Questions - Thursday

How do modern Jews deal with sin? 

Ancient Jews participated in animal sacrifices (see the Old Testament Book of Leviticus), which were a temporary covering for sin until the Ultimate Sacrifice could pay completely for sin (Hebrews 10:1-4, 11-12). When the Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD, the place where sacrifices were offered disappeared as well. The general consensus among modern Jews is that repentance and remembrance of the sacrifices will be accepted by God because He is merciful, though various groups within Judaism may disagree on the exact nuances of how that works. As Christians, we agree with modern Jews that God is merciful. Our point of disagreement is that we believe God has definitively demonstrated His mercy through His Son, who was a "once for all" (1 Peter 3:18), superior sacrifice (Hebrews 9:13-14).

Did Jesus come to save all men? Or does God elect those who receive salvation? 

Dead Seas of ink have been spilled over this question and godly men disagree, so we are not anticipating that this paragraph will completely answer the question. Here are some things to think about: First, the Bible uses the word "election" several times (Matthew 24:22-31; Romans 9:11; 11:7; 11:28; 1 Timothy 5:21; 2 Timothy 2:10; Titus 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1; 2 Peter 2:1), and refers to the idea in other places (Ephesians 1:4-5; John 6:44). So however we answer this question we must be absolutely clear that God is in control. 

On the same token, the Bible is also clear that God offers salvation to all men (John 3:16; Titus 2:11; 1 Peter 3:18) and that we are without excuse before Him (Romans 1:20). We are responsible, and will be held accountable before God for whether or not we accept His payment for sin (John 3:18). Jesus payment was sufficient for all (1 John 2:2; Hebrews 2:9), but is applied only to those who believe (Ephesians 1:7; Acts 13:38; Acts 10:43).

My daughter thinks God isn't important and has no place in her life. Can you give an answer? She is almost 18. 

Without knowing your daughter's specific situation, the only encouragement we can offer is general. However, we would encourage you to help her find someone with whom she can have a one-on-one conversation about this topic. Our Student Ministry Pastors are all exceedingly gifted, and would love to visit with her if you don't know anyone else who could walk with your daughter through this time. 

Colossians 1:15-25 gives a great synopsis of exactly why having Jesus in your life is so important. He is the Creator, Sustainer, the Ruler, the Brains, the Redeemer, the Reconciler, and the Restorer. Those roles encapsulate most of the things we deal with on a regular basis! You might think of it this way: If the Bible is right about who God is, He has everything to do with our everyday life. It is certainly worth examining the evidence before you walk away from it, beginning with the resurrection. Even 18 year olds are not invincible. So if Jesus has the power over life and death, it would be worth examining what He says before we make any life-changing decisions.

If our sin is forgiven, does God still see it? I thought God could not stand sin.  

God can't stand sin. All sin brings separation from God (Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 6:23) because God is perfect and holy (Isaiah 6:3; James 1:17).  When God looks at us, He does not see our sin. He sees us clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 61:10; Romans 3:22). When we sin, He disciplines our sin (Hebrews 12:4-11; 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12), but our identity has changed. When he sees our sin, it is now the context for loving discipline as a Father, not relational rejection because of our sin. 

If physical death is the penalty for sin, and the penalty has been paid, why do we still die?

The penalty for Adam's sin and every subsequent sin is separation from God (Genesis 2:15; Genesis 3:9; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-3). Physical death is a consequence directly related to the penalty of spiritual death. Christ paid our penalty, but the consequence remains. For the Christian, however, physical death is now a promotion from the land of the dying to the land of the living. We are released from a body that will not last, and are given a body that will be gloriously perfect forever (1 Corinthians 15:42-58; 2 Corinthians 5:1-5). 

If Jesus was separated from God by taking on our sins, was God separated from Himself?

This is a mind-boggling question and there is great mystery around how the God-Man related to His Heavenly Father. Here is what we can say with certainty: There is a sense in which the Divine Unity between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit could never be broken. But in some way, the Father turned away from his incarnate Son on the cross (Matthew 27:46). At that moment there was an anguished awareness that Jesus expresses as the one who had "become sin on our behalf" (2 Corinthians 5:21). The best we can tell, piecing together all we know, is that Jesus' alienation was related directly to His incarnation. The anguish of relational separation between the Father and His Incarnate Son was real and necessary in Jesus' payment for our sin. 

Thanks again for some phenomenal questions this week. We will continue the Living Hope series on Sunday. Meanwhile, don't forget about the opportunity to follow in Jesus' footsteps towards Calvary as a part of our two-week devotional, Journey Toward the Cross, leading up to Easter. 

Rest your text-messaging thumbs this weekend. See you Sunday!