Bible Question:
In Bible Study this passed Tuesday night, we were in a discussion regarding the verse in 1 Samuel where it states that God "caused" evil to come upon Saul. One gentleman is of the belief that God "orchestrates" everything that happens in life not by causing it to happen, but by stiring or steering one's heart. I am of the belief that God "allows" things to happen...has a permissive will, however saying that particularly isn't in the Bible. What are your thoughts on this? Also...do the Angels have a "free will" like we do? Can they decide if they chose to, to do evil? Thank you, Mark |
Bible Answer: There is evidence throughout the Old Testament that God both causes and allows evil to befall His people (for purposes of correction). Numerous times throughout the Old Testament, the Lord sent struck down those who disobeyed His commandments. Examples: when the Israelites grumbled about their provisions, or married pagan wives; when the ark of the covenant was not carried back to Jerusalem according to the Lord's specific instructions for doing so; when King David took a census and the Lord gave the king a choice regarding the punishment that he would be given, etc. Whether the Lord "causes" or "allows" evil to befall His people the purpose is undoubtedly the same...and that is to bring His sons and daughters to maturation in Him: Heb 12:5 "MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; Heb 12:6 FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES." Heb 12:7 It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? Heb 12:8 But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Heb 12:9 Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? Heb 12:10 For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. Heb 12:11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. With regard to your question about the angels. You undoubtedly know that Lucifer was an angel of the Lord who was kicked out of heaven along with his rebellious cohorts. I suppose that an argument could be made, based upon the enemy's exercise of his free will, that the Angels of God also have free will. Hope this answers your questions... peace! prazn |