God's will and God's control
Submitted by F.O.D. on July 8 2001 10:00:57
In reply to Can a Christian Live outside God's Will? submitted by Elfboy on July 7 2001 14:58:25
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The way I'd put it, there's a difference to be understood here between "God's will" and "God's control". I'm thinking of "God's will" as being, especially in the context of whether you can step outside it, something along the lines of how God desires things to be. That is, he doesn't want us to kill each other, he doesn't want us to break faith with our spouse, or whatever. To do so is to do something we should not do, to do something he does not want us to do, and is therefore to do something he does not will. But God's plan is not thwarted by us going against his will. Rather, he is able to get done what needs to be done through and in spite of our best efforts to act against him. I agree, the mystery is that God works in us and through us even when we aren't keeping in step with his will. I think it doesn't make sense to say when we sin, that we're being right where God wants us, but I do agree that God is able to grab us in spite of our sin, and make something good of our lives even in light of that sin (if sin could be said to give light). It makes me think about Jesus' death. That was not a good thing. It was not where God wanted Jesus to be. But God let Jesus die on our behalf, so that something good - our reconciliation with God - might be achieved. Likewise, Judas' betrayal of Jesus led to that horrible death. Jesus' death brought much good, but that doesn't mean Judas' act was something good. Rom 8:28 Gods works all things together for good for those that love him. Even the bad things. But that doesn't mean the bad things are good. No! But the bad things can nevertheless be used, to create good. A bit like the predestination arguments, in a way :) Fod |
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