Paul's Passing Thoughts

Christians don’t have to be ignorant; it’s a choice. The Bible says that we have the mind of Christ, so it would seem that we would want to prove that. The Bible also says that we are heaven’s ambassadors on earth, so like it or not, countries are judged by their representation.

This post addresses two questions from a biblical perspective on the Boston bombing: why does God allow evil in the world? And, how could two young boys with so much going for them and leading exceptional lives do such a thing? After reading several Christian articles that always arise in these types of events, I have decided to weigh in.

First, God doesn’t allow evil in the world. The wrath of God is revealed against sin on a daily basis. Those who don’t suffer God’s wrath presently for their evil deeds are storing up wrath for the final judgment (ROM 1:18, 2:5). Those who ask why God allows evil in the world are guilty of doing just that. We are all guilty of allowing evil in the world to one degree or another. If such a question were posed to God face to face, He might answer this way:

“I will answer your question if you answer my question; why do YOU allow evil in the world?”

Then, perhaps God would answer the silence this way: So, let me tell you why I allow your evil;

ROM 2:3 – Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

In this case, God is the accused, and the question probably needs to be reworded: “I understand why God allows evil in the world that is no big deal, like when I say unkind things to my wife, but I am talking about, you know, the big sins like murder. Like, I am not talking about ‘mistakes’”

Secondly, from a biblical perspective, two young men who seemed to have it all together getting up one morning and partaking in mass murder makes perfect sense. This is because the Bible warns us in regard to the power of ONE—bad—Idea. Christians who then do not take the Bible seriously start writing stupid articles. Scripture states, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” What do we think that means? This is the dire importance of pure TRUTH, what Peter called “the pure milk of the word.” In Scripture, we are warned to “guard our hearts and minds.”  Note this passage particularly:

2Corinthians 10:5 – We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

Why EVERY thought? Because it only takes one to get the ball rolling.

Authorities seem to think that the younger brother was following the older. Being a follower can wreck your whole life and is a powerful temptation, but deep down, many Christians disbelieve the idea that at one time there was only one righteous family living on earth and everyone else was following evil.  This is evident because Christians turn themselves into pretzels answering the first question.

There was a flood because God doesn’t allow evil. Evil gets a temporary reprieve in hopes that God’s mercy will lead many to repentance.

paul