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NASB | Deuteronomy 29:29 ¶ "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Deuteronomy 29:29 ¶ "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things which are revealed and disclosed belong to us and to our children forever, so that we may do all of the words of this law. |
Bible Question:
If God knew from before the beginning of time, everything that would ever happen, then why go to the trouble to actually go through it. In other words, if God know everything, then what is the purpose of the universe? 1. I can think of a couple examples on the level of humanity, but neither seem to fit. Humans eat the same foods over and over even though they know what they'll taste like, and how long they will be filling. This is becuase we need food, but does God NEED the universe. In my view, He is self-sufficient. 2. Humans often will watch a movie that they have seen before, just because they enjoy it. But the universe contains real people and real suffering (even eternal suffering for some people), and in my view, a holy God would not enjoy experiencing that. The "Sunday School" answer to this question is that God created the universe for His glory. But isn't that the ultimate of selfishness to create a universe where some people would eternally suffer just for a beings own glory? |
Bible Answer: Dear Sir Pent, King Nebuchadnezzar understood what you call the Sunday School answer, but he had a different attitude that we would all do well to learn from his experience: Dan 4:34 "But at the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever; For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom endures from generation to generation. Dan 4:35 "All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, 'What have You done?' Dan 4:36 "At that time my reason returned to me. And my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom, and my counselors and my nobles began seeking me out; so I was reestablished in my sovereignty, and surpassing greatness was added to me. Dan 4:37 "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride." You know the answer to your own question. And it's not hard to understand, but it IS hard to swallow. Francis Schaeffer (sp?) called it being a creature by choice. It means that though the rest of creation, the rocks, animals, plants and stars can't help but do what they were created to do. Man, the image of God, can (by God's grace) bow volitionally before his Maker. I suggest that you "do a Jacob" (Gen. 32), and wrestle with God about the answer you already have. Trust Him, he’ll bring you around and give you peace. Peace in the Lamb, Lionstrong |