Does God Punish?
Job 36: 11-13 If they listen and obey God, they will be blessed with prosperity throughout their lives. All their years will be pleasant. But if they refuse to listen to Him , they will be killed by the sword and die from lack of understanding. For the godless are full of resentment even when He punishes them.
I went to Catholic school and nuns and priests said that God doesn’t punish. Yet, the Bible reads differently. How do you interpret it? Inevitably when people die, other people feel like God is punishing them.
Edit 7/17: The snippet at the right had this quote from Job: He will yet fill your mouth with laughing, and your lips with rejoicing. (Job 8:21). That’s a pretty nice gesture in the same book as the quote above.
Hugs,
marlene
Topics: Uncategorized | 4 Comments »
July 17th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Confusing isn’t it? I grew up Methodist, however, my husband is Catholic. Needless to say, I have attended both denominations over the years and feel a sense of belonging in the Catholic church. As a youngster, we bounced around a lot and didn’t go on a regular basis. I also have a ton of questions, but continue to learn each day…
July 17th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
I think it makes sense to me. Imagine a chicken coop, if the hens do what hens do and go into the coop at sunset the farmer closes the door and they are safe. If the chicken does something else, doesn’t come to the coop, then she just might end up as a fox’s dinner. God blesses us when we are near Him when we separate ourselves from God we end up “punishing” ourselves. Most the biblical illustrations of God as father show Him waiting for us to come to Him. He doesn’t force Himself on us.
I think it is also interesting that the word rendered here as punish is also rendered discipline or enchained. Especially in the context of the chapter which is clearly about God instructing His people. This isn’t about some criminal punishment, but the way of instruction. God definitely instructs us.
But all in all I think the most important thing to remember is that God doesn’t withdraw Himself from us, we withdraw from Him. He is there waiting always for our return and all of Heaven celebrates when we come back to Him. At least that is my take on it.
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:00 pm
God does punish. It is clear throughout the Bible. From the beginning in the Garden with Adam and Eve, when they disobeyed God’s commands, God punished because of sin. This continues throughout the Old Testament. In the New Testament God sends His Son Jesus to take our punishment for sin…for all mankind…for all time. Once for all. And, how do we know God was satisfied with Jesus’ payment? We know because God raised Jesus from the dead. He lives! Our debt has been paid in full. We are forgiven, because Jesus took our punishment for us. Hallelujah!
October 26th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
If God exists, I hope he has a good excuse.