tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331156725554508589.post4453784509726822389..comments2023-10-04T05:09:54.848-05:00Comments on Contra Mundum: Divine Sovereignty in Lamentations 3:37-38 (Part 5)Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02908788730958708701noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331156725554508589.post-64410150626096011012012-03-10T07:03:10.552-06:002012-03-10T07:03:10.552-06:00Great post, Andy. I think both Ahab and Samson th...Great post, Andy. I think both Ahab and Samson thought they would win out in the end--even though they knew the trap was set. But God is not obligated to either of them! When we suffer we tend to cry out and ask, "Why me, God??" It's not pleasant to suffer for our sins or even to have our faith tested (Job). But whether the suffering is a test of our faith or the result of God's punishment or discipline the fact remains that God answers to no one:<br /><br /> For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? 4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: "That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged." 5 But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) 6 Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world? 7 For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? 8 And why not say, "Let us do evil that good may come "?-- as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just. 9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. 10 As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one; (Romans 3:3-10 NKJ)<br /><br />The difference between Samson and Ahab is election. Ultimately salvation is God's choice. For those of us who believe in God's predestination and His promises His sovereignty is a great comfort. We know that God will never leave nor forsake us--even if we suffer in this life. In the end God saves all of His elect--including Samson. (Hebrews 11:32; Romans 8:28-39).<br /><br />If Arminians were more logical, they wouldn't be Arminians! :)<br /><br />In Christ,<br /><br />CharlieCharlie J. Rayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18185331029930925967noreply@blogger.com