A very simple question for Christians..?

I think God -- Yahweh -- knew we had it in us to sin, but I don't think God knows in advance everything we are going to do. In the story of Abraham almost sacrificing Isaac, God tells Abraham, "Now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me." In saying "Now I know," it is implied that before, God did NOT know if Abraham would go through with the sacrifice.

There are several instances in scripture of God changing God's mind (Moses talks God out of destroying the golden-calf worshiping Israelites; Jonah at Nineveh; Jesus' parable of the gardener who convinced the landowner not to cut down a fig tree, and more), which means, again, that the future is not set in stone, and therefore God doesn't know what the future holds.

Since we are created in the image of God, and we learn new things, perhaps God also learns new things. Food for thought.

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The answer to your first question is "Yes". And here is the rest of the explanation: God has given us free will. Basically God has given us the choice to follow His ways or not. Just like a parent gives their child the opportunity to do the right thing. Sometimes they do and other times they don't. Does that make a "parent sadistic"? Of course not. They make rules based upon the best interest for the child and the child decides ultimately if they are going to follow those rules. It is the same way with God.

God created us with free will because when we worship Him and follow in His ways, it is because of love and not out of obligation.

As far as punishment goes, we have to be held accountable for our actions. When we sin it is against God's plan for us. God gives us a plan because He loves us, not to hold it over our head.

You might ask "then why create us at all?" And the answer to that is because He loves us. He gives us a chance.

I hope this helps. If not, I can try to explain things in a different way to help you try and understand.

Yes, of course he knew we would sin.

But- imagine if God created us without the capacity TO sin. Ever see the movie "Pleasantville"? I suggest it. The movie perhaps didn't have the message I would have like to have been presented, but it did show a pretty good picture of people being happy without even know "why".

If we never knew cold or heat, would you appreciate a lovely climate controlled house? If you never ever experienced loneliness, would you appreciate company? If you never knew pain, would you appreciate health? If you never experienced cruelty- would you appreciate or be thankful for kindness? If you never felt hate, would you appreciate love?

We'd all be walking around in a bubble, not aware of things. Not "fully human". We are made in the image and likeness of God- and that means the ability to KNOW and DO the full range of... what can we call it? Emotions, actions? For what makes us human and different from the animals does go into the intangible, doesn't it?

If you didn't have the capability to DO either good or wrong- then the doing of the good doesn't even count, would it? It would be like being pre-programmed, not a free individual.

When under trial, let no one say: “I am being tried by God.” For with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone.—Jas. 1:13. God is a loving God, not sadistic. Good thinking question, though.

NO. It doesn't mean he is not omniscient. He still knows all it just means he didn't 'choose' to look into the future to see it. However, he did immediately make allowances for the failure and sin to recover mankind through Genesis3:15, which is the first Bible prophecy.

God doesn't punish mankind, Satan does. Because of sin and imperfection an issue arose in the Garden of eden. Serve me instead of God. Adam and Even chose that with their free will given to them by God.

1) Satan wanted the power

2) Satan said his rulership would be better

3) Satan called God a liar

So he called into account Gods sovereignty, his right to rule and issues that now, over time, have had to let go in order to be proven in time. Issues that have shown the devil a liar and God be found true. Issues that once now have been settled, will never be raised again.

God is indeed omnipotent, and he is omniscient in the sense that nothing can be hidden from him.That is quite clear from these scriptures:Genesis 17:1; Hebrews 4:13; Revelation 11:17,

(Genesis 17:1) . . .“I am God Almighty. . .

(Hebrews 4:13) . . .And there is not a creation that is not manifest to his sight, but all things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of him with whom we have an accounting. . .

(Revelation 11:17) . . .the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and begun ruling as king. . .

Have you heard the old saying, "If you love something, let it go. If it comes back to you it's yours. If not, it never was."

Perhaps God wanted mankind's love, but knew that without giving us a choice to love Him or Leave Him (Sin)...it would be devoid of true love. He would essentially be creating a false love or a manufactured love.

In order for us to truly live(heaven)...we have to have the option of true death(Hell).

When a couple considers having a child...they know there is a risk that that child will have trouble in it's life. Whether by birth defects, environmental hardships, pain through social issues, he/she will experience sadness, loss, grief,and yes death. Couples knowing these risks and certainties still have children because they want to share their love and receive love back from someone they create together. We inherited this need and drive from the One who created us. God Bless You

Good question. The best way I could explain it is since Christians refer to God as the "Father," you could best compare him to an actual father. Why does a father create a son or daughter knowing he/she will make mistakes in the world and possibly end up becoming a disapointment? I wonder sometimes why parents have kids given how much disappointment these children may cause you in the future. Perhaps, parents have this inner need to create something to care for and love. Same reason for God I guess.

I knew when I had kids that they would rebel, whine, fight, and many things I wouldn't ever imagine. They would need discipline and training. I knew I would have to be the one to punish them. I still wanted them much more than a robo-pet that wouldn't do anything wrong. I don't think I'm sadistic for desiring that. I suspect it's a similar thing with God.

Hello Cyanide,

I believe that HE did know that we would sin. I also believe that a True Parent does have to punish his/her children to teach them how to behave if he/she is going to teach them anything at all. All children do not turn out as their parents had hoped no matter what we do. I have three wonderful children but I do not know that they will remain so throughout their lifetimes and I do not believe that my wife and I were perfect parents either. I do believe that Hell was created to punish those who refuse to follow what HE has told us to do. Have a great week.

Thank You,

Eds

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[This is my personal opinion and not found directly in the scriptures.]

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Hi RED QUEEN!!

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First of all, to all who questioned what "Yahweh" is, it is Jesus Christ's correct Hebrew name. In the Hebrew alphabet, there is no "J"- therefore "Jesus" and "Jehovah" aren't truly what Christ was called. The true pronunciation is "Yeshua" (Like Joshua, with a "Y"). Research that of you want more info.

Second, when Jesus DID create us, He did know we were going to sin. He is all-knowing, and all-powerful, and everywhere. He is the "I AM" (in past, present, and future). These characteristics of Christ are absolute and never change. When Christ first created Adam and Eve, He created them in direct communication with God. God is a righteous God- sin CANNOT be in His presence. This is why when Adam and Eve CHOSE to doubt and disobey, that that direct communication was impossible because Jesus is pure, and righteous. Sin cannot stand in His presence. He does not "get all worked up about it"- He has a nature that DEMANDS immediate judgement for sin, but He also has the loving nature that wants that direct communion with us back. That is why he sent His son to reestablsh that link. The fact that you are able to ask this question proves the fact that He gave us the power to choose :)

He created us with free will, not a bunch of pre programmed robots. Just like people have children knowing they will have a choice to become whatever kind of person they want to be.

If you had two children and one got involved in drugs and no matter what you did to help he just kept on, chance after chance, until it started influencing the younger child. Would you not send one away to save the other even though you loved them both?