His deep desire is that we learn to trust Him in all things including matters of healing. God heals because He is compassionate. God's hand was powerfully upon him. The first was to reflect on our own stories of finding faith, and on the factors involved, in two stages: Think for a moment about the process by which you came to faith. Why does God heal some and not others? Billy Grahams 9/11 Message From Washington National Cathedral, Summer Soul Refresher: God Will Fight for You. American King James Version). I have rather grown tired of hearing that God will save everyone and that in the end, everyone will go to heaven, because that's clearly wrong. Our Creator can and does heal people. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. Thats verse 23, and thats the ultimate goal of the universe. Let me show our listeners from Romans 9:23 how I approached the chapter, and I think theyll see it. And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 5 Ways to Honor God with Your Christmas Giving. Personal updates from Samantha. But Gods Word does remind us of three important truthstruths we easily forget. Out of that nine months or so came the book The Justification of God: An Exegetical and Theological Study of Romans 9:123. The Bible teaches that "many are called, but few are chosen" (Matt 22:14), and "the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few" (Matt 7: . So, in the spring of 1979, I asked for a sabbatical. You know it's the same thing that John says in John 1:11-13, do you remember that? Universalism. Throughout the Bible God constantly refers to life as being hard. "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." ( Ephesians 4:30 NIV) This is why it's important for us to stop making excuses when we sense God leading us to do something. The reason is that the if that introduces verses 22 and 23 has really already happened in Romans 9. On the. "And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.". No, it depends on God who has mercy. And life goes on. C.S. God said no because He had something much bigger and much better in mind for Paul that could only be achieved through perseverance in suffering. it seems God sometimes intervenes and sometimes He doesnt. Box 28060 Waterloo, Ontario N2L 6J8 Or you can send your question to Steve@keylife.org. Topics: God. Death has taken her, and you cant help but grieve over her passing. I had to settle it for myself. Download our eBooks to read on your computers, phone, tablet, or eReader. How do you explain this conjunction and its implications?. God did give her the right to make choices in her life that can help her overcome or even benefit from her father's choice. We have to be free to believe in him or not. Unfortunately, God did not promise us easy lives. The Bible offers a very good answer to the question of suffering in the book of Romans. I was reading Romans 9 today and came across what is known to be a very hard-to-swallow passage and doctrine. Some day in heaven well understand, but in the meantime we can only look to Him in faith and trust. Author Information. [3] Jesus answered, Neither has this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. 2022 BGEA This what if is not hypothetical its actual. He is free to show mercy and grace to whomever he wills. Why then does God choose to heal some people? He often heals for the purpose of building and strengthening newly formingbelief in Himself, either in the person being healed or ones looking on. In other words, Paul answers the problem precisely by pointing out that individual lost Israelites are not really part of the Israel who inherits the promises. He is the author of all the teachings here, and all materials are available free of charge! Box 5000 Maitland, Florida 32794 In Canada, it's Key Life Canada P.O. So Romans 9:14 asks, What shall we say then? American King James Version). It is not always God's will to heal a person physically. God heals to demonstrate His power to perform works in this world (John 9:2-3 John 9:2-3 [2] And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Help for Today, Hope for Tomorrow| Learn more With a UCG.org account you will be able to save items to read and study later! A person may sincerely pray and truly have faith that God can heal, but if it is not God's will to provide the healing at that time, then no healing will come (see 1 John 5:14 ). Hello, Pastor John! Is the language here being used as we would use it today? He came to be crucified, that he might hang the sins and sufferings of those he loves with him there. In other words, Paul answers the problem precisely by pointing out that individual lost Israelites are not really part of the Israel who inherits the promises. They say this because they themselves never experienced Jesus in a real way, all they have is going to church or some religious beliefs. 7 days ago. Heres what that says: For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills (Romans 9:1718). He upholds his glory. Check that out. So Im going to say it again: verses 22 and 23 are Pauls most and I would say the Bibles most ultimate answer for why God does what he does in choosing one and not another. Lewis is well known for his statement that "suffering is God's megaphone to this world.". God is extremely humble; He puts others above Himself. A person may be poor as far as this worlds goods are concernedbut rich beyond measure if they know Christ. Why would God ever choose not to heal a person? Well, perhaps just to encourage those who struggle with the message of Romans 9, let me give a little autobiography. The point of what Im saying is that it was a great struggle for me. It does deal with individuals, not just corporate peoples. The best way to view our articles and Q&A. Then there would be great disputes over how to handle Romans 9, especially verses 123. Suffering Produces Character. He accepted God's answer He received God's strength to endure He chose to embrace his affliction and glorify God in and through it God heals some people.for His glory. By Billy Graham . Now in the Greek it is just if, but what if is okay because we should answer the what if question by saying, Well, no legitimate objection can be raised. Ill come back to that. God does not control everything because He chooses not to. Some of us work longer, but we don't necessarily get more out of it. He is the most generous being alive. We can question God about why He doesn't heal us or someone we love, but we cannot know what God does not answer from His Word. Why God intervenes to save one and not another, when all are equally undeserving; why the things of God are revealed unto babes while hidden from the wise and prudent, can only be answered in the language of our Lord, "Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight." (Matthew 11:26.) We simply have no definitive answer as to why some are healed in this life and others are not. Why Does God Intervene Sometimes And Not Others? While I believe God is sovereign, I cant help but take into account Pauls what if statement at the beginning of verse 22. The presence isn't something in your head or just emotions, when His presences is experienced then you will see miracles in your life. Local: 704-401-2432 Most people in the world have no experience of lasting joy in their lives. Jesus said, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled (Matthew 5:6). Many times God deliberately chooses not to heal. God's Word says that His people perish because of a lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). By Billy Graham This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Jesus comes to His own and his own receive Him not. I dont think Romans 9 is up for grabs though. Jack Kelley published over 9,000 Bible Study resources here from 1999, until the Lord called him home in the fall of 2015. In one instance the answer was yes, and in the other it was no. It is not difficult to get to the out of date English but gives it a rather classical feel to it. Without that kind of carefulness, you might have a misunderstanding of the Lord and His purposes in your life. In other words, Paul answers the problem precisely by pointing out that individual lost Israelites are not really part of the Israel who inherits the promises. They are perishing. Bad things happen to some people for *reasons* and not to other people for *other reasons* and ultimately God's protection or lack thereof has very little to do with it. In the greater world around us human disobedience, indifferenceand disbelief often disrupt the flow of His compassion. Any of these factors can, and often do, lead to a situation where healing is withheld. I know God loves both the victim and the criminal with a love we can never understand this side of eternity. I feel like Romans 9 is a watershed of how you view God. The question is not about God's capability; it is about our . Gods reasons for answering no were not because of sin in Pauls life or some lack of faith. Because this is Pauls most ultimate answer in the Bible, I think. If we were to receive that gift of eternal life without having first undergone this transformation in the way we think and act, eternity could end up being a very unhappy place. Then he gives his basic answer why: "For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel." That's his basic answer. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6). For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh (Romans 9:23). God's love is the answer to suffering. Therefore, there have to be other factors involved that are currently not under His control, because He certainly didnt create the world this way. But in this very moment, the vessels of mercy (Im talking now to our listeners) are everyone and anyone who calls on the name of the Lord. The Apostle Paul made this very clear in Romans chapter 9. It's not the things that man does; it's not the perseverance that we do on our own that garners salvation. This is because of Job's reply: That is how foolish women talk. So whats he saying? [10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. The Bible says that in heaven, There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away (Revelation 21:4). Even in this physical suffering, Paul was following the example set down before by Jesus Himself (Hebrews 2:10 Hebrews 2:10For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.American King James Version). God still uses people today for His purposes and for His glory. God only permits it. Its not a question of whether its going to happen it did happen. So what are these other factors? So God is free to have mercy on whom hell have mercy. The presenting issue is precisely that some Jews not the people as a whole have fallen. Its the problem within Israel. 19952022 All correspondence and questions should be sent to info@ucg.org. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. He also said He is working all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Local: 704-401-2432 God is perfect, and His ways are far beyond human comprehension ( Isaiah 55:8-9 ). Is there injustice on Gods part? Thats where I started in writing my book: Is there injustice on Gods part? And his answer is by no means., The rest of it, verses 1523, offers support for why theres no injustice on Gods part. Never forget: Because of Christ we have hope. Consider Pauls prayers for his own healing 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 [7] And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. We are all sinners and no one is more deserving than another. This is the very sentence that Aaron asked about. Grace thru Faith is a 501(c)3 non-profit. We were tried, and we felt victorious. Something has been on my mind for a long time and have never had the guts to ask. And he was still so young too. Like this post? She has been healed completely and forever! When I was teaching Bible and Greek at Bethel College from 1974 to 1980, virtually every class brought up the problems of the sovereignty of God vis--vis the will of man. Descriptions: Yes. Surely it would be better to keep all your original disciples alive as long as possible! You arent the first person to ask this question, nor will you be the lastbecause sometimes it does look like God blesses people who dont deserve it. Think of the insights and wisdom he could have continued bringing to our work. (Psalm 119:1; Prov 20:7) Some blessing comes as a reward for blessing others. These attributes are justice, wrath, power, love, mercy, and grace. He desires to act with kindness and gentleness towards all human beings. Including photos each week from our outreaches and the weekly review. A person may be poor as far as this world's goods are concernedbut rich beyond measure if they know Christ. Sometimes God's blessings come in other ways besides physical healing. SHELLY, JUDITH ALLEN. There are Israelites who are perishing, and Paul solves the problem theologically by saying, Gods word to Israel has not fallen because not all Israel is Israel.. Put all this together and its a wonder God is able to intervene as often as He does. 289. Episode 1320. John Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. Think about it. I have shared that. He said we would have troubles in this world, then told us to take heart because Hes overcome the world (John 16:33). The Bible says that He truly is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). James called this being double-minded and said we shouldnt expect anything when we pray like that (James 1:6-8). Copyright 2022. God's wisdom skillfully guided him. If we dont, well only end up in bitterness, anger and confusion and thats a dead-end road. Here are just a few: 1. Highest rating: 3. Its the lostness of individuals that creates the problem its not imposed on this chapter. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Gods purpose was that Paul be moved towards this goal through physical suffering. But listen: She is in heaven now and all her pain and weakness are gone. His wife Samantha maintains this site as well as their missionary outreaches. Moreover, if rightly met, in the strength God supplies, tribulations may be the means of promoting the Christian's growth in grace. Everybody should put their ears up when I say that. Here is what the sentence says: What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory? In that day we wont be asked for the size of our bank account or the importance of our jobs. It's not how much faith we have, but in whom our faith rests that matters. Privacy By contrast, Pauls strong faith was tested and strengthened when he was required to persevere through the trial of not being healed. In the Old Testament, the blessings of God were intertwined with the Promised Land. I have been a Christian for a long, but I realize that its hard for me to forgive people but yet I expect and demand that God forgives me. Isaiah 41:13 (NIV) For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. God visits everyone in his good time and desires that we all be saved, provided we desire to be saved. He is author of. Our spirits were just as strong, our hope and faith was unbreakable. "God can't reveal himself to us clearly," this argument goes, "because he wants us to have free will. But let me ask you a question: Where is your little niece now? And then what does John say in verse 12? I mean if Jews and hes not talking one or two, but most of them have a veil over their face, then theyre not seeing Jesus as their Messiah. Or did it have some other explanation? When Paul refers five verses later, in verse 22, to Gods desiring to show his wrath and make known his power, [enduring] with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, thats exactly what he has just done with Pharaoh in verse 17. She can choose to learn from his mistake and finish her own education. If we take happiness from God's hand, must we not take sorrow too? (Matt 5:9; James 3:18) Dont be envious of what others have, but make certain of your commitment to Christ. The rest of Romans 9:123 is Pauls demonstration or vindication of the justice of God in the exercise of his sovereignty in having mercy on whom he will. We currently have 150 emails now about Romans 9, by far the most asked-about chapter in the Bible in the inbox. His was a divinely lived life. If there is some research out there about why some find faith easier and others harder, let me know in the comments. However, two broad categories shine forth in the Scriptures: 1. Because of wrong teaching, it can be hard to accept this selfless, generous voice when we hear it. Journal of Christian Nursing: Summer 2005 - Volume 22 - Issue 3 - p 40-41. doi: 10.1097/01.CNJ.0000262315.94061.4b. Join. When we accept that reality and align our thinking with His perspective . From May of 1979 through January of 1980, as I studied, all I did was think and pray over Romans 9 day and night, every day. Today, God still blesses the obedience of the saints, albeit not always through an abundance of physical earthly goods. More : Yes. Then theres our sin nature that can place us outside of Gods protective power without us even being aware of it until its too late. People want . In the midst of your tears, ask God to help you lift your eyes to heaven and the promise we have of eternal life through Christ. And yet, in the end, we lost. But God's will is that those individuals knit together to form a new community. Matthew 5:45 says "He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.". 2022 BGEA I understand your hurt, but I want to assure you that God understands your hurt even more than you do and wants to surround you with His love and compassion during this difficult time. This is not hard to see. Send inquiries regarding the operation of this Web site to webmaster@ucg.org. So when God chooses one group He has a specific purpose in mind. Home Of course the answer is yes and the Master Potter has every right to determine our lot in life. Why Does God Protect Some and Not Others? Lamentations 3:22 says the Lords compassions never fail and according to Hebrews 13:8, Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever. But what about situations where none of these is a factor? Modern translations prefer the word curse. American King James Version. I had been there about six years, so it was time. You will not see any change in your life until you start thinking differently. All rights reserved. If he revealed his presence to us, we'd be. God's Love for All However, He did make us some promises: He promises to be by our sides and help us through the pain. 2. I had to settle for myself whether this chapter meant what it seemed to mean, what I was saying it meant. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201 His teachings made the Bible clear and easy to understand, and impacted millions of lives. In other words, does what if mean Oh yeah, he could act that way, and that would fit with Pipers Reformed understanding of this text, but he doesnt really act that way. Aaron is asking, Is that a feasible interpretation?. BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Does He withhold healing because we havesin we haven't repented of yet? God uses all trials to develop the human character (1 Peter 4:12, 13). Second, the Bible reminds us that life's greatest blessings come from knowing Christ and walking with Him every day. " Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows and pains of punishment, yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God ." Because of this, we live in an evil and arbitrary world, where even the innocent are often attacked. In fact, some of the unhappiest people Ive known over the years have been people with great wealth and yet their lives were empty. Toll Free: 1-877-247-2426. Contact Us. He does no one no human being ever anywhere any wrong. When Paul says, What if God, desiring to show his wrath and make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, well, hes restating the very thing that he just said he did in regard to Pharaoh in verses 17 and 18. You might believe that the devil is a thief and a murderer, and therefore, in your view, Satan killed our brother. He did it. I have been a believer for 27 years. Remember: God knows what it is to lose someone to death.

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