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| Why do we have so much pain and suffering? |
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Thank you, Farathriel, for suggesting this topic!
Long ago, the first humans (Adam and Eve) were created with the gift of freewill, the ability to make their own choices, for God did not want puppets (else their choices wouldn't be genuine). Those first humans had it all—a beautiful, peaceful paradise in the Garden of Eden. They could eat from any tree they wanted, all except one: the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They were told that if they ate from that one tree, they would surely die. Yet, despite knowing this, Eve chose to believe the lies of the serpent (Satan) and doubt God's instruction, and she shared that tree's fruit with Adam, who could have stopped her but also chose to disobey.
Long ago, the first humans (Adam and Eve) were created with the gift of freewill, the ability to make their own choices, for God did not want puppets (else their choices wouldn't be genuine). Those first humans had it all—a beautiful, peaceful paradise in the Garden of Eden. They could eat from any tree they wanted, all except one: the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They were told that if they ate from that one tree, they would surely die. Yet, despite knowing this, Eve chose to believe the lies of the serpent (Satan) and doubt God's instruction, and she shared that tree's fruit with Adam, who could have stopped her but also chose to disobey.
Death and corruption entered the world as a result of their disobedience, their decision to choose what is contrary to and separate from God, which is sin. That sin separates God and humankind, because God is all good and cannot have evil. As a result, every human would also have to face the consequences of the curse of the fall, which they inherited from Adam and Eve.
The natural consequence of sin is death, and that which is contrary to God (who is all good) is naturally separated from God. People choose to go their own way and commit wrongdoing, and others (including their descendants) also suffer as a result of not only their own wrongful decisions but also because of the wrongdoing of others. When humanity chooses against God, their death results in separation, because they choose to separate themselves from good.
So evil is what causes suffering, right? Then wouldn't all God have to do is just get rid of all evil?
Well, in order for God to rid all evil in the world, He would also have to rid every single human cursed with sin (that means everyone, since every human descended from Adam). But because of God's love and mercy, He didn't. And He knows the hearts of every person. So He would provide compensation for those willing to uphold their relationship with Him. Only a pure, sinless blood sacrifice could compensate for breaking God's Law, which no one is capable of upholding perfectly. And animals, which are mortal, were only temporary.
Thus, to end all blood sacrifices, God entered the world in the flesh as Yeshua (Jesus), who is perfectly good and both fully God and fully man, and He bore all of humanity's sin as the ultimate sacrifice when He was crucified, suffering and dying in the flesh but rising from the grave, defeating the consequence of death. Because of this, all who choose to acknowledge His sacrifice and wholeheartedly accept Jesus as their savior will no longer be judged by the Law and will not be separated from God when they separate from their bodies, spending eternity in perfect peace (eternal paradise). This is why Jesus is known as the Christ, the Messiah, sent to save humanity. But those who refuse Christ will be judged according to the Law and will suffer eternally in the fire as a result of their separation.
(Why fire? Well, fire is known to burn against impurities. And if something remains impure... Think about it.)
However, while those who've accepted Christ are granted mercy from eternal punishment, they will not necessarily be shielded from all suffering in this life on earth as we know it; while we are still on this corrupted earth, we will still have to deal with the corruption that already exists. We'll also have to deal with the natural consequences of our own actions as well as the actions of others (and those who side with Christ will naturally have enemies and may possibly even suffer for their faith). And while we're still alive in the bodies we currently have, we may still have to battle whatever flaws those bodies may contain, including illnesses of any kind. But God understands our suffering; after all, He suffered for us.
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18 ESV)
So why do we have suffering? Because of the corruption that exists on this earth, a curse inherited due to the disobedience of Adam and Eve, and the continuation of evil forces today. God is ever-so-merciful to give humanity so much time and so many chances to repent and have their souls saved from the eternal separation coming to them, and He knows the hearts of every person and can see beyond our circumstances. This is also why God has not yet judged the world. But there will be a day when all suffering on earth will cease, evil purged once and for all, and all who are saved will enjoy a new world in eternal peace, where there will be no more sorrow, pain, or death (see Revelation 21:4).
As Jesus said:
"...I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 ESV)
(For more content related to the topic of suffering, also check out these previous entries: CQQ #19: "Doctor God...?" and CQQ #12: "Thorn in the Flesh...?").
The natural consequence of sin is death, and that which is contrary to God (who is all good) is naturally separated from God. People choose to go their own way and commit wrongdoing, and others (including their descendants) also suffer as a result of not only their own wrongful decisions but also because of the wrongdoing of others. When humanity chooses against God, their death results in separation, because they choose to separate themselves from good.
So evil is what causes suffering, right? Then wouldn't all God have to do is just get rid of all evil?
Well, in order for God to rid all evil in the world, He would also have to rid every single human cursed with sin (that means everyone, since every human descended from Adam). But because of God's love and mercy, He didn't. And He knows the hearts of every person. So He would provide compensation for those willing to uphold their relationship with Him. Only a pure, sinless blood sacrifice could compensate for breaking God's Law, which no one is capable of upholding perfectly. And animals, which are mortal, were only temporary.
Thus, to end all blood sacrifices, God entered the world in the flesh as Yeshua (Jesus), who is perfectly good and both fully God and fully man, and He bore all of humanity's sin as the ultimate sacrifice when He was crucified, suffering and dying in the flesh but rising from the grave, defeating the consequence of death. Because of this, all who choose to acknowledge His sacrifice and wholeheartedly accept Jesus as their savior will no longer be judged by the Law and will not be separated from God when they separate from their bodies, spending eternity in perfect peace (eternal paradise). This is why Jesus is known as the Christ, the Messiah, sent to save humanity. But those who refuse Christ will be judged according to the Law and will suffer eternally in the fire as a result of their separation.
(Why fire? Well, fire is known to burn against impurities. And if something remains impure... Think about it.)
However, while those who've accepted Christ are granted mercy from eternal punishment, they will not necessarily be shielded from all suffering in this life on earth as we know it; while we are still on this corrupted earth, we will still have to deal with the corruption that already exists. We'll also have to deal with the natural consequences of our own actions as well as the actions of others (and those who side with Christ will naturally have enemies and may possibly even suffer for their faith). And while we're still alive in the bodies we currently have, we may still have to battle whatever flaws those bodies may contain, including illnesses of any kind. But God understands our suffering; after all, He suffered for us.
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18 ESV)
So why do we have suffering? Because of the corruption that exists on this earth, a curse inherited due to the disobedience of Adam and Eve, and the continuation of evil forces today. God is ever-so-merciful to give humanity so much time and so many chances to repent and have their souls saved from the eternal separation coming to them, and He knows the hearts of every person and can see beyond our circumstances. This is also why God has not yet judged the world. But there will be a day when all suffering on earth will cease, evil purged once and for all, and all who are saved will enjoy a new world in eternal peace, where there will be no more sorrow, pain, or death (see Revelation 21:4).
As Jesus said:
"...I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 ESV)
(For more content related to the topic of suffering, also check out these previous entries: CQQ #19: "Doctor God...?" and CQQ #12: "Thorn in the Flesh...?").
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Curious Questions to Consider:
Why do you think there is so much suffering in the world?
How does God help you overcome suffering? (Also, feel free to share a bible verse.)
What can you do to encourage those dealing with suffering of any kind?
Do you think the trials and tribulations of today's world foreshadow the end times?
Is there anything you need prayer for? (Feel free to leave a prayer request.)
Why do you think there is so much suffering in the world?
How does God help you overcome suffering? (Also, feel free to share a bible verse.)
What can you do to encourage those dealing with suffering of any kind?
Do you think the trials and tribulations of today's world foreshadow the end times?
Is there anything you need prayer for? (Feel free to leave a prayer request.)
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Leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Feel free to share your own stories, experiences and insight in relation to the topic.
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding suffering. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding suffering. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
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Author's Notes:
Credit goes to Farathriel for suggesting this topic.
Cover image courtesy of Creative Hussain.
(Written on March 01, 2020.)
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You have a way of digging deep into real hardcore issues. Suffering is universal due to the scourge of sin, yet we question God's goodness when we suffer, as if God owed us something. When you couple the inescapable reality of suffering with God's promises to work all things for good, our view of suffering will completely change
ReplyDeleteWe should relieve whatever suffering it is within our power to relieve bit we also must keep in mind God's purpose for allowing suffering when we feel helpless or unable to act.
Good word Fleecy! Keep challenging us to think