Decreto e liberdade | Pastor Rodrigo Mocellin

Why Do Bad Things Happen?

Introduction to Arminianism and the Problem of Evil

• The speaker introduces a new series titled "Por Eu não sou Arminiano?" focusing on the question of why bad things happen in the world.

• The Arminian perspective suggests that God is not responsible for evil, attributing human actions to free will. This raises questions about God's role in protecting victims versus perpetrators.

Critique of Arminian Beliefs

• The speaker argues that Arminianism portrays God as an absentee figure who does not intervene in human affairs, likening it to deism.

• Deism is defined as the belief that while God exists, He does not interfere with creation after its inception, leading to a view where nature operates autonomously without divine intervention.

Sovereignty vs. Human Freedom

• The speaker contends that this belief system makes God complicit in allowing evil by prioritizing human freedom over divine sovereignty.

• A key argument presented is that if humans can determine their actions independently of God's will, it undermines God's omnipotence and sovereignty.

Calvinist Perspective on Divine Sovereignty

• The speaker advocates for a Calvinist interpretation where God determines all events, including human actions, while still allowing for genuine human freedom.

• Citing theologian Bavinck, the speaker emphasizes that everything exists under God's decree, including evil acts which are permitted but not caused by Him.

Finding Comfort in Divine Sovereignty

• The discussion highlights how understanding God's sovereignty provides comfort amidst suffering and chaos in life.

• Reference is made to Job's acknowledgment of both good and evil being under God's control as a foundational belief within Reformed theology.

Historical Context and Philosophical Debate

• The debate surrounding divine predestination versus human freedom has historical roots dating back beyond Calvin and Arminius.

• Examples from classical literature (e.g., Gorgias' views on Helena's fate and Oedipus' story) illustrate long-standing discussions about destiny and moral responsibility.

Conclusion: Understanding Divine Foreknowledge

The Paradox of Destiny and Free Will

The Story of Oedipus

• The tale of Oedipus illustrates the concept of destiny, where he is foretold to kill his father and marry his mother. His father's attempt to avoid this fate inadvertently leads to its fulfillment.

• Oedipus grows up unaware of his true parentage, ultimately fulfilling the prophecy through actions taken in ignorance.

The Encounter with Death

• A man encounters Death in São Paulo and panics, seeking money from his boss to escape to Porto Alegre. This reflects a humorous take on the futility of escaping one's fate.

• Death reveals that she was startled because she had an appointment with him later in Porto Alegre, emphasizing that one cannot evade their destined end.

Divine Sovereignty vs Human Responsibility

• The speaker discusses the theological perspective that God has predetermined our lives while also holding humans accountable for their choices.

• Citing scripture, it is argued that God wrote our destinies rather than merely observing human decisions.

Reformed Theology Perspective

• The Westminster Confession articulates a belief in God's sovereignty over all events while maintaining human freedom and responsibility.

• It asserts that God's decrees are unchangeable; unlike interactive narratives where outcomes can vary based on choices, biblical prophecy is fixed.

Understanding Free Will within Divine Decree

• Despite God's control over all events, He does not cause sin nor violate human will. This balance between divine sovereignty and free will is central to reformed theology.

• The speaker emphasizes reading both biblical passages affirming God's determinism and those calling for human choice without contradiction.

Critique of Other Perspectives

• Arminians are critiqued for overlooking God's sovereignty regarding good and evil. Modern Calvinists also face scrutiny for not adhering strictly to historical reformed views.

• Some modern interpretations suggest a mystery exists between divine decree and human responsibility; however, the speaker argues this mystery can be explained through scripture.

Conclusion: Exploring Divine Determinism

• The discussion aims to clarify how God’s decree aligns with human accountability without being contradictory or mysterious.

Understanding Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility

The Nature of Life and Death

• The speaker asserts that no sparrow dies without divine permission, referencing Job to emphasize that God determines the lifespan of every individual.

• Hitler's existence is framed as a result of God's allowance, suggesting he served a purpose as an instrument (or "axe") in God's plan.

• The idea of human autonomy is challenged; the speaker argues that claiming complete independence from God is folly, as life itself is granted by Him.

God's Purpose in Allowing Evil

• The discussion transitions to how God permits evil actions for His greater purposes, using Hitler's malice as an example.

• Calvin's concept of active permission is introduced: while God does not instigate evil, He allows it to occur for reasons aligned with His will.

• Bavink’s perspective reinforces this notion—events unfold because they align with God's intentions.

Sovereignty Over Creation

• An analogy illustrates that if one possesses ultimate power and knowledge yet chooses not to intervene in wrongdoing, it indicates a deliberate choice tied to purpose.

• The speaker emphasizes that even horrific events are permitted by God for reasons beyond human understanding.

Biblical Examples of Divine Control

• Reference to Absalom’s collective rape highlights God's sovereignty over both good and evil actions within biblical narratives.

• Clarification on divine decrees: God does not incite sin but allows it for fulfilling His overarching plans.

Understanding Free Will and Divine Decree

• A scriptural reference underscores that all days are predetermined by God, challenging notions of autonomous decision-making.

• Lamentations 3:37 questions who can command events without divine ordination, reinforcing the belief in God's control over all occurrences.

Nature and Human Actions Under Divine Authority

• Jonah's story exemplifies divine sovereignty over nature; despite human choices, God's will prevails through natural phenomena like storms.

• The narrative continues with examples showing how chance events are orchestrated by God rather than occurring randomly.

Conclusion on Sovereignty

• Emphasizing the absence of true randomness or autonomy in creation aligns with panteistic views; instead, everything operates under God's authority.

The Sovereignty of God in Human Affairs

The Role of God in the Believer's Life

• The believer is compelled by God to do good, indicating that the desire to act righteously originates from divine influence.

• God's role as the primary cause of goodness is acknowledged; He also predestines individuals for both good and evil actions, exemplified by His choice of David and Pharaoh.

Divine Control Over Human Actions

• Jesus emphasizes in John 15:4 that humans cannot produce fruit independently; they must remain connected to Him, illustrating dependence on divine sustenance.

• All human life, including that of the wicked, derives from God. Even Herod's life was sustained by God's will until his pride led to his demise.

God's Sovereignty Over Plans

• Proverbs states that while humans plan their paths, it is ultimately God's purpose that prevails. This highlights the subservience of human will to divine intention.

• James advises believers to acknowledge God's sovereignty when making plans, reinforcing that human intentions should align with divine will rather than dictate it.

Understanding Divine Influence on Leaders

• The heart of a king is under God's control; historical figures like Hitler are cited as examples where God directed their actions according to His purposes.

• Scripture presents an active God who influences even powerful leaders' decisions rather than a passive deity uninvolved in worldly affairs.

The Nature of Divine Will and Events

• Ephesians 1:11 asserts that all things occur according to God's counsel and purpose, emphasizing His authority over creation without seeking human approval.

• Psalm 115 declares God's sovereignty over all events; nothing occurs without His consent, underscoring His omnipotence even in seemingly trivial matters.

The Complexity of Good and Evil

• While affirming God's control over all events, it's clarified that He does not instigate evil or tempt individuals towards wrongdoing.

• The discussion includes how calamities are still within divine oversight—God allows them but does not morally endorse them.

Historical Examples of Divine Judgment

Nabuco Donozor: A Servant of God?

The Role of Nabuco Donozor

• Nabuco Donozor, the king of Babylon, is described as a servant of God despite being an idolater and possessed by evil.

• God intends to use Nabuco's wickedness to execute judgment against Israel, highlighting divine sovereignty over both good and evil.

Divine Sovereignty Explained

• The speaker uses the analogy of the United States providing resources for war to illustrate God's responsibility in allowing evil actions while maintaining control.

• Even when possessing power, if one chooses not to act against wrongdoing, it does not absolve them from responsibility; this reflects God's sovereignty.

Human Agency vs. Divine Will

• The discussion emphasizes that intelligence and life are granted by God; thus, even negative influences like Satan do not operate outside His will.

• The example of King David’s census illustrates how both Satan and God can be seen as inciting actions—showing dual agency in biblical narratives.

The Nature of Sin and Judgment

Biblical Examples

• David's decision to conduct a census is framed as sinful; however, it serves as a means for God's judgment on Israel due to their own sins.

• Both Chronicles and Samuel provide different perspectives on who incited David—Satan or God—demonstrating complex interactions between divine sovereignty and human choice.

Understanding Evil's Role

• The text argues that God allows humans to follow their sinful inclinations at times but ultimately uses these actions for His purposes.

• Reformers believed that while humans are responsible for their choices, God's overarching plan remains sovereign over all events.

God’s Sovereignty Illustrated Through Job

Job's Trials

• In the story of Job, Satan challenges his faithfulness; however, it is ultimately God's permission that allows suffering to occur.

• Job acknowledges that both good and bad come from God’s hand, rejecting notions of dualism or manichaeism which suggest competing deities.

Conclusion on Suffering

Understanding Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility

The Story of Joseph

• Joseph reassures his brothers, stating that it was not they who sent him to Egypt, but God, positioning him as a father figure to Pharaoh and governor of Egypt. This highlights the theme of divine purpose in human actions.

• Despite acknowledging their wrongdoing, Joseph emphasizes that God turned their evil intentions into good, illustrating the belief in God's overarching sovereignty over events.

• Joseph expresses deep emotional pain from being separated from his family due to his brothers' betrayal, yet finds solace in believing that it was God's will for him to endure this suffering.

The Case of David and Absalom

• The narrative shifts to King David's sin with Bathsheba and God's decree of punishment: calamity would arise from within his own family. This demonstrates God's active role in administering justice rather than being passive.

• God foretells the public humiliation David would face through Absalom's actions, reinforcing the idea that divine judgment is often visible and impactful. This counters any notion of a detached deity.

• The text asserts that while God allows human freedom, He remains sovereign over both good and evil outcomes without causing malice directly; Absalom acted out of his own wickedness.

Human Freedom vs Divine Control

• It is clarified that God does not tempt anyone towards evil; temptation arises from individual desires instead. This distinction underscores human accountability for moral choices.

• Jesus critiques the Pharisees’ belief in ritual purity by asserting that true wickedness originates from within the heart, emphasizing personal responsibility for sinfulness rather than external factors.

• Paul’s teachings highlight how sin entered through Adam, establishing a framework where human actions lead to consequences while still under divine oversight—God uses even human malice for His glory without coercing individuals into wrongdoing.

Divine Influence on Human Actions

• The concept is introduced where God influences rulers' hearts according to His will; this suggests an active engagement with humanity while respecting free will—He guides towards righteousness but does not force compliance.

• In contrast to guiding good actions, when it comes to evil deeds, God permits individuals to follow their natural inclinations without intervention—this reflects a balance between divine sovereignty and human autonomy.

Consequences of Rejection

• Paul explains how rejecting God leads individuals down paths of destruction; thus, when people choose sin over righteousness, they are allowed to face the repercussions of their decisions as part of divine justice rather than direct instigation by God Himself.

Who Killed Jesus?

The Duality of Responsibility

• Jesus asserts to Pilate that he has no power over him, stating, "I lay down my life voluntarily." This raises the question of who is responsible for Jesus' death: God the Father, the Jews, or the Romans.

• The text suggests a complex interplay between divine determination and human freedom. God did not instill malice in the hearts of those involved but allowed them to act according to their own desires.

Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Freedom

• The argument posits that while humans have free will, God's sovereignty allows Him to intervene when necessary. Biblical examples include God protecting David from Saul and preventing Balaam from cursing Israel.

• If God could restrain evil actions (as seen with Saul), then He could also have intervened with Absalom's rebellion. The absence of intervention implies divine choice.

Critique of Arminianism

• A critique is presented against Arminian views which claim that God cannot infringe upon human freedom. This perspective is challenged by questioning whose freedom is being respected—those who commit crimes or their victims?

• The speaker argues that Arminianism fails to resolve issues surrounding divine sovereignty and instead complicates them further.

Implications of Theology on Daily Life

• Understanding God's nature profoundly impacts personal peace and security. Belief in God's sovereignty means one can walk confidently in a world where evil exists because God controls all circumstances.

• The speaker emphasizes that even amidst suffering or injustice, God's sovereign plan remains intact, providing comfort through faith.

Historical Examples of Suffering

• Reflections on biblical figures like Joseph and Job illustrate how belief in God's sovereignty helped them endure extreme hardships without losing faith.

• Joseph found solace in believing that his misfortunes were part of a divine plan orchestrated by God rather than mere chance or malice from others.

Conclusion on Divine Knowledge

• Job's response to his suffering highlights an understanding of God's control over both good and bad events. His declaration reflects deep faith despite immense loss.

• Ultimately, knowing God is portrayed as the essence of eternal life; thus, even negative experiences serve a greater purpose within His sovereign will.

Understanding Divine Sovereignty and Human Freedom

The Role of God's Sovereignty

• The speaker discusses the belief that events occur because God allows them, emphasizing divine sovereignty as a source of comfort.

• It is asserted that human nature is not autonomous; rather, all existence relies on God for life and breath.

• The speaker expresses confidence in not dying prematurely, drawing parallels to how even sparrows do not die before their time.

Suffering as a Blessing

• Suffering in the life of a believer is framed as a profound blessing, contrary to common perceptions of suffering.

• Historical examples are provided where early Christians faced extreme persecution yet remained steadfast in their faith, suggesting their experiences validate the truth of their testimony.

Evidence of Faith Through Trials

• The speaker highlights that the sacrifices made by disciples serve as irrefutable evidence of Jesus' resurrection, arguing that such suffering would not be endured for a lie.