why does god intervene for some and not others

All people die. Yet, with very few exceptions, all of humanity is able to exercise agency in choosing between good and evil. The Lord explained: For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves. pages 108-109, Category: General Elder Orson F. Whitney summarized the purpose of tribulation in our lives: No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. Does God intervene in the world? God also suffers when children get sick and die. To help the chick by breaking the egg for it could be to kill it. Hello, Pastor John, I just want to thank you so much for this podcast. Send inquiries regarding the operation of this Web site to [email protected]. A Time of Testing and Increasing Our Faith, Mortality is designed to test us and help us increase our faith. Interestingly, ever since the fall of Adam and Eve, Satan has had a certain amount of authority over this world.Jesus described unbelievers as being Satans children, as him being their father: You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your fathers desires. Some people survive longer while others lives are cut short with no rhyme or reason. The prophet Abinadi explained that he that persists in his own carnal nature, and goes on the ways of sin and rebellion against God, remaineth in his fallen state and the devil hath all power over him, which is the cause of all mankind becoming carnal, sensual, devilish and thus we all are in a lost and fallen state (Mosiah 16:34). Briefly stated, the answer to the above concerns is that God does not intervene because in His divine wisdom He knows that such intervention would not be in our best eternal interests and also because if we turn to Him He can and will enable us to overcome all of the negative effects of such sufferings. At the end of the book, God plainly says that these men did not treat Job in the right way, that they are wrong. The obvious answer is to believe that God does not take part in human affairs, at least not in this way. But what about the children? [22] Know This, That Every Soul Is Free, Hymns (Salt Lake City: The Church Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1985), no. It makes no difference what light one is given in mortality: whether it be the dimness of the newly rising morning sun or the full resplendence of the noonday sun, all must die. For reasons obscure to us, God has not chosen to share this knowledge. Others appear to have found great spiritual strength in the experience. Yet the Lord had purpose in His command that they travel to Missouri as an army of Saints. by Peter Reason is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International. [6] The Lord further revealed that to receive a fulness of joy it is essential to receive a mortal body, die, and rise from the grave in the Resurrection with spirit and element, inseparably connected (D&C 93:33). It just boils down to timing, location, geography, gravity, and physics. Further, the same principles governing humanity in mortality continue after death. They include the discovery, colonization, and constitutional guarantees of religious freedom in America; the reformation of Christianity in Europe; and most certainly the restoration of the fulness of the gospel and the gathering of Israel in latter days. Even the very devils cannot prevent this light from proceeding forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space (D&C 88:12). . To meet these ends, in the Lords wisdom, the plan required that this mortal existence be a brief experience in a fallen, carnal world. On the other hand, obedience does lead to confidence in God, prosperity of soul, and the ability to face life with resilience and poise. Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?The Lord said, If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.Then he said, May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. But it is important that this hedge, this protection, is only for Gods children.In section 4. above we saw Jesus telling some people: You belong to your father, the devil (John 8:14 NIV)The Bible tells us that humanity can be divided into two groups: This is very stark, but that is what the Bible says. Thus, the process of testing and its attendant agency brings with it many of the earths evils and nearly inexplicable suffering. If God stepped in and stopped everything that is against His will, we would not have freewill anymore. Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities and also the vegetation in the land.. (4) How close is your relationship with them? Used by permission. Briefly stated, the answer to the above concerns is that God does not intervene because in His divine wisdom He knows that such intervention would not be in our best eternal interests and also because if we turn to Him He can and will enable us to overcome all of the negative effects of such sufferings. Wisely, God provided a time following mortality in which all may be taught the fulness of the gospel and aided in their eternal progression. . The Lords purposes include the refining of the earths inhabitants. The climate of scholarly exchange of ideas allows for consideration of distinct perspectives. But as the child dies, so shall it rise from the dead, and be for ever living in the learning of God. In his classic book "The Heart of Christianity," theologian Marcus Borg addresses the notion of God as "an interventionist who sometimes answers prayers": The reality of unanswered prayers is a huge problem. A few days later, in a corner of our newspaper that displays folksy sayings to preview the weather, this line appeared: Can't find your sun glasses? 6. Some people were washed away by the flooding, while others nearby were completely unharmed. Thus, rather than pouring manna from heaven upon the starving of the earth, the Lord allows us to learn that we must care for the welfare of humanity. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendour of his coming.. A premature showing of His power and strength in support of His Saints, explained Elder Maxwell, could cut short the trial of our faith.[24], Gods Intervention as Recorded in History. It is no longer possible for thieves to steal. The strongest reasons that present themselves to my mind are these: This world is a very wicked world; and it is a proverb that the world grows weaker and wiser; if that is the case, the world grows more wicked and corrupt. Speaking of Saints who transgressed the Lords commandments in Jackson County, Missouri, the Lord declared, Yet I will own them, and they shall be mine in that day when I shall come to make up my jewels. That means He's not arbitrary, intervening sometimes and not others without any apparent reason. This subject of when God intervenes and for who is discussed in section 6. below. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. We see through a glass, darkly in this life with occasional glimmers of additional light illuminating our lives (1 Corinthians 13:12). Regarding the second purpose, mortality may be viewed as an arena in which we continue to gain experience that tests, tries, and refines us. As noted above, God has already spoken. But if we look upon life as an eternal thing stretching far into the premortal past and on into the eternal post-death future, then all the happenings may be put in proper perspective.[4]. But if God completely stopped working then Satan could simply kill us all.But He does not stop working and one big thing He does is to restrict what Satan can do: For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. Further, as Saints of the latter days we need to hold up the light of truth in our discussions of history. Three-quarters of friends with benefits either dissolve or change form in the span of one year. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. We are telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. Surely thats within this magical deitys power, right? . He pled with God to know why he was suffering so. A member of the Open the Book team going into schools. We are confident that things will not always go on as they are precisely because God is not bound to the natural processes. The word air** is (ar) meaning air, atmosphere, sky.So, we know that he has a degree of authority and power. For those who have not got that hedge around them then they are unprotected: In this world, Satan is the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient (Ephesians 2:2 NIV), Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen? | Answers in Genesis Why Does God Intervene Sometimes And Not Others? Why Doesn't God Intervene? Although we are not able to fully comprehend God and all His ways, He has revealed enough of His purposes to give answers and insights to our most penetrating questions regarding the ills of humanity. . What does the Bible reveal about the causes of suffering? by Drew Mariani. If these lessons are impressed upon us and upon the people of our country, the anguish, and the loss of life and toil, sad, great and horrifying as they were, will not have been endured in vain.[20]. While it does not solve a thorny issue theists face -- the question of divine intervention -- it enables us to move forward into God, even as the question lies unanswered. Author, Why Can't We Talk? In other words, the Lord sees the ills of humanity through the lenses of eternal purpose. No disaster or tribulation is too great for Him to overcome. . You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land.. He still weighed enough and was in such pain that it was hard to move him from a chair to his bed. . Does God intervene in our free will is it because we are free beings with a choice that He leaves us to it? This reality may be painful, but as adults, we need to give up on fairy tales. From a Christ-centered perspective, Gods ability to break into history is the foundation of our confidence in him. How Events Molded the Character of One Future President. Since then Ive not been restrained to any one denomination believing that the local Church is always important. Mortality, in its planning, received divine design, including salvation from the ills and wickedness of this present existence through the atoning sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son of God. Thus, although the Lords retribution for wickedness and blessings for righteousness are sure, they are not premature. We know that evil exists not because of God, but because of Satan, sin, and the fallen condition of mankind. . Indeed Jesus is the supreme instance of God intervening in human affairs. Those are human ego traits and the stories were created. Does God Intervene In Our Lives? | Jack Wellman Notice that God Himself performed this act of judgment, as it also says it other parts of the Bible: As surely as I live forever, when I sharpen my flashing sword and my hand grasps it in judgment, I will take vengeance on my adversaries and repay those who hate me.. We believe that these severe, natural calamities are visited upon men by the Lord for the good of his children, to quicken their devotion to others, and to bring out their better natures, that they may love and serve him. And whoso layeth down his life in my cause, for my names sake, shall find it again, even life eternal. Grant Building Yet three additional points are critical. Hi guys Im just starting my faith journey and I have some questions, if god is real and loves us so much then why does he allow suffering, why did he allow the Holocaust and why does he allow mass genocide etc and just general awful things to happen. In other words, great wisdom is required for strategies of ministry to other people. Indeed, the plan of salvation rests on this truth. I will provide for you and your children.. The real reason that some people survived and not others is simply chance and luck. How do we deal with grief? Was this just a coincidence, or was God intervening in this situation?I believe that it was truly God who did this so that 335,000 soldiers got safely back to England.The thing that enabled God to move was the number of people praying and humbling themselves before Him. He was rumored to have had . He observed that this was simply the way they had learned to deal with conflict, and so it went on from generation to generation. In his particular situation this required not only outside influence but also struggles that afflicted his own body. It must painfully and patiently make its own way out of the shell. So to answer the question; Does Satan cause storms, tsunamis and sickness? The answer, as revealed in the Bible, is yes, but we know that his power is restricted, otherwise, he would kill everyone.This leads us into the next point: This pain, suffering and death do not come from God. For after much tribulation come the blessings. He also had another plan beyond that, but that is another story.As a young man Joseph was sold by his brothers to slave traders because they were jealous of him and hated him. Each aspect of the plan of salvation was foreknown and organized by God before the earth was created. For example, God was invisibly moving people around Joseph so that Gods plan succeeded.Joseph spoke to his brothers who had sold him to some slave traders with evil intent, but by the time God finished with Joseph, he was now second in command of Egypt. Jesus said: I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. Tags: Free Will, Jesus, Miracles, Open Theism, Lawrence OP via Compfight Zack Hunt over at The American Jesus posted some of his thoughts on doubt, and it seemed fitting on this week before the Doubt, Faith & the Idol of Certainty conference to share what he had to say. 4. As mystics and sages have testified for millennia, intimacy with God is the richest experience we can know. (Jesus had such great compassion for Lazarus, for example, that he wept over his . There are always going to be weak people and fainthearted people and idle people who struggle with all kinds of stuff, and hes warning us against thinking perfectionistically about an all-or-nothing solution. I remember being in a small group when I was in seminary with a young woman who said (and this blew me away), Ill never forgive my mother for what she did. Were Christians. This is one of the reasons why this book was written, to show us how wrong these friends were. . Passing through the portals of death may place even wicked individuals in a state of searching for meaning to their brief mortal sojourn and continued existence in the spirit world. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. Its the question from a listener named Ryan. Referring to the Second Coming of the Lord, the Prophet Joseph Smith explained, At that time the hearts of the widows and fatherless shall be comforted, and every tear shall be wiped from their faces. Free Will is not a legitimate argument for why God doesn't intervene Likewise, Jesus Christ will appear to the Jewish remnant as their Savior (see Zechariah 12:23; 13:79; 14:14; D&C 45:4753). How can he allow these to happen and how can he say he loves these people but cause them to suffer. The focus on making friends at work seems to be tragically misguided. Intercessory prayer is available for every Christian as they now have direct access to . Why Tragedies Can Strengthen Religious Belief. As part of the divine plan, most of humanity must tackle this real-life educational course without knowledge of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, relying solely on the Light of Christ to teach them good from evil. In an interview with NPR, one of them cited divine intervention as the thing that saved them. Thus, the Lord uses these metaphors of refining metals and creating jewels in describing purposes of mortality. Therefore, even the righteous are subject to disease and death. . Let me try to answer the question directly. The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.. Indeed, God has declared that as the Creator of the earth, He is the author of such conditions and events (see D&C 43:25; 87:6). [20] Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1986), 55. Regardless of tribulations and inhuman acts, we may trust that mortality has divine purpose and that the Lord is not an absentee master. Those who suffered will be given the opportunity to forgive those who vexed them in mortality and possibly even to extend the blessings of salvation to them. Thus, the first purpose of mortality of providing a body of flesh and bones that will unite with the individual spirit in the Resurrection cannot be thwarted by suffering and death. For the very Son of God needed to sacrifice His mortal life to bring to pass immortality and eternal life. Some people made it, others did not. (For more detail on this see heading 4. below). [12] Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle, 9697. Lehi explained, Men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil (2 Nephi 2:5), and all are required to respond to the experiences of life with the light that they possess. Simple as that. There appears to be some customizing of the situations in which we are placed to help us individually in our refining process. As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there.. I mean, why would God create or allow the cyclone in Bangladesh in 1991 that killed over 130,000 people? Indeed, secular eyes do not recognize miraculous manifestations of divine intervention as Gods hand in history. Why can't these writers work in a way for God to actually assist His servants while still allowing them to conquer the evil? The Bible is full of occurrences when people prayed for God to intervene and He did. ( Genesis 6:5, 6) No doubt, God also felt tremendous pain over the Holocaust. Malachi 3:6. The first time God had to intervene was in the garden of Eden when Satan tricked Adam and Eve into disobeying God. I started on my Faith Journey in 1976 whilst on my sandwich year from college. The king believed in Joseph and put him in charge of storing enough grain to survive the famine. (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1918), 2:181. In February 1834 the Lord called for the Saints to raise an army to act under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith. However, this does not diminish the truth that we have been blessed with mortal bodies and an earthly education that includes curriculum best suited for our eternal progression. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. The wicked and jealous religious leaders thought that they were just getting Jesus killed to remove him from Israel.But Jesus had been sacrificed according to Gods plan and then he rose from the dead. Perhaps the best place to start is with one obvious but profound fact: We cannot -- ever -- know why God intervenes in some places and not in others. However, when we really take time to ponder the Plan, it is breathtaking and overpowering![3], As part of the pondering mentioned by Elder Maxwell, we must remember this essentially important truth restored in latter daysthat the beginning of Gods purposes for humankind did not commence with mortality. Why Does God Allow Suffering? I think thats how serious it is. But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just. Justice will be satisfied regarding their wicked acts. Unfortunately, Apple's iOS doesn't support home screen shortcuts in the Chrome browser. This plan reveals that there is godly design in mortality, with its attendant evils and suffering. Regarding the first purpose, that of obtaining a body of flesh and bones, the Prophet Joseph Smith taught that in receiving a body we are treading in the footsteps of God the Father and Jesus Christ, both of whom have a body of flesh and bones as tangible as mans (D&C 130:22). In one sense, God intervenes in the lives of all wicked individuals by limiting the span of mortality, preventing them from inflicting further wounds. We are fallen and we live in a fallen world. I am married to Jackie and we have four boisterous grandchildren. It is necessary that agency be preserved for both the righteous and the wicked. Whatever the answer to this question, there is another I feel sure about. . Some people find religious faith comforting during stressful or dangerous experiences. Christian Theology and Disasters: Where is God in All This? There is no damnation awaiting them for they are in the spirit. It falls on the just and the unjust, afflicting all of us at some time. In the early church Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1) came under God's judgment and died immediately, whereas we can see countless situations where God does not seem to act, so does God intervene in the . He proceeded to relate a vision to these brethren, of the state and condition of those men who died in Zions Camp, in Missouri. . God created the earth with all the necessary elements to provide for all of its inhabitants. Why was God so evident in the Bible, and seems so hidden today? Answer: In Acts, This is something like the way I believe we should respond when we encounter biblical narratives that depict God doing things we cant imagine Christ doing. Were on a mission to change that. What is God like?So if he is interested in us, does he want a relationship with us? Atheists, agnostics, and deists can find alternate explanations for even the most clearly miraculous events. [23], The Lord has revealed that the results of sickness, death, and the acts of wicked individuals will not prevail. In the end, the refining qualities that we must acquire necessitate that we submit ourselves to the Lord, which submission is indispensable for salvation. Get the help you need from a therapist near youa FREE service from Psychology Today. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. But it enables us to move forward into God, even as the question lies unanswered. But would God do that it just seems against His character. The tough and hardened rye, probably a type of spelt wheat, is wisely placed in the edges of the field, as its firm encasement is difficult for vermin to eat as they first enter the farmers ground. Its truly heart-breaking. How could we learn the value of obedience and doing good if we were protected from the consequences of our own and others disobedience and wickedness? And the next morning he said, with quiet firmness, I know why now. We need to grow up and face the world as it is: beautiful, dynamic, awe-inspiring, and sometimes, brutal and violent. Jesus has more power, more strength, more authority than Satan. sickness, poverty, etc.? All rights reserved. So Jesus woke up and: rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided. I don't fully know why God restores some people to health but doesn't do it for others. Making the consequences of evil admissible does not suggest that God would have His children choose evil. God the Father explained the purposes and attendant bounds and guidelines for the experience of mortality, and we sanctioned them[5] before we were born on earth. Because thats just how it goes. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. It does not solve what may be the thorniest issue theists face: the question of divine intervention.
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