In God’s Hands
Following any given accident or traumatic incident, one is likely to hear a number of different platitudes. Some so-called religious folk offer: “God has a plan”, “God is in charge”, or something of this nature. While it is indeed true that God is in charge, He has clearly shown in His Word that He doesn’t involve Himself in the minutia of individual lives. If God involved Himself in every small detail of everyone’s life, would it not seem God is to blame when something bad happens to faithful Christians?
If indeed God has respect to one person over another, by His own Word He would be a sinner according to James 2:9. God does not break His own Laws. But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. In addition to this, in Acts 10:34-35, the Spirit had Luke record the inspired proclamation of the apostle Peter following the conversion of Cornelius. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Upon reading Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 it should become evident that our lives may come to an end at any time, and that the incidents or accidents of life are simply a part of it. I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. 12 For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. With this in mind, ask yourself, just what is God’s Plan for me? How is God in charge in my life? God will not make you do anything or force you to live as He would have you live. Neither will He physically punish you for doing evil or allow harm to come to you so that you will serve Him.
Each individual is a soul. Every soul that reaches the age of accountability has been granted the privilege of choice, and all choices have consequences. It seems that the choices we make bring about some of the incidents or accidents in which we are involved. The greatest choice we can make is whether or not to serve God in accordance to His Word. In Psalm 119:109 we can see from pen of inspiration that we have the means whereby we can make good choices and also have full responsibility for our own souls. My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law. Our choice to serve God in accordance to His Word brings about reward. Our refusal to serve God as His Word directs brings about eternal condemnation.
This is part of God’s plan. It was God who gave a soul to mankind. We read of the first man in Genesis 2:7. This was God’s created son, yet man was not complete until the soul was in place. And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Upon receipt of that soul, man was given the privilege of choice. Ezekiel 18:4 tells us what happens to souls that choose to go against God’s instruction. Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. This also indicates that each person has the responsibility for their own soul and this includes making the right choice regarding eternity.
So, how are things “in God’s Hands”? What is God’s plan for me? The answer also proves that “God is in charge”. In Matthew 13:35 it is explained why the Lord spoke to the multitude in parables. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. Christ came and died to bring about these heretofore “hidden” things (the kingdom – His church). The king of the kingdom (Christ, after His death, burial and resurrection), will provide for those who are obedient and faithful to His Holy Word. We see this depicted in Matthew 25:34. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: Each of these “souls” made choice to obey His Commands as written. To show that this is applicable under both Testaments, we appeal to Micah 6:8 where prophet wrote as the Spirit directed. He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
God’s plan from the foundation of the worlds (before time) was to save the souls that would obey Him – hence the privilege of choice. As time moved forward, God has done all He needed to do to provide for this. 1) He created the world and man and placed man in the world. 2) He carried out His plan by sending His only begotten Son to die on Calvary’s cross. 3) He sent the Holy Spirit to the apostles so His Word could be penned. In short, God has done His part. Now man must do his part. In Ecclesiastes 12:7 we are told: Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. This does not mean that all will be with God forever.
The depository (Paradise or Gehenna) into which each soul will be placed is up to the individual, dependent upon how (or if) they followed God’s Bible plan. The plan is in God’s Hands. You soul is in your hands. Don’t delay to prepare for eternity. Make your choice today, and make the right one.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
