Date: January 16, 2013 11:40 PM
Topic: +DEV+ God's Purposes
God's Purposes
"This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross." (Acts 2:23)
Scripture Focus: Genesis 50:15-21
There is no doubt that God hates sin. From Genesis to Revelation, we see that God despises wickedness and is committed to the destruction of evil. In the beginning of the book of Job, even Satan needs God's permission to sin, and is only able to torment Job to the degree that God allows. Joseph proclaimed God's sovereignty over sin when he told his wayward brothers that the actions they meant for evil, God meant for good. God uses what He hates to accomplish what He loves.
Nowhere is this seen more clearly than in the crucifixion of Christ. What could God possibly have hated more than to see His Son mocked, tortured, and brutally executed? Yet God ordained something so horrific and painful for Himself and His Son, because it accomplished something that they both loved, something to which the Holy Trinity had joyfully agreed before time began: the rescue of our souls and our adoption into His family. If that love doesn't melt you and fill you with desire to live in obedience to God, what else will?
Insight: "Satan is more remarkably disappointed and put to shame when he finds bounds set to his rage and policy, beyond which he cannot pass." (John Newton)
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