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NASB | 2 Corinthians 12:7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself! |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Corinthians 12:7 Because of the surpassing greatness and extraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to torment and harass me--to keep me from exalting myself! [Job 2:6] |
Bible Question:
I am struggling with the question of why God allows suffering. I recently read a statement that God does NOT allow suffering, that God is not in control of this world, that Satan is in control and that he gained that control through the fall in Garden of Eden. I understand that it was never God's intention for man to experience suffering, that sin brings suffering and not only to the one who sins but often to innocent victims. For example, if a man chooses to sexually asault his daughter, she will suffer the consequences of his sin. I also understand that sin is not necessarily a single act, when we talk about sin bringing death and suffering we are often referring to sin in the plural. I guess one thing I don't understand is how Adam's sin gave Satan control of this world to Satan. (Adam had dominion over the trees, the animals, etc. I don't see where he ruled the world. Genesis 1:28-30) I am not saying he doesn't - the bible says that Satan is the ruler of this age - but how did Adam's sin give rule of this world to satan when Adam had rule over the fish and birds - not the world. I know I am missing something here - what is it? I need to understand why Satan is allowed to place such a wicked thing as sexual assault in a man's heart and an all powerful God will not stop it. I know it has something to do with choice, God gave man a free will and man can choose to sin and God will not violate that will. (by the way - where exactly is that found or is it just understood by Adams choice to transgress?) |
Bible Answer: Dear Cindy, You were right when you wrote: "... sin brings suffering and not only to the one who sins but often to innocent victims." All of suffer to one degree or another. Sickness, accidents, betrayls and death. Suffering entered as the direct consequence of the Fall. We also must realize that when Adam fell we all fell in him. His sin was imputed (charged to the account of) to all mankind that was to come. When the 2nd Adam (Jesus) came He paid the full penalty for Adam's sin through His perfect obediance to the Law and by His substitutionary death on the cross for all who would believe in Him. Our sins (past, present and future) were paid for and His perfect righteousness was imputed to us. In other words when God looks upon us he sees us as perfectly righteous, even though we still struggle and fall into sin. I know there are preachers who claim that God does not allow suffering. Personally I consider this nonsense! What does the Bible say about Christian suffering? "To the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. (1 Peter 4:13-14; cf. Romans 8:18) Suffering for righteousness sake is part of normal Christian living. Far from removing suffering, our salvation guarantees it. Scripture, in fact, tells us to expect trials: Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12) Some of above was excerpted from John MacArthur.I recommend you visit his web site at www.gty.org (click on Issues and Answers). God Bless You Cindy, John Reformed |
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Questions and/or Subjects for 2 Cor 12:7 | Author | ||
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Hank | ||
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TerryM | ||
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cody | ||
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CindyW | ||
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Ms. Trish | ||
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John Reformed | ||
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Blessed One1 | ||
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lookN4luv | ||
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kalos | ||
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Exchanged Life | ||
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shaitan44 | ||
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smurfrenee |