Author: Thomas Lee Abshier
The Ultimate Justice of God
by Thomas Lee Abshier, ND
9/17/2024 6:53 AM
God defines the standards of good and evil. That which is good is of God’s nature/way/character. Evil is that which opposes/is opposite to the nature/way of God. If the world were entirely under the influence of God, if the universe proceeded in its events purely as a sequence of His will, then it would be a perfect universe. There would be peace. Men would love and serve and respect each other’s person and property. Emotions would be happy, health would be eternal without death, and prosperity would be adequate and joyous for everyone.
But that perfect world of goodness is the Kingdom of Heaven. We do not live in that world. All the people of earth have not yet consciously chosen to live according to God’s law/way. God created the universe so that men could have free will on the same level that He has free will. (The spirit of man is fundamentally His spirit (The Word is the light of man, John 1:4), but without the perspective of His omniscience.) He allows man to see both good and evil and choose His way or the selfish/unGodly way of satisfying the flesh/the passions/the appetites of the body/mind/ego.
To have free will is to have two desirable propositions but incomplete information about the eventual and inevitable outcome of each. From the perspective of God, the unavoidable consequence of evil is death, and the outcome of goodness is eternal life. The apparent/temporary outcome of goodness and evil can be the opposite of its final/ultimate and inevitable end.
Commentary on Psalm 73
by Grok
Psalm 73, traditionally attributed to Asaph, is a profound reflection on theodicy—the problem of evil and the justice of God. Here’s an analysis of its themes, structure, and theological implications:
Themes:
1. The Prosperity of the Wicked:
– The psalm begins with a personal confession of envy and confusion over the apparent success and ease of life for those who are wicked. This theme challenges the conventional wisdom that righteousness leads to prosperity and wickedness to suffering.
2. The Struggle with Faith:
– Asaph nearly stumbles in his faith due to this disparity. He feels that his own pursuit of purity has been in vain since the wicked seem to thrive without God.
3. Divine Perspective:
– The turning point comes when Asaph enters the sanctuary of God. Here, he gains a divine perspective, understanding that the end of the wicked is destruction, despite their temporary prosperity.
4. The Goodness of God:
– The psalm concludes with a reaffirmation of God’s goodness to Israel, particularly to those who are pure in heart. This reaffirmation serves as a resolution to the initial conflict.
Structure:
– Verses 1-3: Introduction and personal struggle.
– Verses 4-12: Description of the prosperity of the wicked, leading to Asaph’s envy and confusion.
– Verses 13-17: Asaph’s inner turmoil and his decision to seek understanding in God’s sanctuary.
– Verses 18-20: Revelation of the true fate of the wicked.
– Verses 21-22: Asaph’s acknowledgment of his own foolishness and beastly ignorance.
– Verses 23-28: A reaffirmation of faith, expressing closeness to God and the ultimate ruin of those far from Him.
Theological Implications:
– Justice Delayed but Not Denied: The psalm addresses the common human frustration with the apparent delay in divine justice. It suggests that while justice might not be immediate, it is certain.
– The Limitations of Human Understanding: Asaph’s realization only comes in the sanctuary, implying that human perspective alone is insufficient to grasp divine justice. True understanding often requires a spiritual or divine insight.
– The Role of Suffering: The psalm indirectly touches on the idea that the righteous might suffer not because of their sin but as part of a broader divine plan or test of faith.
– The Nearness of God: Despite his initial envy and confusion, Asaph finds comfort in the nearness of God, suggesting that the presence of God is the ultimate good, more valuable than earthly prosperity.
– The Vanity of Worldly Success: The temporary nature of the wicked’s prosperity underscores the vanity of worldly success compared to the eternal benefits of a relationship with God.
Literary Style:
– Poetic Imagery: The psalm uses vivid imagery to describe both the prosperity of the wicked (e.g., “They are not in trouble as other men”) and their eventual downfall (“You cast them down to destruction”).
– Personal Reflection: Unlike many psalms that might be more corporate or liturgical, Psalm 73 feels deeply personal, reflecting Asaph’s internal struggle and resolution.
Psalm 73, therefore, serves not only as a theological treatise on divine justice but also as a personal journey of faith, doubt, and ultimate trust in God’s goodness. It’s a comforting scripture for those wrestling with similar questions about why the wicked seem to prosper while the righteous suffer.
Commentary on John W. Ritenbaugh’s commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:15:18:
by Grok
Ritenbaugh’s commentary on Ecclesiastes 7:15-18 offers a deep dive into the spiritual and existential challenges presented in these verses, particularly focusing on the dangers of misjudging God’s justice and the human response to perceived injustices. Here’s an analysis of his commentary:
Key Points from the Commentary:
1. The Paradox of Life’s Injustices:
* Ritenbaugh highlights the paradox where the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper, which can lead to spiritual discontent and envy, as also explored in Psalm 73.
2. The Danger of Over-Righteousness:
* He warns against becoming “overly righteous” or “overly wise,” suggesting that such attitudes can lead to spiritual death. This over-righteousness is not about striving for moral excellence but rather about presuming to judge or improve upon God’s methods.
3. Spiritual Pride and Hubris:
* The commentary emphasizes that over-righteousness is a form of hubris, where one might attempt to earn salvation through works, essentially rejecting the concept of grace. This is seen as a defiant pride against God’s ordained means of salvation.
4. Misjudging God:
* The core danger lies in misjudging God’s actions or justice, leading one to react in ways that could jeopardize their spiritual life. This misjudgment can stem from a lack of understanding or acceptance of human limitations and divine wisdom.
5. The Role of Grace:
* Ritenbaugh contrasts the attitude of over-righteousness with Paul’s humility in 1 Corinthians 15:10, where Paul attributes his achievements to God’s grace, not his own efforts.
Analysis:
• Theological Insight:
* Ritenbaugh’s interpretation aligns with broader Christian theology concerning grace versus works. His emphasis on the danger of self-righteousness underscores the Protestant doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, not by works.
• Practical Application:
* The commentary serves as a cautionary tale for believers, urging them to avoid the pitfalls of spiritual pride and to trust in God’s justice and grace. It encourages a balanced approach to righteousness, where one strives for holiness but acknowledges human imperfection and divine sovereignty.
• Human Nature and Spirituality:
* The commentary touches on deep human tendencies towards self-justification and the need for control, even in spiritual matters. It suggests that true spiritual growth involves recognizing and submitting to divine wisdom over human understanding.
• Scriptural Integration:
* By integrating insights from other scriptural passages like Psalm 73 and 1 Corinthians, Ritenbaugh provides a richer context for understanding Ecclesiastes, showing how scripture interprets scripture.
Critique:
• Interpretation of “Over-Righteousness”:
* While Ritenbaugh’s interpretation is theologically sound in the context of grace, one might argue that the original intent of Ecclesiastes might also include a more literal caution against legalism or self-righteousness that alienates rather than draws one closer to God.
• Cultural and Historical Context:
* The commentary might benefit from further exploration of how the concept of righteousness was understood in the cultural and historical context of Ecclesiastes, potentially enriching the interpretation.
Ritenbaugh’s commentary effectively uses Ecclesiastes to delve into profound spiritual lessons about humility, grace, and the dangers of spiritual pride, offering valuable insights for personal reflection and spiritual growth.
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