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The Question of Punishment Part I

The Question of Punishment Part I

As I travel around the country presenting Christian principles for healing the mind there is a question that comes up over and over again. Two weeks ago during The Good News Tour in Collegedale, TN this question was raised.

Last week during a Healing the Mind Seminar in Downers Grove, IL this question was raised. And the question has to do with God inflicting punishment on His disobedient children. The question is never over loving discipline, God acting to save, educate, or redirect. Everyone understands God, in love, does take these actions. No, the confusion arises over God’s role in dealing with the unrepentant, the rebellious, those who persistently reject Him and won’t return to Him.

During The Good News Tour one of the speakers passionately put forth the idea that in order for God to be just He must punish sin and sinners, that God is love, but He is also just. This idea that God’s justice is something other than His love does tremendous damage to the gospel. Justice is based on the governing law. The law of God is the law of love, thus God’s justice is always love. Therefore, His justice could never be heated, angry vengeance. This is a perversion of God’s character. God’s justice is always a manifestation of His love.

Imagine a genuinely loving parent who tells his child to never touch the pesticides in the garage, even warning, “in the day you do you will surely die.” One day the child disobeys the explicit instructions of the parent, that parent’s “law,” and messes with the pesticides even accidentally drinking some. Now, the child, from exposure to this toxin develops leukemia, what does justice require?

Would justice require the parent let the child die, even if the parent had bone marrow which could save the child? Would justice require the parent beat the child, or worse yet kill the child in order to be just, to satisfy the “legal” requirements their broken “law” demanded?  What would justice require?  What does justice look like when it is based on the law of love? What does love compel the parent to justly do, if the parent is capable? Of course, Save the child! Likewise, God’s justice is all about salvation.

Leukemia is cancer and cancer cells are cells reproducing out of control, no longer operating in harmony with their original programming. In order to save your child without violating the laws of health what needs to happen? The cancer needs to go into remission. The cancerous cells need to remit back to their precancerous healthy state. When this happens life continues without violating the laws of health. Likewise, without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin. Without the shedding of Christ’s blood sinfulness in mankind could not go into remission. Christ came to heal the race, to place us all back in harmony with God’s law of love!

But what if the child, who so early on disobeyed and who is dying from that terminal disease, now as an adult, refuses the bone marrow transplant, refuses the remedy which would put the cancer into remission? Would justice require the parent to then kill such an unruly, ungrateful child? Then why do so many insist that God must punish sin and sinners, even teaching that God punished His Son in the sinner’s place? Because of three basic misunderstandings:

Misunderstanding 1: God’s Law

God’s law is natural, not imposed. Misunderstanding occurs when people think of God’s law as imposed or as list of rules without inherent consequence externally enforced by God, then as the great law giver, God must act to inflict external penalties upon the breakers of the law in order to be just. Some argue that if God didn’t inflict penalties, then the law would be powerless and therefore useless. But this is a fatal error in understanding God’s law. God’s law is the design law for life. It is the law of love. It emanates from the character of God Himself and is the principle upon which all life is created to operate. It is not imposed or legislated.

For example, the law of gravity is a design law upon which nature is created to operate. If you jump off a building God doesn’t have to inflict a penalty, the penalty is inherent, that is, you will most likely die upon impact with the ground.  The laws of health are design laws upon which life is constructed to operate. If you decide to stop eating, drinking, or tie a plastic bag over your head you will violate the laws of nutrition, hydration, or respiration – these are natural laws. God will not have to inflict a penalty upon you. He doesn’t kill you for breaking those laws, the penalty is inherent.

Likewise the law of love is a natural law, the design protocol for life. It is the law of giving, beneficence, the outward flow of goodness to uplift others. All life is created by God to operate on this principle. Violations of this law naturally result in pain, suffering, and death. God doesn’t have to inflict punishment, the punishment is inherent. God has, in actuality, been using His power to hold at bay the consequences, the punishment of sin, giving mankind time to be reconciled back into harmony with Him and the law of love.

Misunderstanding 2: The Nature of Sin

Having misunderstood God’s law quite naturally results in misunderstandings about sin. Sadly, most people think sin is breaking God’s rules and when one breaks God’s rules, well, they get in trouble with the rule maker. The rule maker then has to impose penalties in order to be “just.” But all of this is in error. The truth is that “sin is lawlessness” (1John 3:4), that is, without law, less the law, living outside of the law, in this case the law of love, upon which life was designed to operate. And sin therefore naturally results in death (Romans 6:23, James 1:15). God does not have to inflict death upon people. The penalty is inherent in sin as sin severs one from the circle of life, the law of love which emanates from God.

Misunderstanding 3: The Purpose of the Cross

Having misunderstood the law of God, and thus misunderstood the nature and character of sin, naturally results in misunderstanding the purpose of the Cross. After all, if the law is a legislated list of rules and thus imposed upon God’s creation, and sin is breaking the rules of this law, and the problem with that is that we are in trouble with the One in charge and He has to inflict penalties in order to be just, then in such a situation what would be needed? In such a situation we need someone to pay our penalty to an offended God so His anger and wrath at sin will be assuaged (reduced, lessened, calmed). And thus some teach that God actually punished Jesus on the Cross as our substitute. But this is also a false conclusion based on false assumptions about God, His character, His Law, and the nature and character of sin.

In reality Christ came to be the remedy for sin, restoring mankind back into perfection and oneness with God.

What does the Bible say? What did God actually do to His Son?

“My God My God why have you forsaken me?” Jesus cried, not “why are you killing me, punishing me, executing me?”

“God was in the son reconciling the world to himself” 2Cor 5:19. It was God working to heal and save, not to punish, not to execute His Son.

The Bible even prophesied that mankind would misunderstand, that mankind would think God executed or punished His Son:

Isaiah 53:4: “Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.”

Notice, we considered or thought or misunderstood that God was the one striking Jesus. But it wasn’t God, the Bible prophesied such ideas would be our misunderstanding.

So, if God doesn’t actively inflict penalties, pain, suffering, and death upon the wicked, then what does God do to the wicked? What does God do to those who are infected with sin and refuse to allow God to heal them? We will answer these questions in next week’s blog.

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Testimony 9

I really enjoy with you the view of a gracious God. Thank you for sharing the work you are allowing the Lord to do in you.

L., Queensland, Australia

 

Testimony 68

Your message of design law vs imperial law is so uplifting and makes so much sense- it is a game changer for me. The fact that Jesus’s death is not a big payment by an angry God is , quite frankly, a relief.

Laura G., London, Ontario, Canada

 

Testimony 34

I was introduced to Come and Reason Ministries by accident, via a passing comment made in a bible study class we were visiting. I checked this website out and my life was changed. The understanding of the truth of God’s character, and how we apply it, is so right. The tricky part is consistently applying which “lens” to look through. As I began to understand, I started sharing the basics of this understanding with a discussion group I was leading and, suddenly, a lot of things started to make sense that never used to. At the same time, I enjoyed an amazing opportunity. I was able to conduct a full bible study at WORK! What an amazing experience! It is such a joy to share the truth about God and to share how it all fits in the war between God and Satan. So many people benefit when we have a correct understanding about how God works and who He really is! Thank you for this transformational understanding. Keep up the good work! God Bless you!

Tony P., CA, USA

 

Testimony 35

I am so pleased with the response your message is receiving at my church from the middle-aged to the young adults. I have given out 100 copies of the first two seminars and there are more request every week. One of my [class members] came to me after viewing the series, grateful and impressed with how easy the message was retained. He had been a Seventh-day Adventist in fear all his life, and felt like the scales were removed from his eyes after viewing the seminars. I am so impressed by the change I see in members who have received this message, we are in one accord. However, I am sadden by the negative response of the older people. I am verbally attacked anytime I talk about imposed laws, but I believe my mission is to enlightened everyone I can. I watch your Bible Study Class on YouTube every Friday night and I feel like I am apart of the class. All of you are in one accord and I am so blessed to have found you. I pray that all of you continue to spread this message and I am committed to doing my part.

Clara S., Westfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 33

I was invited over a friend’s house to see the “God and Your Brain” seminar today. I became [a christian] 36 years ago at the age of 19, but have struggled with the concept of God taking His ‘pound of flesh’ out on His Son to be appeased. Wow. Your seminar has been an incredible revelation and breath of reason and fresh air! I have your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” and it is SO eye opening. Finally, after 36 years enlightenment has come! Praise the Good Lord! What can I say, but that the Real Gospel is truly “Good News!” Thank you for your efforts in giving the Gospel a clear sound!

Paul C.,  Springfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 5

We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, USA

 

Testimony 56

I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Tammy Cinzio, Australia

 

Testimony 63

I’ve been very blessed by “The God Shaped Brain” and this ministry, through video and podcast, over the last few years. It’s truly opened up my eyes more to the truth about God and the importance of that truth in the present world. The message is so inviting, freeing and enlightening and MORE people need to know about it. I believe it is the last message that can truly, not only prepare a people for salvation and translation, but vindicate the character of God.

Michael V., Yonkers, NY, USA

 

Testimony 17

The blessings of clarity and understanding you and your class inspire me to take from the word of God have impressed upon me so greatly the true, loving character of our Creator. I have found amazing freedom and joy through building a stronger, more intentional relationship with Him. What is new is that this is now a relationship built on love, reverence and respect rather than fear and obligation, and as such my eyes have been slammed OPEN as I am continually impressed by the manifestations of God’s true character in His provisions for fallen man.

T.E.H., Salt Lake City, UT, USA

 

Testimony 55

I was born [into the church], then I left it for many years. 10 years ago, I came back, but I could not take the hypocrisy and the lack of answers to the missing pieces. I struggled, but I did not abandon my commitment to know the truth. God is leading me to the simple understanding of his relevance and I am relearning what the church taught me as a youth… that he loves me, that he has led me to a knowledge of him such as I have never known. He is using Dr. Jennings to connect the dots that are now so apparent and hiding in plain sight!

Dean P., Arlington, TX, USA

 

Testimony 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

Testimony 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA

Testimony 51

I Love This Ministry!!!!!!! I see first hand how this message is desperately needed, how erroneous beliefs about God and His Character negatively affect humanity at every level. I thank God for your ministry, as I was searching on my own and was discovering some of your same beliefs and was blown away when I found your ministry. I know you hear it all the time, but it is truly life changing. May God continue to reveal His Will to you and Bless you!

Eric S., Sanford, FL, USA

 

Testimony 36

Thank you and may God continue to bless you as you share with others the intricacies of how we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I must share that you have opened a whole new world to me, and I have found tremendous healing through what you have shared in two of your books, “Could It Be This Simple?” and “The God Shaped Brain.” I praise God for what you shared, what I have learned, and how I have grown and healed! My prayer is that My Precious Jesus will be seen by others in the way I live, act, talk, etc. and they may be encouraged to know He is truly a GREAT God of LOVE, desiring that no one should perish! God Bless you in your continued endeavors to present Him as He really is!

Joleen H. GA, USA

 

Testimony 39

[This ministry is the] biggest blessing I have ever received! Your DVDs and lessons could not have come at a better time in my life. I have experienced in the past year many difficulties that, if it wasn’t for this wonderful view of God that I have discovered through this ministry, I would not have been able to respond in love and forgiveness. My heart is being transformed everyday by the Calvary-looking God you teach. Hallelujah!! I have tears in my eyes as I write, because my life has taken a complete turn from where I was heading.

I am from Central America. Most of my family is scattered in different parts of the world and all have the same view of God that I had growing up; a distant, exacting, and ready-to-punish-us-with-tragedy type of God. So, I have been translating lessons for my family and, to my surprise, they have also been sharing them with others! I can already see the difference. My brother has often said, “Thank you for sharing, I have never heard it this way!” My other family members are taking an amazing turn from a message of “repent or burn” towards a loving God, pleading to us that we won’t reject him because he loves us eternally.

Bless you for all you do.

Sofia S., Ashfield, MA, USA