Either Valjean or Javert: Looking at Grace and Law in Les Miserables

“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17

My daughter loves musicals. I do not. 

However, I do love the story of Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables so I told my daughter I would watch the 2012 movie musical rendition with her (although I skipped a few parts for her sake). The movie, starring Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Russel Crowe, is as brutal as it is beautiful. 

(Note: If you have not read or seen Les Miserables, spoilers are ahead.)

The hero of Hugo’s epic is Jean Valjean, an ex-convict who steals some silver from the hospitable Bishop Myriel while on parole. Although Valjean is later caught with the silver by the police and brought back to the bishop, the compassionate man of God not only forgives Valjean but tells the police that the silver was a gift and then gives him more*.

Jean Valjean by Gustav Brion

Valjean is stunned by this act of grace and mercy and it begins to change his heart toward God and man. 

The antagonist is Javert, a police official whose obsession with justice and with catching Valjean leaves no room for grace, mercy or forgiveness. 

As the story unfolds, we see that one of the main themes is that of the tension between law and grace, between justice and mercy, between Javert and Valjean. This tension is also one of the main themes of the Bible. 

The Bible calls Moses’ Law “good” (Romans 7:12) but it is only helpful to the extent that it can lead us to acknowledge our need for a Saviour (Galatians 3:24-25).  The Law by itself can only condemn, it cannot save. Only grace can do that. 

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works (of the law), so that no one may boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9

After Valjean shows grace without condition to Javert by not killing him when he has the chance, Javert is at a loss to grasp his actions. He simply cannot comprehend grace or mercy and thus he sings out:

“I am the law and the law is not mocked

I'll spit his pity right back in his face

There is nothing on earth that we share

It is either Valjean or Javert.”

Javert then throws himself into the Siene. 

Javert knew only the law; a cold, bitter, merciless justice. Valjean had known the law as well, however, when he experienced grace from the bishop, he accepted it and begin to show it to others. Javert would not accept it, therefore he ended up where law without grace always does – a dead end. 

The tension between law and grace in Les Miserables is only broken by the death of Javert (who is a type of the law). In the Bible, the tension is only dissolved by the death of Jesus Christ who thus fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17). 

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do… God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.” Romans 8:1-3

For the antagonist of Les Miserables, it was “either Valjean or Javert”, either grace or law, either mercy or justice. For Valjean though both could exist at once. 

At the cross, law met grace and was fulfilled. At Calvary, justice kissed mercy and they were wed. Only there can we be justified, forgiven and made righteous in the eyes of God. 

Let us be convicted by the law, but let us never stop there. Let us eagerly seek, accept and show the free grace that is in Christ. This is what changes the world and prepares us for the next - like it did for Jean Valjean. 

Javert by Gustav Brion

*It’s interesting to note that, like the bishop, Jesus not only took away our sins but gave us a gift – his own righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). 

 

Strength in Weakness

We often hear that trials make us stronger and, in a sense, that is true. 

For the Christian though, what is really happening is not that *our* strength is becoming greater but that *Christ’s* strength is becoming greater in us. Although this is counter-cultural, understanding it keeps us from boasting. 

As Jesus said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect (or ‘fulfilled”) in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

As we learn to be content in whatever situation we find ourselves in, we find that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:11-13).

I did not fully realize this until I came to the very end of myself and all that was left was the grace of God. During that time, I had to rely on God in a fuller way than I had ever experienced before in my life, and do so moment by moment.  

This is a very hard lesson to learn (I think especially for men) but, in the end, it’s actually liberating. Much more is accomplished for the kingdom when you let Christ’s strength work in and through you. 

As Paul said after this encounter with Jesus, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 

Christians and Anxiety

  

Anxiety is on the rise in our society, and so are the number of Christian articles on the topic. Some are good while some miss the mark. As a Christian and a person with lived experience of an anxiety disorder (OCD), I thought I would join in the conversation.

Although there are various causes of anxiety, the major thing that many Christian articles miss is the need for a clear distinction between biologically-based anxiety (anxiety dependent on genetics and brain function) and what I will call normative anxiety (anxiety we all feel at times based largely on our circumstances) *.

Both the Bible and science have good things to add to the conversation around anxiety and, if we are wise, we will listen to both.

Here is a small example of what the Bible says about normative anxiety:

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? … And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? … But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”  Jesus, in Matthew 6:25, 27, 33

“…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

We see that Jesus and Paul don’t want us worry but rather seek first the kingdom of God, bring everything to God in prayer and be thankful.  This is wonderful advice to those with anxiety.

Here again though, the distinction between biologically-based anxiety and normative anxiety must be made!  Science has given us much knowledge of the brain and how it works and we have learned that dysfunction in this amazing organ can lead to anxiety. This dysfunction can be caused by genetics, imbalance of brain chemicals and even trauma.

How do we know which form of anxiety a person may be dealing with though? Professionals usually base a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder (biologically-based anxiety) on the nature, degree and longevity of the impairment caused by anxiety in an individual**.

We instinctively know that if we break our leg, we will need medical treatment, time and therapy to recover. However, we often fail to intuit this when it comes to forms of mental illness including anxiety disorders.

I’ve seen anxious Christians deny themselves help because they believe they are somehow failing spiritually when in reality they are dealing with some degree of anxiety disorder. I’ve also seen Christian leaders shame and guilt those suffering with anxiety.*** Ironically, this only causes further distress and despair.

I know that walking by faith and obedience to God and living a healthy lifestyle helps with anxiety. I have wrestled with agonizing disordered anxiety at many times in my life though, and I thank God that he helped me to see that there is also great value in counseling, medication and therapy. Having a wonderful community of people who are understanding, wise and compassionate is also a rich blessing.

If you are experiencing unusual anxiety, I urge you to be kind to yourself and reach out for help. If you know someone who is exhibiting unusual anxiety, please be slow to judgement and quick to listen and support.

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*The same can be said for depression and other forms of mental health issues.

**According to the Sanctuary Course on Mental Health.

*** Even if a person is lacking in faith, it is still the kindness of God that leads us to repentance and the gentle working of the Spirit that produces faith.   

4 Types of Healing in the Christian Faith

I was angered and distraught as I read an article detailing how a group of people who claimed to believe in God’s healing power withheld insulin from a young diabetic girl. Regrettably, but predictably, she died as they “prayed and sang” over her. 

This is an extreme example of delusion, of course. However, it reminds me that we (especially as people who believe in God) should be careful how we view healing.  Here are 4 ways that healing can be viewed from a Biblical and practical perspective. 

1. Miraculous 

Indeed, God can perform miracles of healing as exemplified in many parts of the Bible. In their beliefs on miraculous healing today, modern Christians range anywhere from extreme Cessationism (there are no miraculous healings anymore) to extreme Continuationism (everything should be miraculously healed). 

I do not subscribe to either extreme but fall somewhere in the middle. I believe God can and does still heal today but I know He does not always (see Paul’s thorn in the flesh in 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10, Trophimus in 2 Timothy 4:20 and Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:23 for examples).

2. Natural

There is a story told of a man stuck on the roof of his house while a flood envelops the neighbourhood. He prays to God to deliver him. 

Later on, a woman in a boat comes along and offers him safety but he refuses because he is relying on God. After this, a helicopter drops a rope ladder down to him but he declines the rescue because he is relying on God alone.  

When the man finally drowns and goes to heaven, he is angry with God for not delivering him from the flood. God replies that He gave the man multiple forms of rescue and the man refused them all.  

God also designs our bodies to heal themselves with the proper cooperation on our part. We seek to live in a healthy manner, we get a cast if we break a bone and we definitely take insulin if we have diabetes. In my case, I take medications designed to bring my brain back closer to where it should be naturally. Even Paul advised Timothy to take medicine (in this case, a little wine) for his many ailments (1 Timothy 5:23). 

Don’t refuse God’s help in the form of medicine and healthcare.

3. Final

The great hope of the Christian is that they will one day be with Jesus fully and completely, in what we call heaven. The Scriptures tells us that in that place and time, 

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Here is the ultimate cure; what one songwriter called ‘the final healing’. We  look forward to this day with great hope. 

4. Recovery

Before I wrap this up though, I want to share one more iteration of healing that I have come to find. Some call it “recovery” or “ongoing healing”. This form of healing is especially for those of us with chronic illnesses where there is no complete cure in this life.

Recovery is “a journey toward a meaningful life” despite not being symptom free. Research (*see the Sanctuary course) says it involves:

> Hope in the future

> A positive sense of identity

> Personal responsibility

> Education 

> Engaging in community 

For me, I most often find these things through my faith in Jesus. 

So, take heart. Like the Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 12), a person who is not fully cured from their chronic illness (or "thorn in the flesh") can still live a meaningful and beautiful life that impacts others for good. We can live in victory despite not being free of all symptoms.

Whatever type of healing we find in this life, let us be careful not to judge those who find it in a different way. Jehovah Rapha (the LORD who heals) brings that healing in more than one form.

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*Note: this article was inspired by a course I’m taking on the intersection of mental health and faith called the Sanctuary Course. 

Driven from Eden

Recently, I’ve been reading a wonderful daily devotional book written by Hebrew scholar, Chad Bird. In each short devotional, he expounds on a specific Hebrew word in the Old Testament and shows how it connects to Jesus Christ in the Greek New Testament. The interplay between the Old and New Testaments is fascinating. 

In this brief article, I want to share one of Bird’s insights into the Hebrew word for “drive out” found in Genesis 3:24:

“He (God) drove out the man (Adam), and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.”

Adam and Eve expelled from Paradise
By Gustave Dore, 1865

Bird comments: “The Hebrew word for “drive out” is garash. You don’t smile and politely ask someone to leave when you garash them. You kick ‘em in the pants. You shove them out, push them away…”

When Adam and Even rebelled in Eden and ate their way to “the knowledge of good and evil”, God knew He had to do something. While God may have been upset with the first couple, His real reason for “driving” them out was to prevent them from eating of the Tree of Life and living forever in a cursed state. God had better plans for blessing. 

Here is Bird again:

“How surprising, then, that when Mark wrote about the temptation of Jesus, he chose a Greek word that’s the counterpart to garash. He said, “The Spirit immediately drove (Jesus) out into the wilderness.” (Mark 1:12).

Indeed, the Greek verb that Mark chose, ekballo, is used to translate garash in the Greek version of Genesis 3:24. Why? It’s Mark’s subtle way of telling us that Jesus is Adam #2. He’s come to relive Adam’s expulsion, to be driven east of the Jordan. 

There he will be tempted but resist, succeed where Adam #1 failed, and finally return us to the good graces of the Father...” 

This is a beautiful picture of how Jesus has come to redeem us from Adam’s rebellious consequences. Jesus lived a perfect life, died a violent death and rose again from the grave to reverse the Edenic catastrophe. When we turn to the cross of Christ, another “Tree of Life”, we are restored to God. 

In John 6:37, Jesus says, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” 

The Greek word for “cast out” is ekballo, the same word as garash in Genesis 3:24. Once cast out of Eden for our own protection, we are now brought back to God, through Jesus, never to be cast out again! 

Avoiding Spiritual Extremes

 

There’s a Hebrew proverb that goes like this:

“Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.” (Proverbs 4:26-27)

Why not swerve to the left or to the right? It has nothing to do with politics, its because there’s a ditch on both sides of the path and either one will ultimately lead to “evil”.  Joshua 1:7 also tells us to not turn to the right nor the left but stick with the path that the Scriptures prescribe.

When one reads the Bible in its wholeness, we see a principle of avoiding spiritual extremes or “ditches”.  On the one extreme there is legalism, repression and self-righteous morality; on the other side of the spectrum is lust, indulgence and reckless disobedience. Think of the Galatians on one side and the Corinthians on the other. Both extremes are unhealthy and unhelpful. Both lead to evil. 

We also see these two extremes when we read the Parable of the Prodigal Son, which should really be called the Parable of the Two Sons. 

We are probably familiar with the “prodigal” son who insults his loving father by demanding his inheritance early and then spending it all on sinful living. He later comes back in utter humility and repentance to the arms of his forgiving father.

But what about the other son? The older brother who stayed behind faithfully and worked his father’s land? He turns out to be no better than the prodigal but in the opposite extreme. He refuses to forgive his younger brother and becomes angry at his father for showing such grace to him. This brother’s heart was proud, but the father also comes out to the him in grace and love to try and soften his heart.

While the younger brother fell into what we might call the “left ditch” ( or the Corinthian side), the older brother fell into the “right ditch” (or the Galatian side). 

So, what is the proper path between the left and right excesses? What is the narrow way between self-righteous morality and reckless disobedience?  It is walking in God’s grace. The same grace exemplified by the father in the parable (who represented God).

Grace* is the via media between the extremes of the two sons. 

In three places, Scripture tells us that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6 1 Peter 5:5) 

We see then that humility makes way for grace and the avoidance of these two spiritual extremes. But pride loves extremes, doesn’t it? It loves to pry us from the path of Jesus’ grace.

Whether it’s the arrogance of the younger son, or the haughtiness of the older son, let’s make no mistake, this type of prideful extremism is not honouring to God.

Let’s also be clear that walking in grace is not a compromise of our beliefs: it is, instead, the fullest and most beautiful expression of our beliefs. Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ and we must walk in his way.

Here is a personal confession: I am an extreme type of person. Like the pendulum on a clock, my tendency is to swing to the extremes, rarely resting in the middle. For me, usually it’s the “right ditch” I fall into, but not always.

I often pray that the Lord would keep me from extremes; that He would help me “ponder my path”. Join me in praying that He would deliver us from all forms of pride and lead us in the way of grace.

* Grace is God's unmerited favour towards us. It is receiving something we did not deserve and could never earn. 

“The redeeming work of Christ and the righteousness He won for us, equally with the work of the Spirit in us and the power of the new life He brings, are spoken of as “grace”.  Andrew Murray

Gentle Men: Why Gentleness Makes Us Masculine

“I am gentle and lowly in heart.” Jesus Christ

While the term ‘gentleman’ has historically referred more to being well-bred then well-mannered, today we often see it as a compliment of a man’s character. Indeed, as far back as 1714, Sir Richard Steele wrote, 

“The appellation of Gentleman is never to be affixed to a man’s circumstances, but to his Behaviour in them.” 

However you define gentleman, the Bible makes it clear that gentleness is one of the greatest attributes of a man (or anyone, for that matter). Some men might misunderstand the term and balk at ‘gentleness’ being used to describe them. 

But, Gavin Ortlund, one of my favourite theologians, defines gentleness this way, 

"Gentleness is not weakness: it is strength under control."

As men, we are to protect the weak and vulnerable and treat them with gentleness. As men, we are protected by God and treated with gentleness, because in his presence we are the weak and vulnerable ones. Even the Apostle Paul was compelled to say that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). 

As I get older, I am more and more convinced that the voice of God to us is gentle and kind. The still small voice spoken to Elijah can also be translated as a “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:11-13). Charles Spurgeon once preached that, “Softly and gently works the Holy Spirit.” So then, our voice and actions to others must also be gentle and kind. 

If we need more Scriptural proof that men are called to be gentle as well as strong, let us consider these passages:

> Jesus Himself, the God-man, describes his own heart (the very centre of who he is) as gentle and lowly (Matthew 11:29, 2 Corinthians 10:1).

> One of the nine fruits of the Spirit is gentleness (Galatians 5:23).

> Paul taught believers everywhere to be gentle (Ephesians 4:2, Colossians 3:12, Titus 3:2). 

> Paul describes how the Apostles treated the Thessalonians as an exhorting and encouraging father as well as a gentle “nursing mother” (1 Thessalonians 2:7, 11-12). 

> A qualification for a church leader (Bishop, Elder etc.) is gentleness (1 Timothy 2:7).

> One of the characteristics that a ‘man of God’ should pursue is gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11)

> The wisdom from above is gentle (James 3:17).

We also learn that gentleness is required when:

> Attempting to restore a brother or sister to the faith (Galatians 6:1)

> Sharing the gospel or defending the faith with reverence (1 Peter 3:15).

> Correcting an opponent with the hope of leading him to repentance (although a sharp rebuke is sometimes necessary as well - 1 Timothy 2:25, Titus 1:3)

Gentleness is prescribed throughout the Bible including these two proverbs:

“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4

“Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.” Proverbs 25:15

The Lord is calling us to be not just gentlemen but gentle men; to use our strength for good. May we pursue this virtue so that we can say with King David, 

“You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great.” Psalm 18:35

Healing What's Within (Book Recommendation)

“Healing What’s Within: Coming Home to Yourself--and to God--When You're Wounded, Weary, and Wandering”

I want to take a moment to seriously recommend this book to any friends and family who might be interested. It was written by a psychologist who is also a pastor. Here’s a bit from the back of the book:

“So many of us carry a weight of buried pain. We may appear strong and resilient, but inside a storm brews from all the ways we’ve been hurt or harmed. Little by little, we become disconnected from who we truly are, learning to cope, to numb and suppress the ache within to keep us from suffering… (but) it’s never too late to start healing. God’s heart is always ready to help you find your way home.” 

A few things to mention:  

This is coming from a Christian perspective but I think it could be a remarkable guide to all people. 

Some of my more conservative friends might find a few parts that they think are “flaky”. I did too at first but I want to tell you this book really helped me. If it helps, view this book as a watermelon – if necessary, spit out some seeds but take advantage of all the remaining good fruit!

As I read through this book, I was constantly hit with new thoughts about a person's healing journey. I would even say that there were some personal epiphanies that have really benefitted my emotional and spiritual health.  

Consider, as the new year approaches, if this is a book that could help you “heal what’s within”. 

Purchase the book here.

Preview the book here.

“The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, searching all his innermost parts.” Proverbs 20:27

Grace, Sanctification & Vacuum Cleaners

 

Grace is like electricity. This is what a good friend reminded me of lately when he compared a Christian life to a vacuum cleaner. Let me explain.

The Christian’s justification occurs when we are initially “born again” and become a part of the family of God. The Christian’s sanctification occurs over the course of our lives after conversion, as we seek to obey Jesus and become more like him. 

Justification is entirely by God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), whereas sanctification can be trickier as it seems to be a mix of grace and effort (Ephesians 2:10). Personally, I've always had a difficult time balancing grace and effort in my sanctification process. This little analogy has helped though. 

So how does grace work in our sanctification (or journey towards Christ-likeness)? 

This is where the vacuum cleaner analogy comes in. My friend shared that a vacuum is useless unless it is plugged into an energy source; and, likewise, Christians have no power unless they are plugged into (or “connected with”) Jesus Christ. Furthermore, what gives power to the vacuum is electricity – just as the power imbued to us through Christ is called grace. 

Jesus himself said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

That does not mean that effort on our part is unnecessary though. Like the vacuum that sits there with no one to push it, it cannot accomplish that which it was made for.  As Dallas Willard put it, 

“Grace is not opposed to effort; it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude. Effort is an action.”

Paul also said, "...I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me." 1 Corinthians 15:10

However, we can expend a lot of effort to push a vacuum cleaner around the entire house but it will accomplish nothing unless it is plugged in: only then can it perform that which it was designed to do.  

Similarly, as Christians, we can put all our strength and effort into becoming more like Jesus and still feel like we are failing. Why? Because only grace can accomplish what we are designed for. 

In the Christian experience, grace without effort will never allow us to reach our full potential or to glorify God as he deserves (I Corinthians 3:10-13). But, ultimately, effort is meaningless without grace. 

I was struck by this recently while reading an interview with a theologian. 

“When I sin, I still often tell God, ‘I’m sorry. *I’ll* do better next time.”, he said. “Of course, that is not a wrong desire…but these days, I’ve changed the prayer: 

‘God, I’m sorry. I’m totally powerless over this. Will *you* give me strength to change?” 

Its true that there is still some mystery about how grace and effort work together in our sanctification; but when I acknowledge that I’m a helpless sinner and truly rely on God’s grace to sanctify my life, that’s when I really plug in to the power source. 

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

Cruciform Masculinity

I recently read an article by a young man named Luke Simon entitled, “Why Gen Z Men like Me Are Staying in Church”. 

While he was referring largely to Gen Z males, I (a Gen X man) was struck by his writings on masculinity – especially this idea of a “Cruciform Masculinity”.  

He writes:

“In the church, Gen Z men like me are rejecting the false masculinities offered by the culture and finding an alternative—a cruciform masculinity. In his death, Jesus subverts the ego, dominance, and self-centeredness of toxic masculinity in a divine display of humility, sacrifice, and love. 

But the cross also challenges the soft, aimless version of manhood that avoids responsibility and purpose. Jesus’s example shows us that real manhood embraces responsibility, cultivates strength, and commits to a mission—not to serve oneself but to serve others.

At church, Gen Z men are still being called to sacrifice in a culture that taught them to live for themselves.

At church, we’re called to something higher. True masculinity is rooted in knowing who you are—your identity as a son of God—and in having a mission, a purpose worth giving your life to. 

It’s about taking action and showing agency, knowing you have the power to make a difference in your life, your family, and your community. It’s about leaning into a unique, God-given responsibility, entrusted with power to protect, care for, and defend the vulnerable.”

In a world with many extreme ideas about what it is to be a man – even a Christian man – the notion of “Cruciform Masculinity” may be just what we all need, regardless of our generation. 

Source:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/gen-z-men-church/

12 Christian Books I Recommend

I wouldn’t describe myself as an *avid* reader, but I have read a number of excellent Christian books over the last few years and I would love to share them with you. Most of these books are particularly relevant for our day and age, or they are on topics that are foundational to our faith and thus fitting for any point in history. 

Of course, no human author is perfect but I have found mostly good in these offerings. I will seek to add to this list as time goes on. I hope you find some gems of your own here! These title are currently all available on Amazon. 

Here they are, in no particular order, with title, author and a short description.

The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism

Author:  Tim Keller

“…addresses the frequent doubts that skeptics and non-believers bring to religion. Using literature, philosophy, anthropology, pop culture, and intellectual reasoning, Keller explains how the belief in a Christian God is, in fact, a sound and rational one. To true believers he offers a solid platform on which to stand against the backlash toward religion spawned by the Age of Skepticism. And to skeptics, atheists, and agnostics he provides a challenging argument for pursuing the reason for God.” 

Note: I would add that you should also read “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis – a foundational classic on Christian apologetics and reasoning.

The Air We Breathe:  How We All Came to Believe in Freedom, Kindness, Progress, and Equality

Author: Glen Scrivener

“Is Christianity history? Or is Christian history the deepest explanation of the modern world?

Today in the west, many consider the church to be dead or dying. Christianity is seen as outdated, bigoted and responsible for many of society’s problems. This leaves many believers embarrassed about their faith and many outsiders wary of religion. But what if the Christian message is not the enemy of our modern Western values, but the very thing that makes sense of them?

In this fascinating book, Glen Scrivener takes readers on a journey to discover how the teachings of Jesus not only turned the ancient world upside down, but continue to underpin the way we think of life, worth, and meaning.”

Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith

Author: Michael Reeves

“Why is God love? Because God is a Trinity. Why can we be saved? Because God is a Trinity. How are we able to live the Christian life? Through the Trinity. In this lively book, we find an introduction to Christianity and the Christian life that is from start to finish rooted in our triune God―Father, Son and Spirit…

With wit and clarity, Reeves draws from church history down to the present referencing a wide range of notable teachers and preachers. Here is a rich and enjoyable portrayal of the basic beliefs of Christianity that opens up the profound and life-changing truths of our faith.”

Born Again this Way: Coming Out, Coming to Faith, and What Comes Next

Author: Rachel Gilson

“In this powerful and personal book, author Rachel Gilson describes her own unexpected journey of coming out and coming to faith... and what came next. As she does so, she addresses many of the questions that Christians living with same-sex attraction are wrestling with: Am I consigned to a life of loneliness? How do I navigate my friendships? Will my desires ever change? Is there some greater purpose to all this?

Drawing on insights from the Bible and the experiences of others, Born Again This Way shows that it is possible for same-sex attracted Christians to live fulfilling lives while being faithful to the Bible's teaching on sexuality. It will provide assurance and encouragement for Christians with same-sex attraction, and paints a compelling picture of discipleship for every believer.”

You are a Theologian: An Invitation to Know and Love God Well

Authors: Jen Wilkin and J.T. English

“Theology can be intimidating. Perhaps questions like these have kept you from engaging with it: “What is theology?” “Who does theology?” “What happens if I get something wrong?” Theology can be intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. Whether conversations about theology have felt out of reach, over your head, or irrelevant, consider this book an invitation to the dialogue.”

You Are a Theologian addresses theological questions such as:

Who is God? The Doctrine of the Trinity

What is God like? The Attributes of God

What is the Bible? The Doctrine of Scripture

Who are we? The Doctrine of Humanity

What went wrong? The Doctrine of Sin

What has God done? The Doctrines of Christology, Atonement, and Justification

To whom do we belong? The Doctrine of the Church

How does the story end? The Doctrine of Last Things

10 Things Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity

Author: Rebecca McLaughlin 

“Going to school, hanging out with friends, or scrolling through social media feeds, teenagers are sure to face real challenges to faith in Jesus Christ. And whether you consider yourself a Christ follower or not, these questions can seem like deal breakers.

Backed by state-of-the-art research, personal stories, Harry Potter illustrations (warning: spoilers!), and careful biblical study, this book doesn’t dodge tough questions. Instead, it invites teenagers to ask their hardest questions about Christianity and to find surprising, life-giving answers.”

Note: I am slowly working through this book with my 13 year old daughter and it is going well! Also, the adult version of this book is called “Confronting Christianity” and is by the same author. 

The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance―Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters

Author: Sinclair B. Ferguson

“Since the days of the early church, Christians have wrestled with the relationship between law and gospel. If, as the apostle Paul says, salvation is by grace and the law cannot save, what relevance does the law have for Christians today?

By revisiting the Marrow Controversy―a famous but largely forgotten eighteenth-century debate related to the proper relationship between God’s grace and our works―Sinclair B. Ferguson sheds light on this central issue and why it still matters today. In doing so, he explains how our understanding of the relationship between law and gospel determines our approach to evangelism, our pursuit of sanctification, and even our understanding of God himself.

Ferguson shows us that the antidote to the poison of legalism on the one hand and antinomianism on the other is one and the same: the life-giving gospel of Jesus Christ, in whom we are simultaneously justified by faith, freed for good works, and assured of salvation.”

Finding the Right Hills to Die On: The Case for Theological Triage

Author: Gavin Ortlund

“In theology, just as in battle, some hills are worth dying on and others are not. But how do we know which ones? When should doctrine divide, and when should unity prevail? … Pastor Gavin Ortlund implores us to cultivate humility as we prioritize doctrine into four ranks―essential, urgent, important, and unimportant―so that we will be as effective as possible at advancing the gospel in our time.”

Chronic Illness: Walking by Faith (31-Day Devotionals for Life)

Author: Esther Smith

“Chronic illness disrupts lives and leads to innumerable losses. Physical symptoms and limitation change all aspects of life, leading to unique challenges that are difficult to navigate. Thankfully, God provides his presence, counsel, and eternal perspective to help people in times of physical and emotional suffering. This 31-day devotional by biblical counselor Esther Smith focuses heavily on practical application, showing people with illness how to release guilt and shame, ask for help, balance work and rest, and get through days of difficult symptoms. Throughout the devotional, she reminds readers to look to the unseen spiritual realities that surround them and to fix their hearts on eternity. You will be encouraged as you consider various ways God is using illness in sanctifying, kingdom-advancing ways to display his glory and work in the hearts of his people.”

Note: If your chronic illness relates to mental health, I have also written a short devotional (called Sufficient Grace) that addresses that specifically. 

Christian History Made Easy

Author: Timothy Paul Jones

“Christian History Made Easy clearly lays out the most important events in the history of the church, from the time of Jesus to modern day. Christian History Made Easy explains early church history, the Church Councils, the Great Schism, the Crusades, Francis of Assisi, John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformation, and more. This incredible handbook presents key church history events and great Christian leaders everyone should know, along with full-color church history timelines, photos, pictures, and maps.”

Note: This is a great entry point (by an Evangelical author) into learning about our history and heritage as Christians. 

Is Jesus Truly God?: How the Bible Teaches the Divinity of Christ

Author: Greg Lanier

“This book invites readers to explore the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ by looking at 6 key truths presented in the Scriptures and later developed in the ecumenical creeds.”

Note: Christianity hinges on the truth of this doctrine (the divinity of Jesus Christ). Lanier does an academic but easy to read treatment of it. 

Surprised by Jesus: Subversive Grace in the Four Gospels

Author: Dane Ortlund

By the same author as Gentle and Lowly (another good book), comes this work focusing on how Jesus taught and showed grace in the four Gospels. Refreshing, comforting and fulfilling! 

A Note on Strength: An Open Letter to my Fellow Men

In the conservative subculture of our day, there is an immense pressure on men to be macho (“showing aggressive pride in one's masculinity”). This indeed can be a knee-jerk reaction to the rest of society’s low view of manliness. 

Manliness, as opposed to machismo, is a very good thing. Paul exhorts us in 1 Corinthians 16:13 to:   

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”  

Note the phrase, “Be strong”. To be manly is often considered to be strong, not weak. And it is for this reason that so many men do not ask for help when they need it; they fear being perceived as weak by family, friends or society. 

But what happens when we find ourselves in a place of tremendous weakness? 

I was once a fully capable, independent man and proud of it. But when illness struck, I was forced to acknowledge that I was, in fact, weak.  Not weak in character mind you – but weak in physical and mental power. I learned the hard way that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

The question, however, is not whether we, as men, should be strong – but rather, where does our strength come from? King David, the poet-warrior, answered that question like this:

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 

And Jesus, the perfect man, told his disciples (a motley crew of self-sufficient men) that:

“Apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Nothing! We cannot work or play, we cannot fight or lead, without Jesus.  This is sobering, humbling, and, I have found, joyous. There is a great freedom when we can lay down all our burdens and feelings of inadequacies at Jesus’ feet and trust him with it. 

So, my fellow men (whether Christian or not), it is okay to be weak sometimes. We have to realize that weakness is not a dirty word for men. God says his strength is made perfect in it. 

Therefore, it’s okay to talk about your struggles or reach out for help. This is not weakness in character, it is strength in humility. 

7 Reflections on the Trinity

“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Mat 3:16-18

Introduction

The word “Trinity” itself does not appear in the Bible but rather, the doctrine of the Trinity is a progressive revelation throughout Scripture. It is hinted at in the Old Testament and solidified in the New Testament. It was then formulated into a creed (The Nicene Creed) by the early Church. The term “Trinity” was coined by Tertullian (A.D. 165-220).

When, Polycarp, the disciple of John the Apostle was martyred in 155 A.D. he said these words: 

“I glorify you, through the eternal and heavenly High Priest, Jesus Christ, your beloved Son, through whom to you, with him and the Holy Spirit, be glory both now and for the ages to come.”

The teaching of the Trinity is often seen as too complicated or even as a hindrance to telling others about the Christian faith. But when we think like this, we miss not only the foundation of our faith but also its beating heart.

One of the most important things we know about God is that He is love. He doesn’t just have love – He is love! However, as author Michael Reeves puts it, “…the truth is that God is love because God is a Trinity.”  

Reeves further explains:

“Father", (Jesus) says, “you have loved me before the creation of the world.” (John 17:24) 

And that is the God revealed by Jesus Christ. 

Before he ever created, before he ever ruled the world, before anything else, this God was a Father loving His Son (*a love we would later get to join into) ...

When you start with the Jesus of the Bible, it is a triune God you get. The Trinity then, is not the product of abstract speculation: when you proclaim Jesus, the Spirit-anointed Son of the Father, you proclaim the triune God."

What Is the Trinity?

The teaching of the triune nature of God is unique amongst all the world religions. All three main branches of the Christian Church (Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant – including Evangelicals) agree on and hold tightly to this doctrine of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

But before we go any further let’s learn what the Bible teaches about the Trinity. We’ll start with one theologian’s concise but effective definition:

“God eternally exists as three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and each person is fully God, and there is one God.”

 

Now let’s break that down:

God Is Three Persons

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Mat 28:19    

Each Person Is Fully God

The Father – 1st Person of the Trinity “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…” Matthew 6:9

The Son – 2nd Person of the Trinity “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  John 1:1 

This particular teaching – that Jesus is uncreated and fully God – is often attacked. There are many other Scripture passages that teach that Jesus is fully God but that is another blog altogether! 

The Holy Spirit – 3rd Person of the Trinity “You have not lied to man but to God.”  Acts 5:3-5

There Is One God

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (Jesus reiterates this in Mark 12:29 and so does Paul in 1 Corinthians 8:5-6)

The Relationships of the Trinity

It’s very important to understand that Jesus and the Holy Spirit were not made or created! The real difference between the 3 Persons of the Trinity is not their eternal nature or deity but in how they relate to each other. 

The Father is eternal (Psalm 90:2)

The Son is eternally begotten of the Father (John 3:16)

The Holy Spirit eternally proceeds from the Father and the Son (John 15:26) 

We can use the sun as a bit of an illustration. Light comes from the sun (like Jesus comes from the Father), and heat comes from both the sun and light (like the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son)!

The true doctrine stresses the diversity of the Persons of the Trinity and the unity of God’s one essence.

Since we our made in the image of our triune God, we too thrive on healthy relationships in unity. 

 

“No sooner do I conceive of the One than I am illuminated by the splendour of the Three; no sooner do I distinguish them than I am carried back to the One… When I contemplate the Three together, I see but one torch, and cannot divide or measure out the undivided light.” Gregory of Nazianzus

What the Trinity Is Not

In seeking to understand more of what the Trinity is, it is helpful to understand what it is not. 

Here are three of the main errors that have been taught about the Trinity over the centuries:

Modalism claims that there is one Person who appears to us in three “modes”. One example is that the Father is the mode of God in the OT, the Son is the mode of God in the Gospels and the Holy Spirit is the mode of God in the here and now. But we clearly see all the three Persons of the Trinity in one place at one time in our text for today. Jesus also converses with his Father (see John 17). 

Arianism denies the full deity (or Godhood) of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit claiming they were created beings, made in time and space. This type of teaching is seen in Jehovah Witness’ doctrine. 

Tritheism claims there are three individual gods. This is basically polytheism and it is what some accuse Christians of teaching. But we remember the clear teaching that God is one. As Jesus said, “I and my Father are one.” (John 10:30)

What Is the Nicene Creed?

The Nicene Creed of the 4th century is perhaps the most important creed of the Church. 

A church creed is kind of like a statement of faith but from early Christianity (roughly the first 500 years).  It articulates what the Scriptures teach and is agreed upon across a wide variety of Christian churches. 

The Nicene Creed was undertaken when many church leaders came together in 325 A.D. at the lakeside town of Nicaea in modern day Turkey. There were a few leaders who were questioning the reality of the Trinity and whether Jesus was fully God (specifically a bishop named Arius). There were also those who strongly upheld the Trinity as taught in Scripture (like the great theologian, Athanasius) 

 After the meeting of Nicaea, the matter was settled with a vast majority agreeing that the teaching of the Trinity was in line with Scripture and that Jesus was indeed fully God incarnated in the flesh*. The Nicene creed is still held by all the major branches of Christianity of today.

Let’s read how these early Christian leaders summed up the Trinity in the Nicene Creed. Here are three portions:

“We believe in one God, the Father, the almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. 

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made… 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets…”

Can We Fully Explain the Trinity? 

The short answer is no. 

No analogy we come up with will fully explain the deep and mysterious truth of the Trinity. After all, God is infinite and we are not.   

We’ve all probably heard of the egg analogy (It is a shell, a white and a yolk but one egg).  There is also the analogy of water. It can come in 3 states while still being the same essence – Liquid, Solid (ice) and Gas (steam).   What is really interesting is that all three of these states can exist at one time – this is called the Triple point of water.  These analogies can be helpful but they still fall far short of fully describing the Trinity.

However, in his great work, Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis had an interesting illustration to help us begin to understand what we cannot understand. 

“You know that in space you can move in three ways – to left or right, backwards or forwards, up or down. Every direction is either one of these three or a compromise between them. They are called the three Dimensions. Now notice this. If you are using only one dimension, you could draw only a straight line. If you are using two, you could draw a figure: say, a square. And a square is made up of four straight lines. Now a step further. If you have three dimensions, you can then build what we call a solid body: say, a cube – a thing like a dice or a lump of sugar. And a cube is made up of six squares.

In other words, as you advance to more real and more complicated levels, you do not leave behind you the things you found on the simpler levels: you still have them, but combined in new ways – in ways you could not imagine if you knew only the simpler levels…”

“In God’s dimension, so to speak, you find a being who is three Persons while remaining one Being, just as a cube is six squares while remaining one cube.” 

The Trinity and the Gospel

As we mentioned at the beginning, the Biblical statement “God is love” (1 John 4:8 &16) takes on a whole new meaning when we think of Him as a Trinity. God did not need humans to love or to love him – The Father, Son and Holy Spirit had already always loved each other. Then, out of an abundant overflow of that love, God decided to create us so that – astonishingly – we could partake in that sacred and beautiful love. 

We strayed from that love and begin to love ourselves instead of God. But God did not end it there – His abounding Trinitarian love redeemed us as well. This is seen in the gospel, and, when it comes to the gospel, we see again all three Persons of the Trinity playing crucial roles. 

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Galatians 4:4-7

The Father sent the Son into the world to redeem mankind and later raised Him from the dead. 

The Son obeyed the Father, putting aside some of His divine rights but none of His divine essence. He died on the cross for our sins and rose again. 

The Holy Spirit was sent by both the Father and the Son to ignite the Church and indwell Christians and empower them to live for God and enjoy Him.

In other words, the Father purposed redemption, the Son accomplished it and the Holy Spirit applies it to us personally.

So, once again we see that the triune nature of God is not only the foundation of our faith – it is the beating heart of it. 

Nicky Cruz, a former New York City gang leader who came to Christ, once said this:

“I have always believed in the doctrine of the Trinity but I had never experienced God personally as Three-in-One.  It was merely a doctrine in which I believed, but now it has become a truth of everyday life… The Trinity is not just a doctrine to be believed but an experience to be lived out.” 

I hope and pray we can begin to experience, enjoy and wonder in awe at the reality of the Trinity. 

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”  2 Corinthians 13:14

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*Although this period of time during the making of the Nicene Creed was marked by political – and even religious -unrest (and Constantine wanted some type of unifying creed), the wording of the creed was formed from the teaching of the New Testament and is now universally accepted by the Church. 

Scholar, Michael F. Bird, confirms this, “In other words, (*the creeds of Nicaea and Constantinople) of the fourth century are not purely politically driven and radically innovative statements of faith. They are, instead, contextualized clarification of New Testament teaching.”

Sources & Further Reading

The Bible

“Delighting in the Trinity” by Michael Reeves / IVP Academic

“The Trinity: An Introduction” by Scott R. Swain / Crossway

“The Deep Things of God: How the Trinity Changes Everything” by Fred Sanders / Crossway

“Is Jesus Truly God?” by Greg Lanier / Crossway 

“How God Became Jesus: The Real Origins of Belief in Jesus’ Divine Nature” by Michael F. Bird etc. / Zondervan

“Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals” by Gavin Ortlund / Crossway

“Historical Theology” by Gregg R.  Allison / Zondervan 

“Systematic Theology” by Wayne Grudem / Zondervan*

(*Note although I use Grudem’s Systematic Theology I do not subscribe to his doctrine of EFS or Eternal Functional Subordination of Jesus to the Father.  It is very important to maintain the equality of all three Persons of the Trinity.)

What is the Law of Christ?

Introduction

We’ve heard of the law of Moses (famously summarized in the 10 commandments) but what is the law of Christ?

The term is found twice in the New Testament. 1 Corinthians 9:20-21 teaches us that while we are not under the Law of Moses we are indeed under the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 simply says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” 

The Role of Moses’ Law

There are many debates about how much the Law of Moses applies to Christians today. Some scholars divide Moses’ law into 3 parts – Moral (e.g. the Ten Commandments), Ceremonial (e.g. animal sacrifices etc.) and Civil (e.g. rules concerning the nation of Israel).  This is a helpful framework and, while it is obvious from the New Testament that the ceremonial and civil laws no longer apply to us, where does the moral law fit in?  

There are at least two views on that subject. One view states that the moral law is still applicable to us. The second declares that none of the Mosaic law is applicable to us but rather the law of Christ. Jesus simply states, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17). 

It is imperative to understand, that whatever of Moses’ Law (or Christ’s law for that matter) applies to us today, it can in no way offer us justification or righteousness before God.  Romans 10:4 declares, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”  And 2 Corinthians 5:21 reminds us that only by faith in Jesus can we be made righteous before a holy God. 

Definitions

If you take the second view of the moral law (which I myself lean towards) then we still need to define what the law of Christ is. Yes, Jesus came to fulfill the law of Moses but He did not abolish it. There are still rules that apply to the Christian! 

Bible Commentator, William MacDonald, defines it this way, “The Law of Christ includes all the commandments of the Lord Jesus for His people found in the New Testament.” Scholar, Douglas Moo, similarly writes, “The Law of Christ is Paul’s way of stating the demand of God that is binding on Christians since the coming of Christ.” 

The Law of Christ

So, the law of Christ seems to be the rule of life that He and the Apostles laid down for Christians. Among other rules given in the New Testament, nine of the Ten Commandments are re-iterated. Only the keeping of the Sabbath is left open for debate. Douglas Moo explains, “The OT Law is not to be abandoned… but interpreted and applied in light of its fulfillment by Christ.”

On one hand, the law of Christ is more intense than the Old Testament Law. For an example read the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus says such things as, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matthew 5:43-44). On the other hand, John can say, “…His commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3). 

Love Fulfills the Law

The Law of Christ is also deeply connected to love: 

“And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40). 

Jesus later tells His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34). Finally, Paul, in full agreement, joyfully says, “…love is the fulfilling of the law.” (see Romans 13:8-10, see also James 2:8). 

To fulfill the law is no longer a grievous thing and it is no longer a thing we do in our own strength. We are motivated by love, empowered by grace and energized by the Holy Spirit! 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the law of Christ (as defined by MacDonald and Moo) is what we are to obey today as followers of Christ and we do so in love and by love. The law of Moses was our guardian to bring us to Christ but, to paraphrase Moo, we are no longer bound to the law of Moses, we are bound to Christ, the fulfiller of the law. 

5 Thoughts on God and Suffering

I attempt to write this humbly, because I know I do not have all the answers to the question of why an all powerful and loving God allows suffering. I also know there are many people who have suffered things far greater than I. 

But, as a wise man once said, even though not everything about God makes sense to me, without God nothing makes sense at all. 

My experience of his sovereignty, love and comfort, inspire me to write about the topic, if only briefly and non-exhaustively.  Amidst the chaos and confusion that sometimes accompanies our journey here on earth, I have found these 5 things to provide consolation and assurance to me. They help me make sense of it all. 

1. Our very sense of justice is based on belief in a good God.

In Genesis 18:25, Abraham says to God, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?”. Of course, the answer is yes. But where did Abraham get the idea of justice in the first place?

Without a good God at the helm, we have no basis for believing in justice or that there is such a thing as right or wrong. The question arises, can we even call suffering a “bad” thing? C.S. Lewis encountered this idea as he slowly turned from atheism to Christianity. 

“My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of “just” and “unjust”? … What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust? Of course I could have given up my idea of justice by saying it was nothing but a private idea of my own. But if I did that, then my argument against Gd collapsed too – for the argument depended on saying that the world was really unjust, not simply that it did not happen to please my private fancies… Consequently atheism turns out to be too simple.” 

The point being that without God we cannot even discern between what is just and what is not. The fact that we have a sense of justice about suffering at all - actually points us toward belief in a good God who gives us a moral standard.  

2. Human free will must be taken into account. 

In Deuteronomy 30:19, God says to His Children:

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live…” 

Although there are debates about free will , most will agree that it is true that God is all powerful and in control (in other words, He is sovereign). Nevertheless, the Scriptures also tell us that, in His great sovereignty, He gave human beings a free will.  We can blame God for that decision I suppose, but we cannot blame Him for the choices humanity makes with this gift. 

So much (though not all) human suffering is caused by other humans and their disastrous choices. Our own suffering is even sometimes due to our own decisions. Sin and the rebellion of humanity is deep and wide and the effects of it are seen throughout history and the world today. 

Christianity also recognizes the existence of a spiritual enemy; namely, Satan and his demons. They cause much harm to the human race and we are told to put on spiritual armor in order to resist their attacks (Ephesians 6). 

3. God offers meaning to our suffering. 

In John chapter 9, Jesus heals a man who was born blind. His disciples ask him if it was the man’s fault or his parent’s fault that he was born blind. Jesus responds, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” Jesus was saying that this particular suffering was not due to bad choices by humans but rather it was allowed by God for some greater purpose. 

If you are a parent, you know the difficulty of allowing your child to experience pain for her future happiness or greater good. This can happen when your child needs a needle, or goes to the dentist, or gets grounded in order to learn important lessons. God is our Father, and in many cases, our suffering can be just like this. This is where the child needs to trust the parent that they have their very best in mind for them. We also know that we can learn things through suffering that we never could have without it. 

1 Peter 1:7 reminds us that the trial of our faith is, “more precious than gold”. 

We may not always see the meaning or purpose in our suffering, but Christ says its there –  trust Him with that. 

4. God partakes in our suffering.

John 1:14 tells us that, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  

One of the most awe-inspiring things to me about the Gospel, is that God, in the person of Jesus, entered into our pain and suffering in a profound way through the incarnation and the cross. Is God sympathetic to our pain? Is He compassionate about our suffering? Absolutely! But He is more than just that.  

He is deeply empathetic, because he cared so much that he became human with us. He didn’t just walk a mile in our shoes, he spent 33 years in them and then died an agonizing death on the cross. Hebrews tell us that he “in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”   There was no imperative for him to do this. He did it because he loves us. 

As the songwriter has said:

“Who is God that He would take our frame

The artisan inside the paint?

Or breathe the very air His breath sustains

The architect inside the plan?”

In the same way that Jesus entered into our suffering and helps us, he also asks his followers to help others who suffer. 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 1 Corinthians 1:3-4

5. God gives us hope in our suffering

A peak into the book of Revelations describes a part of Heaven that Christians will know personally in the future:

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Tim Keller, in his fascinating book “The Reason for God”, writes: “Embracing the Christian doctrines of the incarnation and Cross brings profound consolation in the face of suffering. (but) the doctrine of the resurrection can instill us with powerful hope.” 

There is comfort and meaning in our suffering even in this life, but God does not stop there. He gives us hope for the future as well. As Jesus was resurrected to new life, so the Scriptures teach that we will one day live a new life in the new heavens and the new earth spoke of in Revelation. 

Conclusion

Keller also recounts this passage from Tolkien’s great work:

“Just after the climax of The Lord of the Rings, Sam Gamgee discovers that his friend Gandalf was not dead (as he thought) but alive. He cries, “I thought you were dead! But then I thought I was dead myself! Is everything sad going to come untrue?” The answer of Christianity (that is, for those who have trusted Christ) to that question is – yes. Everything sad is going to come untrue and it will somehow be greater for having once been broken and lost.”

Human suffering is real and, at times, almost inconceivable. I do not make light of it nor try to offer patronizing advice. I wrote this because this is what I have learned so far in my life about God and suffering and I want to share some of that hope, meaning and empowerment with you.