This issue answers the question How Could a Merciful God Do Such a Thing?

SINCE YOU ASKED
Last week I posted an article alerting us to God’s judgment for “dividing up His

A Portion of Victoria Falls

land.” I also suggested that the tornado that devastated Joplin, Missouri could have been a direct result of Obama’s call for Israel to go back to the pre-“67 War borders. In a previous article, I brought up the possibility that the recent series of disasters in Japan could have been the result of Japan’s recent railings against Israel. My suggestions raise an important question that deserves an answer: How could a merciful God do such a thing? How could He wipe out so many innocent people? What kind of a God would allow this to happen, or worse, directly bring it about?

AS I SEE IT
It is critical that we deal with such questions. Many people refuse to believe that God caused these events simply because it doesn’t fit their view of God. Let’s take a closer look. First, we must understand that while God is loving and merciful, He is also just and righteous and, therefore, He must punish sin. It’s like picking up a coin. You don’t just get heads or tails. You get them both. God’s justice is seen as “Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished” is interspersed throughout the Bible. When God says, “If you do X, I will do Y,” He means it. It is a warning that comes from His love for us. He is warning us of things to avoid for our own safety and well being. If we do X and God fails to do Y, God has lost all credibility. He must respond because keeping His promises is part of His character. When He says that He will bring judgment on those who divide up His land, He must respond. He has already provided an opportunity to escape His wrath. If we choose to ignore his warning, then we must accept the consequences. If He failed to bring consequences, He would fail to be God. This is why the Bible says It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31).

We still, however, have the issue of the innocent being taken out with the guilty. This is a difficult issue. What we do know is that God cannot act with injustice. Those who have rejected the claims of Jesus Christ will receive justice. Those who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will receive mercy. This is true for our salvation as well as His dealing with us after we’re saved. The problem arises when God must deal with nations as a whole, especially those who democratically elect their leaders. A majority of Americans voted for him and the entire nation will suffer the consequences of His ungodly actions. Add to this the fact that God will show mercy on whom He desires and we must accept His sovereignty. He will do as He wishes, but it will always be based on His love, mercy, and justice. We must live lives that please Him, and accept whatever He has for us, knowing that He will keep His promise never to leave or forsake His children and that if He is for us, who can be against us?

Unsure of your salvation? Check out HOW TO KNOW YOU’RE HEAVEN BOUND.

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