It is only the blood of Jesus that cleanses from all sin. It is available to all people. Hart makes the argument that if God were to punish any part of the world for its sin, the cross would not be necessary because those who suffered such a tragedy would have paid the penalty for their sin, and would not need Christ's salvation. Therefore, in the New Covenant, Divine punishment is not to be thought of as the purpose of natural disaster, or any other hardship. It is an interesting argument that I had not really though about until I read his editorial. While I think he is right, I need to wrestle with it a bit.
I have always believed that we should see natural disasters, and other troubles, more as discipline. Hebrews 12:10b-11 says, but he disciplines us for our good, in order that we might share in his holiness. Now discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. In my view, one of the questions we should always ask ourselves when we are going through difficult times is, what does God want me to learn from this? Every situation is a learning experience that can make us wiser and stronger.
Grace&peace;
Tom
*Part 2 of a series adapted from an editorial by Archibald Hart that appeared in the Christian Counseling Connection.
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Today's post on Amazing Miracles Everywhere asks what would happen if Christian Priests and Pastors rose above the concept of sin. A history buff has fun watching the effects of ideas changing in mind. Thanks for your post.
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