In reading T. K. Jaros’ article “Is there a (divine) reason for everything?” several items stood out as erroneous. In light of solid scriptural evidence we hope to refute Jaros’ position through the examples of Jesus and Joseph. Among the issues are false views on suffering and the sovereignty of God.
The first refutation is in relation to Christ. Jaros states that God “does not want his image bearers to suffer.” While we find that this is true to an extent, it also paints a very unbiblical view of suffering. In Isaiah 53:1-12 our Lord’s death and glorification are planned out, as “the Lord was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief.” If we are made in the image of Christ, and Christ was made to suffer, that he might be perfected (Hebrews 5:8-9), then are we not also made to suffer so as to be perfected? After all, suffering seems to be a preferred means of God to teach his children (Hebrews 12:3-11). Paul calls suffering for Christ’s sake an honor (Philippians 1:29-30). Peter states in 1 Peter 1:6b-7, “you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” God also delivered over Jesus (Romans 8:32) but still held men responsible. Evil men were gathered against Jesus “to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur” (Acts 3:13-15; 4:28).
The life of Joseph is also an exhibition of God’s sovereignty. Genesis 50:20 reads, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it [Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery and everything that followed] for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” God displayed his sovereignty in breaking the relationship of Joseph and his brothers so as to save many. And was not Jesus separated from his family, as well? God meant both for good; he did not merely salvage the situation. Based on these two examples, the conclusion is not that God can use evil for good, it is that he purposes to use evil for good.
In qualifying God’s sovereignty, Jaros contradicts himself with his own scripture citation. Romans 8:28-30 reads, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified, and these whom He justified, He also glorified.” The absolute sovereignty of God guarantees salvation as well as works “which God prepared beforehand so that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). Sovereignty must be extended to individual actions, for how else can salvation and sanctification be guaranteed?
With respect to Thomas Jaros’ last paragraph on relationship advice, God is no stranger to love. He knows the rules and so do we. A full commitment is what he is thinking of. You would not get this from any other god. You just want to tell us how you are feeling, but you need to understand God’s never going to give you up, never going to let you down, never going to run around and desert you. He does not want to make you cry, but say goodbye to the notion that he will never hurt you.
