FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHY IS THE WORLD SO FULL OF PAIN?

If God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and loving, would He really create a world like this?

God allowed man to choose to live in obedience to Him or to live in rebellion against His rightful authority. God was not a harsh ruler, He gave only one simple rule…

Perfection - "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good" (Genesis 1:31).

No suffering, death or oppression - only freedom to live a wonderful life.

Since God created all things, He is the master of all.

Man's choice resulted in the fall (sin).Simply stated, sin is disobedience to God. He is the Creator and should be obeyed. Even more important, God is Himself the standard of what is right. Sin causes spiritual separation from God and physical death. Separation occurred because God is perfect and pure. His purity cannot dwell with sinfulness and His justice cannot allow it to go unpunished.

As a result of sin, the natural world was also cursed and began to die. The ground became less fertile and food became scarce. Man had to work harder to harvest much less. Mankind would also realize the effect that sin has on human relationships, leading to cruelty, murder, lust and causing disharmony within the family.

Mankind continues to sin, living in rebellion against God, the Creator. This is why the world is filled with suffering today. Man must take responsibility for destroying the perfection of God's creation.

Because of our sinfulness, man cannot know and experience God's love and fellowship, no matter how hard he may try to reach God on his own through good deeds, religious rituals or philosophies. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).

Jesus came to explain the truth about God and to pay the price for man's rebellion.

John 1:18: "No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side (Jesus Christ), has made him known."

2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "He (God) made Him (Christ) who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." In other words, Jesus died because of our sins, so that we wouldn't have to pay the penalty demanded by true justice - eternal death.

Jesus died for our sins, and was raised victorious over death.

1 Corinthians 15:22: "For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive" and again, (verses 54-57) "Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Aren't all religions basically the same?Jesus Christ is the only way to have our sins forgiven and to have a relationship with God which results in eternal life.

"But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).

Ultimately, God will restore paradise. Again there will be no death, no suffering, no evil. Our experience in this world of hardship and travail will be but a brief moment in a wondrous eternity.

We will spend eternity exploring God's new creation...How great that will be! Imagine having an eternity to discover the infinite creations of an all-knowing, all-powerful God! We will praise God while in heaven for His work as Creator and Redeemer, "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being" (Revelation 4:11).

Believe in Him, receive the forgiveness that He offers.

"To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). Trust God for eternal life in heaven,

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Trust God for fulfillment in your present life.

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). Don't put it off for another time. Accept God's gift of life today!

What does God expect of me? The Bible says: "It is appointed for men to die once, and after this comes judgment." (Hebrews 9:27) Someday, each of us must stand face to face with the God of creation. What happens at that judgment depends upon the decisions you are making right now.

Example of prayer for accepting Christ's gift of salvation:

"God, I know that you are good and loving. You Created this wonderful world in perfection. Because of sin, it has been corrupted and awaits your renewing. I know that I am a sinner. Thank you for dying in my place and forgiving my sins. Thank you for giving me new life, both on earth and in heaven. Please help me to be committed to you and live in a way that is pleasing to you. In Jesus name, Amen."

You are no longer viewed by God as a sinner.God sees Christ's righteousness in you. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things have passed away; behold, all things become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Now here are some other things you may want to read and places to look for help:

=> CHOOSINING A CHURCH - With so many denominations and religions, HOW CAN I DECIDE WHICH ARE TRUE AND WHICH ARE FALSE? [Read more]

=> ASSURANCE - HOW CAN I BE SURE OF MY SALVATION? [Read more]

=> 10 TIPS - FOR NEW AND GROWING CHRISTIANS! [Read more]

=> FRIENDS AND FAMILY- Do you know of any Christian friends or family that would be happy to hear you have accepted Christ?

=> Church - Do you know of a good church that could help you become more informed about your new life?

=> The Bible - Read the Bible and learn more about God's word for mankind! We offer a one-year or three-year Bible reading plan you are welcome to use.

=> God's Story - Get an illustrated overview of the entire Bible in this multilingual, unique presentation.

=> Pray to God - He cares about you and wants you to express yourself to Him. Christianity is a relationship with Jesus Christ!


Next Question:
Can a saved person ever be lost?