Hmmm.......that would seem to suggest that God should be held to a higher standard than Himself. I agree with Joe, in that we all deserve said punishment. Yet, through Gods grace, He chose some, through His mercy, to save out of this dilemma. the idea that we can judge God with ethical and moral ideals created by man, is putting God in our box.<br><br>Wicked men would have God to be any thing but what he is; nothing that God is really and truly pleaseth them. (John Owen VOL. 7 p.362) <br><br>Indeed, this seems to be the problem today, as always. God justly condemns those who sin, and has no obligation to save any. Here are two loose definitions to help you understand God;<br><br>Soli Deo Gloria: <br>The Triune God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth. He is the sovereign Creator, Ruler, Lawgiver, Redeemer and Judge. All things were made by Him and for Him. He works all things according to His purpose. None of His purposes fail and they all serve to bring honor and glory to His Name alone. Exclusive devotion to this infinitely glorious God is our supreme calling and ultimate happiness. The desire of the Christian is expressed in the words: Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but to Your name give glory. (Psalm 115:1). (See also Isaiah 45:22-23; Romans 11:36; I Corinthians 1:26-31).<br><br>Sola Gratia: <br>The grace of God is His unmerited or undeserved favor towards the sinful and miserable. Our natural condition as sinners who have fallen from the perfection in which we were created in Adam is so depraved and desperate that the only way anyone is ever saved is by God's grace alone. No one is either willing or able to do anything to truly contribute to their salvation and so escape eternal destruction and misery in hell unless God intervenes. All people are spiritually dead unless the Holy Spirit imparts new life and gives 'new birth.' For this reason, Christians take no credit for their faith or good works but confess that it is God's grace alone that makes them different from those who are unbelieving and ungodly. This biblical teaching is explained fully in the Canons of Dort. (See Romans 9:15-16; John 3:5-7; I Corinthians 2:14; 4:7).<br><br><br>God bless,<br><br>william
