to me that you may find it helpful to read a series on the FAQs asked by the unsaved, and what answers should we give.
This week's FAQ is "What about those who've never heard of Jesus?"
When we share the Gospel with people on a regular basis it is not long before this is asked. After all, we claim to believe in the truth of John 14 v 6 and, that if there was any other way for people to be saved, other than through the cross-work of Christ, then He died for nothing. Therefore, at least by implication, we are saying that those who don't trust in Christ are lost. "Surely", we are asked, "that isn't fair, what if they've never had a chance to hear the Gospel?".
It is a pertinent question and I tend to answer it in 3 ways (it is unlikely the enquirer will give you time to mention all 3, so you may have to make a choice of what answer to give!).
Firstly, the Bible teaches that the Judge of all the earth will do right - Genesis 18 v 25. Consequently, we can be sure that He will do right by them. Follow this up with your own question viz. "You have heard, don't you think that means you are without excuse?".
Secondly, we are told in Scripture that those who truly seek for God will find Him - Jeremiah 29 v 13 and, the Saviour's words, in Matthew 7 v 7. If someone is sincerely seeking for God then He will bring the Gospel to them. Cases in point being the Ethiopian in Acts 8, and Cornelius in Acts 10.
Thirdly, we are told, in John 6 v 37 that every person given to Jesus by the Father will come to Him. The God who ordains the end, also ordains the means whereby that end is carried out. We can be absolutely confident that every one of God's elect will hear, or at least read, the Gospel, and that God will grant them the gift of faith to enable them to believe (see John 6 v 65).
Bearing all this in mind, we do not need to be fumbling about looking for an "acceptable" answer when put on the spot with this question. God IS sovereign, and He will ensure that His purposes are carried out, His church is built and His name is glorified in the salvation of souls.
This week's FAQ is "What about those who've never heard of Jesus?"
When we share the Gospel with people on a regular basis it is not long before this is asked. After all, we claim to believe in the truth of John 14 v 6 and, that if there was any other way for people to be saved, other than through the cross-work of Christ, then He died for nothing. Therefore, at least by implication, we are saying that those who don't trust in Christ are lost. "Surely", we are asked, "that isn't fair, what if they've never had a chance to hear the Gospel?".
It is a pertinent question and I tend to answer it in 3 ways (it is unlikely the enquirer will give you time to mention all 3, so you may have to make a choice of what answer to give!).
Firstly, the Bible teaches that the Judge of all the earth will do right - Genesis 18 v 25. Consequently, we can be sure that He will do right by them. Follow this up with your own question viz. "You have heard, don't you think that means you are without excuse?".
Secondly, we are told in Scripture that those who truly seek for God will find Him - Jeremiah 29 v 13 and, the Saviour's words, in Matthew 7 v 7. If someone is sincerely seeking for God then He will bring the Gospel to them. Cases in point being the Ethiopian in Acts 8, and Cornelius in Acts 10.
Thirdly, we are told, in John 6 v 37 that every person given to Jesus by the Father will come to Him. The God who ordains the end, also ordains the means whereby that end is carried out. We can be absolutely confident that every one of God's elect will hear, or at least read, the Gospel, and that God will grant them the gift of faith to enable them to believe (see John 6 v 65).
Bearing all this in mind, we do not need to be fumbling about looking for an "acceptable" answer when put on the spot with this question. God IS sovereign, and He will ensure that His purposes are carried out, His church is built and His name is glorified in the salvation of souls.
Tuesday, 22 August 2017
A lesson from Watchman Nee.
Watchman Nee was a Chinese preacher who lived from 1903 to 1972, spending the last 20 years of his life in a communist prison.
During his highly fruitful ministry many souls were saved, and trained in evangelism and discipleship. Even now, some 45 years after his homecall, his writings and his example are being eagerly devoured by Christian believers. What example did he set to us, who follow on from him?
Well, I've had the privilege of reading two separate biographies of his life (several times over) and one thing about him struck me quite forcibly, and has been a great help to me in my own Christian life, and service; it is as follows:
Along with all faithful preachers and evangelists, brother Nee faced a huge amount of slander and vilification No doubt if the Internet had been in operation then his detractors would be taking to social media to do what they did on paper all those years ago.
An example of this persecution occurred just after he was married. His wife's aunt took exception to her brilliant niece marrying a poor preacher with no prospects, and hired a page in the newspaper to vent her spleen against him.
Another example occurred when he was single,and his mother visited him for a brief stay - malicious gossips were putting it about that he was living in sin with an older woman!
No doubt these, and other episodes of slander and gossip would have been deeply hurtful to him, but what was his response? Simply this, not to dignify these allegations with a response, but to carry on doing the Lord's work with the statement "My friends know me and, therefore, no explanation is necessary; my enemies despise me and, therefore, no explanation will satisfy them". He then committed himself to the Lord (in accordance with 1st Peter 2 v 21-23) and got on with the job of spreading the Gospel.
In taking this line he simply reflected the grace of his Saviour. Jesus warned us that we would be vilified and persecuted and that, when such happens, we are to rejoice because our reward is great in Heaven - Matthew 5 v 10-12.
As a street evangelist, well known in the East Kent area, I have often faced slander and cyber abuse but, as I think upon the example of our dear bother Nee, I am encouraged, like him, to simply spread the Gospel, knowing that nothing, and nobody can stop people from being saved and God's wonderful grace manifested, for all to see.
Finally, an encouragement from Isaiah 54 v 17 - "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...."
During his highly fruitful ministry many souls were saved, and trained in evangelism and discipleship. Even now, some 45 years after his homecall, his writings and his example are being eagerly devoured by Christian believers. What example did he set to us, who follow on from him?
Well, I've had the privilege of reading two separate biographies of his life (several times over) and one thing about him struck me quite forcibly, and has been a great help to me in my own Christian life, and service; it is as follows:
Along with all faithful preachers and evangelists, brother Nee faced a huge amount of slander and vilification No doubt if the Internet had been in operation then his detractors would be taking to social media to do what they did on paper all those years ago.
An example of this persecution occurred just after he was married. His wife's aunt took exception to her brilliant niece marrying a poor preacher with no prospects, and hired a page in the newspaper to vent her spleen against him.
Another example occurred when he was single,and his mother visited him for a brief stay - malicious gossips were putting it about that he was living in sin with an older woman!
No doubt these, and other episodes of slander and gossip would have been deeply hurtful to him, but what was his response? Simply this, not to dignify these allegations with a response, but to carry on doing the Lord's work with the statement "My friends know me and, therefore, no explanation is necessary; my enemies despise me and, therefore, no explanation will satisfy them". He then committed himself to the Lord (in accordance with 1st Peter 2 v 21-23) and got on with the job of spreading the Gospel.
In taking this line he simply reflected the grace of his Saviour. Jesus warned us that we would be vilified and persecuted and that, when such happens, we are to rejoice because our reward is great in Heaven - Matthew 5 v 10-12.
As a street evangelist, well known in the East Kent area, I have often faced slander and cyber abuse but, as I think upon the example of our dear bother Nee, I am encouraged, like him, to simply spread the Gospel, knowing that nothing, and nobody can stop people from being saved and God's wonderful grace manifested, for all to see.
Finally, an encouragement from Isaiah 54 v 17 - "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...."
Tuesday, 15 August 2017
They can burn papers, but they can't burn truth!
In Jeremiah 36 we read of how King Jehoiakim, having heard of Jeremiah's prophecy, took the scroll and threw it into the fire. He thought that by doing so he could silence God's word.
When the USSR was in place, it was common for the authorities to confiscate Bibles and make bonfires of them. Again, by doing so they thought they could silence the truth.
Occasionally, I come across Gospel tracts that have been defaced, or even burned through with a cigarette end, by people irritated at the message.
However, in all these cases they were, and are, deluded. No matter how many times opponents of Scripture push aside God's word it will always stand the test of time because, as Psalm 100 states, "God's truth at all times, surely stood". (quoted from the The Psalter).
I was reminded of these facts as I read the following, very sad, story:
There is a man, I don't know his name, or what part of the country he now resides in, who was once very much involved in Gospel work with the Christian Brethren. He was once so zealous for Christ, and desired to please Him in all things. His comrades in the assembly were pleased to work alongside him, and it was a joy to them to see how he was progressing in the faith.
However, as time went on he rebelled against God's word, threw aside his profession of faith, and embraced a particularly perverse lifestyle. Many, many times dear Christian people have lovingly, and gently, urged him to return to the fold, citing the times of joy when they worshipped Christ and served Him together.
Sad to say, he has not only rejected all such loving entreaties but, according to a boastful comment I read the other day - even burned letters from sincere Christians seeking to help him.
No doubt, this poor creature, thinks he can silence the voice of conscience by such actions and, to an extent, that may be so; BUT he cannot, and never will, silence the truth of God's inspired, infallible and inerrant word - the Bible.
I feel so desperately sorry for people who behave in this way. One can only hope that God, in His mercy, will yet grant repentance to them and draw them to Himself.
In the meantime, what lessons can we learn from this? Well, as I've already intimated, God's truth will always stand no matter how strongly it is opposed; but another lesson is simply this - if the Bible is just a collection of stories, akin to Aesop's fables, why do people get so irritated and angry about it? Why do they feel the need to show such contempt even to the point of throwing Scripture into the fire? The answer, surely, is simple - they behave like this because, deep down, they know it is true.
Such a fact (that they know it is true) should be an encouragement to us to continue to spread the truths of the Gospel. It may yet be, that the strongest opponents of God's word become the most zealous evangelists - like the Apostle Paul!
When the USSR was in place, it was common for the authorities to confiscate Bibles and make bonfires of them. Again, by doing so they thought they could silence the truth.
Occasionally, I come across Gospel tracts that have been defaced, or even burned through with a cigarette end, by people irritated at the message.
However, in all these cases they were, and are, deluded. No matter how many times opponents of Scripture push aside God's word it will always stand the test of time because, as Psalm 100 states, "God's truth at all times, surely stood". (quoted from the The Psalter).
I was reminded of these facts as I read the following, very sad, story:
There is a man, I don't know his name, or what part of the country he now resides in, who was once very much involved in Gospel work with the Christian Brethren. He was once so zealous for Christ, and desired to please Him in all things. His comrades in the assembly were pleased to work alongside him, and it was a joy to them to see how he was progressing in the faith.
However, as time went on he rebelled against God's word, threw aside his profession of faith, and embraced a particularly perverse lifestyle. Many, many times dear Christian people have lovingly, and gently, urged him to return to the fold, citing the times of joy when they worshipped Christ and served Him together.
Sad to say, he has not only rejected all such loving entreaties but, according to a boastful comment I read the other day - even burned letters from sincere Christians seeking to help him.
No doubt, this poor creature, thinks he can silence the voice of conscience by such actions and, to an extent, that may be so; BUT he cannot, and never will, silence the truth of God's inspired, infallible and inerrant word - the Bible.
I feel so desperately sorry for people who behave in this way. One can only hope that God, in His mercy, will yet grant repentance to them and draw them to Himself.
In the meantime, what lessons can we learn from this? Well, as I've already intimated, God's truth will always stand no matter how strongly it is opposed; but another lesson is simply this - if the Bible is just a collection of stories, akin to Aesop's fables, why do people get so irritated and angry about it? Why do they feel the need to show such contempt even to the point of throwing Scripture into the fire? The answer, surely, is simple - they behave like this because, deep down, they know it is true.
Such a fact (that they know it is true) should be an encouragement to us to continue to spread the truths of the Gospel. It may yet be, that the strongest opponents of God's word become the most zealous evangelists - like the Apostle Paul!
Saturday, 29 July 2017
Why did Jesus choose Judas?
In John 6 v 70-71 we are told that Jesus chose the twelve disciples and that He knew Judas would betray Him. The inevitable question then arises - if Jesus knew that Judas would betray Him why did He choose him? After all, it may not seem wise, to our way of thinking, to choose someone who is going to let you down at a crucial moment. So, what is the answer?
As with all Bible questions the answer lies in the Bible itself; indeed, all queries about the Bible can be answered if we simply search the Word of God. We do not need to rely on man's so-called wisdom (which is folly, anyway) to find out the truths of the things of God - everything God wants us to know about Him are found in the pages of Holy Writ.
So, then, why did Jesus choose Judas? The answer is simple, to fulfil the scriptures. In John 13 v 18 we read that Jesus chose Judas so that the prophecy of Psalm 41 v 9 would be fulfilled. To put it simply, Christ's mission was to be a sacrifice for our sins, and, in order for Him to be arrested, tried, and murdered by wicked men, there had to be means to effect this. Judas would be one of those means. His betrayal led to the arrest of Jesus and the rest, as they say, is history.
The question then, often arises, how can this be fair? Does God really raise up people who then do wicked acts in order to fulfil God's purposes? Again, let the Bible speak for itself - Proverbs 16 v 4 states that God "has made all things for Himself, even the wicked for the day of evil". Moreover, we read in Romans 9 that God raised up Pharaoh in order to fulfil His purposes (v17) and that God has made "vessels of wrath, fitted to destruction" (v22).
Furthermore, we read in 1st Peter 2 v 8 that the unsaved, who reject Christ, have been appointed so to do. Does this mean that God makes people do wicked things, and reject Christ and His word? Again, the answer is simple. By nature we are all full of sin and vileness and we are all on the Broad Way that leads to judgement. However, God in His mercy chooses people and, through the preaching of the Gospel, and the work of the Holy Spirit, draws them to repentance and faith in Christ. They are moved from the Broad Way, to the Narrow Way that leads to life (Matthew 7 v 13-14). Those not so chosen, are left in their sins, to suffer the due penalty of their rebellion.
In other words, if it were not for God's grace and enabling, none of us would come to our senses and turn to Christ. Left to ourselves we would all do the most vile wicked things, including the betrayal of the Son of God, Himself. That brings us back to the question - is it fair? The Apostle Paul, gave short shrift to such a question in Romans 9 v 20 when he said "who are you, o man, to reply against God?"
Let us have complete confidence in both, the Word of God, the infallible Bible, and the sovereignty of God "who does all things well".
As with all Bible questions the answer lies in the Bible itself; indeed, all queries about the Bible can be answered if we simply search the Word of God. We do not need to rely on man's so-called wisdom (which is folly, anyway) to find out the truths of the things of God - everything God wants us to know about Him are found in the pages of Holy Writ.
So, then, why did Jesus choose Judas? The answer is simple, to fulfil the scriptures. In John 13 v 18 we read that Jesus chose Judas so that the prophecy of Psalm 41 v 9 would be fulfilled. To put it simply, Christ's mission was to be a sacrifice for our sins, and, in order for Him to be arrested, tried, and murdered by wicked men, there had to be means to effect this. Judas would be one of those means. His betrayal led to the arrest of Jesus and the rest, as they say, is history.
The question then, often arises, how can this be fair? Does God really raise up people who then do wicked acts in order to fulfil God's purposes? Again, let the Bible speak for itself - Proverbs 16 v 4 states that God "has made all things for Himself, even the wicked for the day of evil". Moreover, we read in Romans 9 that God raised up Pharaoh in order to fulfil His purposes (v17) and that God has made "vessels of wrath, fitted to destruction" (v22).
Furthermore, we read in 1st Peter 2 v 8 that the unsaved, who reject Christ, have been appointed so to do. Does this mean that God makes people do wicked things, and reject Christ and His word? Again, the answer is simple. By nature we are all full of sin and vileness and we are all on the Broad Way that leads to judgement. However, God in His mercy chooses people and, through the preaching of the Gospel, and the work of the Holy Spirit, draws them to repentance and faith in Christ. They are moved from the Broad Way, to the Narrow Way that leads to life (Matthew 7 v 13-14). Those not so chosen, are left in their sins, to suffer the due penalty of their rebellion.
In other words, if it were not for God's grace and enabling, none of us would come to our senses and turn to Christ. Left to ourselves we would all do the most vile wicked things, including the betrayal of the Son of God, Himself. That brings us back to the question - is it fair? The Apostle Paul, gave short shrift to such a question in Romans 9 v 20 when he said "who are you, o man, to reply against God?"
Let us have complete confidence in both, the Word of God, the infallible Bible, and the sovereignty of God "who does all things well".
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