Originally posted by GlenR
Originally posted by epiphinehasIf God is responsible for our moral failure, then there is injustice in God.
I agree with you that we cannot blame our lack of control on God.
The question being answered is regarding God's allowing sin to exist.
He has allowed it from the begining. Since he allowed sin and it is his universe, I believe ulti at God is unjust. As you pointed out the scriptures are clear that God IS righteous.
What is the worth of obedience to God if a person He created cannot do otherwise? We were originally created with free will, in the divine likeness, for the purpose of fellowship with God Himself. Since God is holy and He made us in His image, He holds us to His standard of holiness. Because He holds us to His standard of holiness, disobeying His command to not eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge had to be duly prosecuted.
Since God is holy, only entities perfectly conformed to His will (His law and commands) are allowed to dwell in His presence eternally. Any being not fully conformed to His will is no longer holy and is therefore doomed by God's holy law to 'decay and death'. This was God's warning to Adam and Eve.
God does not bear the responsibility for disobedience, as that
would mean there is injustice in God.
"Remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow" (James 1:13-17).
It is telling that people are so quick to blame God, yet no one gives Satan a second thought. Satan is the one responsible for tempting and tricking Adam and Eve. Why doesn't
he incite indignation?
I'll tell you why -- Because Satan's first lie was a distortion of God's command: '“Did God
really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1). "“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil" The woman was convinced." (Genesis 3:4-5).
But God
was telling the truth. Ever since the first moment Eve believed the lie Satan told her about God, mankind has been distrustful of God. If not for God's grace,
every man under the sun since then would be an enemy of God. Therefore, it is no wonder God incites more indignation than the true culprit, Satan.
But God said, "I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you" (John 14:18). Is it so surprising, then, that God's requirement for salvation is
faith in Him? God is love and He is faithful; the longing of His heart is for our trust.