Aurora Colorado; Is God Distant and Unjust?

LORD, what is man, that You take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him? Psalms 144:3

I, like everyone else, am appalled by the recent murders in Aurora Colorado. The cruelty and theatrics of 24 year old James Holmes reveals what happens when a person rejects God and accepts Post Modernism and Moral Relativism. The idea that there is no God, no eternal consequences, and that humanity is nothing more than smart animals. Those who hold to this type of depraved thinking base their morality on their own their own reasoning and self centered desires. Sadly I see this mentality growing especially in our youth. It is my humble opinion that America needs to hold on tight for it’s only going to get worse

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 2 Timothy 3:3-4

I am not ashamed to admit that I am a Christian. I am doing my best to reason with a nation that has decided to abandon proven theology and seek truth else where. A nation that could very easily become like James Holmes if it continues to accept the idea that God does not exist.

Having said that; I am hearing a common thread of logic in multiple social networks being postulated by those who cling to atheistic ideas. They reason, if God exists, he is unjust, distant, and derelict in his duties. Basically they accuse Him of allowing evil to prosper. Consider the following quote from a person on Facebook. The individual was responding to the Christian view that God is slow to anger and has been withholding judgment because of his love for humanity.

“If appropriate safeguards had been set on human behavior, that allowed for (relative) personal freedom as long as it didn't harm the innocent, the world wouldn't be in the violent mess it is in and hence, there would be no need for God's wrath. As a parent, He has not acted to protect the innocent from harm and this has continued for centuries. While instructing parents to protect their children, where has He been all this time?”

Sounds like a fair question. If God is all that, where is he, and why are people like James Holmes allowed to murder innocent people. Shouldn’t He zap 'em or something before they pull the trigger?

Hmmm?

For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off. Isaiah 48:9

I believe that God is sovereign and the very embodiment of justice. I believe that if God were to deal with humanity's wickedness, according to what we deserved, the end would have come a long time ago. Contrary to the premise that God is unjust and distant, I see God’s love for humanity as the primary force that has kept us from destroying ourselves. Appropriate safe guards have been set, but because of humanity's sin and rebellion against God. They are not able to see or appreciate them. To be clear, I am convinced that the safety, comforts, and joys that we have in this life; all the freedom and prosperity, as little or as much as that may be, has all been God’s hand in our life, His “safe guards” as it were. The vast majority of Americans can go to bed at night without being afraid. I believe, what is, is what must be. When things like the current shooting in Colorado happen, He knows why and has taken the necessary measures to comfort His people. God is sovereign and I am not. To question his righteousness and his judgment suggests that I know better than He does. I have to ask, do you know better than God?

I ask those who are questioning their faith or those who subscribe to the quote above, to consider this perspective. Because of Mankind’s natural propensity toward evil, and his deliberate rejection of God’s authority over his life, God owes fallen man nothing; He is not obligated in anyway to care for them, defend them, or to discipline them. Humanity has rejected Him and so by all rights, God could if he so wished, reject man. Yet, because of his great love for us, he has made a way for all to be saved from the coming judgment.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Because He Has Set His Love Upon Me

I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me. Proverbs 8:17

The God critic above, described God as a lousy father. I ask my readers to understand that He is a father only to those who love him. Those who have willingly and joyfully offered their free will submitted back to Him; to those who treat God as their father, with love and respect. He is a father to those who, through obedience and admiration, show God their love for Him. With this in mind, the question becomes, is He your father?

I ask those God critics to consider the favor that God has for His children, those who love Him back. Listen to God’s words to David, That man who was after the heart of God.

(God is Speaking) Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation. Psalm 91:14-16

I have found this verse to be true. He has delivered me over and over again. Even so, I fully acknowledge that bad things happen to God's people every day. This is because we live in a wicked world that will eventually destroy itself. I trust God enough to know what is, is what must be. If I, or the ones I love, should meet their death in an ugly, violent way, God will be praised even unto my last breath.

In Christ

ABR