Deus controla tudo, até o mal | Pastor Rodrigo Mocellin

God Controls Everything, Even Evil

Theological Perspectives on Armenianism and Calvinism

• The sermon titled "God Controls Everything, Even Evil" is part of a series addressing Armenianism, which the speaker argues resembles partial deism.

• Armenianism is critiqued for its flirtation with heresies such as Manichaeism and Pantheism, suggesting that it undermines God's sovereignty by attributing evil solely to human autonomy.

• The speaker emphasizes that if God is not sovereign over both good and evil, prayer becomes meaningless since one cannot ask God to intervene against evil without acknowledging His control over it.

Divine Sovereignty and Human Autonomy

• The argument posits that if God does not control human actions or limit them, then prayers for deliverance from evil are futile.

• It is asserted that God has decreed all things; this does not imply coercion but rather allows humans to act according to their wicked hearts under God's ultimate control.

• An example from Joseph's story illustrates how God can use human malice for a greater purpose, reinforcing the belief in divine sovereignty.

Scriptural Evidence of God's Control

• The speaker references Bavinck’s assertion: "Why are things as they are? Because God willed it," emphasizing the Calvinist view of God's absolute sovereignty over events.

• A discussion on 2 Samuel 12:11 highlights how God directly brings about consequences for David's sin through Absalom, countering the idea that human freedom negates divine authority.

Interpretation of Events Under Divine Will

• The text indicates that God's involvement in bringing about evil (in this case through Absalom's actions) demonstrates His sovereignty rather than passivity regarding human decisions.

• The speaker challenges the Arminian interpretation by asserting that scripture attributes direct action to God rather than allowing for an autonomous human agency free from divine influence.

Conclusion on Human Actions and Divine Purpose

• Further elaboration shows how biblical narratives depict God's hand in orchestrating events while still holding individuals accountable for their actions.

• Acts 4:27–28 reinforces this point by stating that even acts of violence were predetermined by God's will, illustrating a comprehensive view of divine providence over all occurrences.

The Sovereignty of God and the Nature of Evil

The Independence of Satan and Manicheanism

• The speaker argues that portraying Satan as an independent being who acts outside God's sovereignty is a form of Manicheanism, which has been historically condemned by the church. This perspective suggests that evil exists independently from God’s will.

Job's Perspective on Divine Sovereignty

• According to the speaker, Job acknowledges God's control over both good and evil, stating "God gave, God took away," rejecting the notion that nature or Satan operates autonomously. This view emphasizes God's ultimate authority over all events.

Critique of Autonomy in Nature

• The speaker critiques materialism and the belief in an autonomous nature governed by fixed laws, arguing this leads to atheism and denies God's ability to perform miracles. He references Descartes' philosophy as a foundation for this belief system.

Human Free Will vs Divine Control

• The discussion highlights a contradiction in Arminian thought regarding human freedom: if God is all-powerful yet does not intervene when humans commit evil acts, it raises questions about His sovereignty and power to prevent wrongdoing.

Examples from Scripture Illustrating Divine Intervention

Understanding Divine Sovereignty and Human Free Will

The Nature of Betrayal and Divine Guidance

• The betrayal of Joseph by his brothers is framed within the context of free will; God did not coerce them into wrongdoing, but allowed their evil intentions to unfold.

• God's sovereignty is highlighted as He guides the actions of Joseph's brothers without forcing them, illustrating that divine plans can utilize human malice for a greater good.

The Relationship Between Human Will and Divine Will

• The speaker emphasizes that God does not interfere with human choices in a way that negates free will; instead, He permits certain actions to fulfill His divine purpose.

• A biblical reference from James illustrates the idea that human plans are subject to God's will, reinforcing the belief that individuals cannot act outside of what God allows.

Examples of Divine Intervention

• The speaker discusses hypothetical scenarios where God's intervention prevents harmful actions, asserting that God's authority supersedes human intent.

• An example involving Nebuchadnezzar illustrates how God can use even wicked rulers to execute His judgment on nations due to their sins.

Theological Implications of Free Will

• If God's decrees do not come to pass, it implies a limitation on His power, suggesting an entity greater than Him exists—this challenges traditional theological views.

• A historical anecdote about a king realizing the sun cannot be God because it is limited by clouds serves as an analogy for understanding divine sovereignty versus human autonomy.

Critique of Autonomy in Theology

• The assertion that humans limit God's will is labeled absurd; true freedom belongs solely to God whose will cannot be contradicted or thwarted.

• Distinctions are made between deism (God's non-involvement post-creation) and immanence (God's active role), arguing against partial deistic views regarding evil.

Moral Responsibility and Divine Oversight

Understanding Divine Sovereignty and Human Suffering

The Nature of God's Will

• The speaker argues that if God has the power to do good but does not, it implies a moral failing on His part. This raises questions about divine justice and the nature of suffering.

• Reference is made to Job's story, suggesting that losing everything can lead to a deeper understanding of God, emphasizing that knowing God is paramount for eternal life.

Justification of Suffering

• The speaker contends that all events are under divine control, asserting there is no true injustice in the world. Even perceived injustices serve a purpose within God's plan.

• Historical examples like Nebuchadnezzar are used to illustrate how God can use unjust rulers as instruments for judgment against nations steeped in sin.

Divine Control Over Events

• The speaker critiques pastors who attribute disasters (like plane crashes or tsunamis) to chance rather than divine will, arguing this reflects a passive view of God.

• A Calvinist perspective is presented: every event occurs because it aligns with God's sovereign will, countering notions of randomness or fate.

Biblical Examples of Sovereignty

• The narrative of Jonah illustrates God's direct intervention in nature; storms and creatures act at His command rather than by coincidence.

• Emphasizing biblical texts, the speaker asserts that nothing exists independently from God's influence—everything operates under His sovereignty.

Conclusion on Divine Authority

• Jesus' authority over nature exemplifies God's sovereignty; He commands elements like wind and sea, demonstrating control over creation.

Understanding Divine Sovereignty and Human Sin

The Interpretation of Tragedy

• Jesus emphasizes the need for repentance, stating that without it, everyone will perish similarly to those who died when the tower of Siloé fell.

• A tragic event is discussed where Pilate killed certain individuals; disciples interpret this as divine judgment on their sins.

• Jesus corrects the disciples' view, asserting that God did not allow Pilate's actions nor was He sovereign over the tower's collapse due to the men's greater sinfulness.

• The fall of the tower serves as a sign from God, indicating that all are sinners and must repent to avoid similar fate.

• Jesus clarifies that God's sovereignty does not imply direct involvement in every tragic event; some occurrences are simply accidents.

Nature of Accidents and Divine Control

• The collapse of the tower is attributed to human error rather than divine intervention; it highlights randomness or chance rather than God's will.

• Discusses how interpretations attributing events solely to chance can lead to pantheistic views, equating nature with divinity.

• Critiques beliefs in autonomous nature as atheistic; references Newton’s perspective on a mechanistic universe governed by fixed laws established by God.

Mechanicism vs. Divine Autonomy

• Newton viewed the universe as a well-designed machine created by God but believed once set in motion, it operated independently of divine influence.

• This mechanistic view led many philosophers to believe in an autonomous nature devoid of ongoing divine interaction, paving paths toward atheism.

• Descartes’ belief in natural laws further solidified this idea, suggesting miracles were impossible within such a framework.

Attributes of God: Communicable vs. Incommunicable

• Only God possesses true autonomy; attributes like wisdom and love can be communicated to humans while others like eternity and immutability cannot be shared.

• Humans reflect God's image through communicable attributes but lack incomunicable ones such as omnipresence and unchangeability.

Understanding God's Autonomy and Human Dependence

The Nature of God's Self-Sufficiency

• God is described as self-sufficient, meaning He does not rely on anything outside Himself for existence or knowledge.

• Unlike God, humans do not possess life in themselves; our existence is contingent upon Him.

• The example of Herod illustrates that even the wicked depend on God for their breath and life.

Divine Sovereignty Over Life

• God is portrayed as the primary cause of all things, sustaining both good and evil individuals like Hitler.

• The analogy of a man holding an axe emphasizes that without God's sustenance, no one can exist or act independently.

Responsibility and Divine Action

• Thomas Aquinas states that God is the cause behind any natural action, granting life and resources to all humanity.

• Acts 17:25 highlights that God does not need human service but provides life and breath to everyone.

Implications of Divine Control

• The speaker argues that since God provides resources to nations (e.g., the U.S.), He holds responsibility for their actions.

• If God wanted to intervene in human affairs, He could easily do so by withholding life or resources.

Human Autonomy vs. Divine Sovereignty

• Joe Owen's perspective suggests that true independence equates to being divine; however, this contradicts biblical teachings about human dependence on God.

• The speaker critiques Arminianism for promoting a view where humans operate independently from divine influence.

Trusting in God's Sovereignty

• Acknowledging God's sovereignty alleviates anxiety; believers can trust Him amidst uncertainties regarding human actions.

• Concerns about potential harm from others should be tempered with faith in God's control over all situations.

Peace Amidst Trials

• Personal anecdotes illustrate how belief in divine sovereignty brings peace during challenging times.

Understanding Suffering and Divine Sovereignty

The Nature of Suffering

• The speaker discusses the challenge of recognizing God's presence in suffering, particularly in the context of Armenian history, suggesting that God is not responsible for human evil.

• Drawing on the story of Joseph, the speaker emphasizes that while people may intend harm, God can use these situations for good, providing comfort amidst betrayal.

Divine Purpose in Adversity

• The speaker reflects on personal suffering as a potential punishment for sin, citing biblical examples like King Hezekiah's illness as evidence of divine sovereignty over nature and consequences of wrongdoing.

• Paul’s teachings are referenced to illustrate that some illnesses stem from improper worship or behavior towards God, reinforcing the idea that suffering often has a spiritual dimension.

Understanding Sin and Its Consequences

• The discussion shifts to how all misfortunes relate to sin—either directly or indirectly—highlighting Jesus' response about a blind man born with his condition being used to manifest divine glory.

• The speaker asserts that understanding our struggles through this lens provides solace; everything occurs under God's control.

Finding Peace Amidst Struggles

• Acknowledging personal limitations and past decisions leads to peace; even feelings of inadequacy regarding family size are framed within God's sovereign plan.

• Emphasizing acceptance of life's circumstances allows individuals to find strength in faith during difficult times.

Trusting God's Plan