[423 words]
None of us ask to be born, yet we were given life anyway from our Creator (Job 10:8-9; Ps. 100:3; 119:73; 139:14). And yes, we have all sinned (Ro. 3:23; Eccl. 7:20; 1 Kg. 8:46), but isn’t that partially God’s fault? Our omniscient God knew we would be tempted of the devil and fail. Our all-powerful Maker could’ve prevented it and seemingly did nothing. And so, how is God not somehow responsible for our sin predicament and eternal consequences? Surely the God of us all, owes us all, for putting us in this situation.
First, God made us all in His own image free from sin (Gen. 1:26-27, 31; Eccl. 7:29). Second, God gave us the freedom to choose right or wrong. This is evident by His instructions of what to do and what not to do (Gen. 2:16-17; Deut. 28; Mat. 7:13-14; Ro. 6:16). Third, God told us how to succeed (Gen. 3:2-3; Eccl. 12:13; 2 Ti. 3:15-17; Mat. 7:24-27). Fourth, God warned us about disobedience (Gen. 2:17; 3:3; Heb. 2:2; 10:26-31; Jas. 4:17). Fifth, God telling us what to do is proof we possess the ability to do it (Gen. 3:11; Acts 5:29; Phil. 2:12; 2 Jn. 9). Sixth, God gave us redemption /forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ (Gen. 3:15; Ro. 8:1; Eph. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; Col. 1:14). Seventh, He promised we would not have more temptation than we could bear and also promised an escape route (1 Co. 10:13; 2 Co. 12:7-10; Phil. 4:13; Heb. 13:6).
None of these things did God owe us, but we have them because of His grace and love (Eph. 2:4-10; Tit. 2:11-14; 2 Co. 8:9; 1 Jn. 4:9-10). They are in fact proof that our sin is not God’s fault, but our own (Jas. 1:13-15; Is. 53:6; Ezek. 18:20). And sadly, sin that is not forgiven in this life will receive eternal condemnation/death (2 The. 1:7-9; Jn. 5:28-29; Mat. 25:41, 46; Rev. 21:8). Because hellfire is the only thing that God owes man. We can either receive what we have earned or receive what God offers. The choice is ours (Jer. 21:8; Ro. 6:23; Rev. 20:14-15).
Richard Stevens III
Hawn Freeway church of Christ
Dallas, TX