No. God created us to live in Heaven with Him when we die, not just to serve as a warning to others. Even Satan was created for eternal life with God, although he rejected that and now serves as a warning to us.
Well amy, I agree that God created us and all personal beings for the purpose you cite (I would add only that heaven begins here, in the life of grace.) But I don't think your conclusion follows. The possibility of damnation suggests that the purpose for which God created each of us might not be the purpose all of us attain. And his providence might have room for that.
Thus God knows from all eternity how each of us will end up. Is it not possible that he envisions the role of some people who are going to die in their sins as that of serving chiefly as a warning to others before they die? I'm not suggesting that's what he wants, but it seems to me he might allow it for the good of those who love him.
The possibility of damnation suggests that the purpose for which God created each of us might not be the purpose all of us attain. And his providence might have room for that.
I agree, and I agree that God may very well allow a person's bad example to serve as a warning, but that's different from saying this:
"The purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others"
It may end up that an individual life serves as a warning to others, but that still wouldn't be the purpose of that life.
I'm not suggesting that's what he wants, but it seems to me he might allow it for the good of those who love him.
Hello :) Nice blog you have.. I have a question: If you could meet any person in history, who would it be and why? You can stop by my blog if you're willing to answer. Cheers..
It seems we agree. The purpose at issue is never what God intends to serve, but it is sometimes what God permits to be served. So one may answer the question with only a qualified "yes."
No. God created us to live in Heaven with Him when we die, not just to serve as a warning to others. Even Satan was created for eternal life with God, although he rejected that and now serves as a warning to us.
ReplyDeleteWell amy, I agree that God created us and all personal beings for the purpose you cite (I would add only that heaven begins here, in the life of grace.) But I don't think your conclusion follows. The possibility of damnation suggests that the purpose for which God created each of us might not be the purpose all of us attain. And his providence might have room for that.
ReplyDeleteThus God knows from all eternity how each of us will end up. Is it not possible that he envisions the role of some people who are going to die in their sins as that of serving chiefly as a warning to others before they die? I'm not suggesting that's what he wants, but it seems to me he might allow it for the good of those who love him.
The possibility of damnation suggests that the purpose for which God created each of us might not be the purpose all of us attain. And his providence might have room for that.
ReplyDeleteI agree, and I agree that God may very well allow a person's bad example to serve as a warning, but that's different from saying this:
"The purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others"
It may end up that an individual life serves as a warning to others, but that still wouldn't be the purpose of that life.
I'm not suggesting that's what he wants, but it seems to me he might allow it for the good of those who love him.
I would agree with this.
Hello :)
ReplyDeleteNice blog you have..
I have a question:
If you could meet any person in history, who would it be and why?
You can stop by my blog if you're willing to answer.
Cheers..
andhyka:
ReplyDeleteThe answer, of course, is Jesus; but as I expect to meet him on the other side in due course, this is not a question that occupies me overmuch. ;)
I like your blog too and will comment when appropriate.
Best,
Mike
amy:
ReplyDeleteIt seems we agree. The purpose at issue is never what God intends to serve, but it is sometimes what God permits to be served. So one may answer the question with only a qualified "yes."