> General Discussions
God and randomness
Sparrowvision:
Ecclesiastes 9:11 has something to say on the subject but I can't say that would apply to the elect. :D
Joel:
Hi Jeff,
You mentioned throwing dice, casting lots is a similar practice.
If you study CASTING LOTS, there are many times in the Old Testament and some places in the New Testament where this was done.
The Roman soldiers cast lots for the robe Jesus had worn, the Apostles cast lots to see who would replace Judas.
There are enough scriptures that can give you a better understanding about the subject, if that is what you are asking about.
Joel
Jeff:
I think I'm going to go with "nothing is random".
If God is in control of everything then He's in control of "Every Thing". I had wondered if He necessarily was directly influencing everything, and I think He probably is, because He's everywhere, but not just that, there's more. Something / anything exists, or happens, only because He wills it. His presence is required.
Psalm 139:7-12 "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea..."
He created laws that govern how the universe operates - from the expansion of His creation infinite, to the combination of 2 hydrogen molecules, and one oxygen molecule, giving us water. His influence is responsible for every subatomic particle, black hole, star, and galaxy. Nature operates in perfect harmony because He created it that way. I think that means nothing escapes His influence, or is even able to function, without His presence.
The universe is part of God - rather than God a part of it. Every action and reaction happens within Him, not outside of, or apart from Him.
I don't at all understand what it means that God is everywhere, but I can imagine the possibility that if God were to stop being everywhere, those places where He chose to leave, would either begin to decay, simply stop, or even completely disappear. God's power is what keeps the universe , and us, intact. Without God's power nothing would exist.
When our spirit leaves our body don't we cease to exist? Our spirit returns to Him and we are "no more", no thoughts, feelings, intelligence. I think I have that right?
Psalm 51
11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
13Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
David can only teach if God is present. Sinners can only be converted by God's presence.
2 Thessalonians 1:9 "Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;"
Acts 3:19 "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."
Psalm 9:3 "When my enemies turn back, they shall fall and perish at Your presence."
Gods presence seems to be a requirement for anything to happen.
If this teaching I apologize. I have trouble differentiating between asking a question, posing an opinion, and trying to convince some of doctrine.
indianabob:
Just to share one person's opinion for what it is worth.
I do not believe that life is a play of infinite acts in which God has the script written out in advance so that no thing and no one can deviate from the script.
I do believe that God is sovereign and can and does exercise control when necessary to see that all things work together for those who love God.
There is a difference...
Indiana Bob
Jeff:
--- Quote from: indianabob on October 23, 2015, 12:27:27 PM ---Just to share one person's opinion for what it is worth.
I do not believe that life is a play of infinite acts in which God has the script written out in advance so that no thing and no one can deviate from the script.
I do believe that God is sovereign and can and does exercise control when necessary to see that all things work together for those who love God.
There is a difference...
Indiana Bob
--- End quote ---
Where does your belief come from?
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