Provided by CARM.org (Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry)
This is a simple question and we are tempted to answer it simply by saying, "Why not? Why shouldn't God make people if He knows they are going to sin?" But, such an answer isn't very satisfying. We could always say we don't know why God would do this since He is infinite and we are not and His ways are not our ways. But this answer also leaves us a bit empty. So, let's see if we can answer the question by analogy.
When parents have children they know that their kids will eventually act in sinful and even harmful ways. Yet, that doesn't stop them from having children. Why? First of all, it is worth the risk of their rebellion to bring them into the world. Second, the nature of love is to give and by having children the parents can better express their love. Third, just because the children will sin and rebel doesn't mean they shouldn't exist. Fourth, children have their own wills and can freely choose to rebel. Knowing this parents all over the world still have children. As you can see, analogies help us to make sense of things, but they can't answer every question. That is why we must go to God's word for more insight.
The Bible tells us that God is love and that He sacrificed His Son on our behalf. The greatest act of love is to sacrifice one's own life for another (John 15:13). In a very real sense, God has performed the greatest act of love in sacrificing Himself (Remember, Jesus is God in flesh - John 1:1,14). Since God is love and love sacrifices, God has now manifested the greatest love by dying for us. In this, God is glorified. But, without sin in the world, there would be no way to demonstrate the greatest act of love -- which is self-sacrifice. So, perhaps God allowed sin in the world so that He could demonstrate the greatest act of love.
Furthermore, in this self-sacrifice God demonstrates the perfection of His holiness, the sinfulness of sin, the proof of God's righteousness, the victory over the evil one, and the guarantee of the saved with whom He can shed His love and glory forever. In this, God is glorified.
We could come up with a variety of possible reasons why God made people knowing they would sin and we probably can never fully answer this. But, knowing that they would sin is no reason that God shouldn't make them, especially if His plan includes the acts of sinners so that others would be redeemed.
Well, God loves us so much. Let's talk about Adam and Eve for an example. He gave us the ability of free will! What I am trying to say is that, God didn't want anything to be forced upon us. Think about it, some people wouldn't want anything to be forced upon them. He loves us so dearly. He is so amazing. I know that it does hurt God to see His own creations just turn against Him, or perhaps not know of Him... But it is up to us to keep our faith strong and just spread our knowledge of God's word around! God is so wonderful.<3 Christ is just so amazing.<3 Our God is mighty to save~ I honestly cannot wait to be with Christ<3
ReplyDeleteI think the analogy on parents having children gives the best answer to the question. Since children are considered blessings or gifts in the Bible (Psalm 127:3), their meant to be cared for, cherished, and shown love just as any other gift. And the reason gifts are given is to demonstrate love. So, in a sense, we're God's gifts, and his desire is to give us life, and show us his love just as a parent gives us life and shows us their love. But, just as our parents have rules, God has rules. And even though he know's we'll break them, we have free will so it's only fair that we're punished. However, God still loves us and offers us his gift of salvation so that we can turn from those old ways and reign with him forever.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny to realize, but we aren't even owed love by our parents or God. We were just created (out of love), and our sinful nature caused us to turn against Him. So I guess the real question should be, "how did evil/sin come to be?". Hmm... I should look into it....
Wow!~ After reading the second paragraph, I honestly got goosebumps!! I've never actually thought of love in a perspective like that. Thanks!
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