God's Love and Justice
Sabbath School Lesson 9
The Cosmic Conflict
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The idea that God does not always get what He desires is significant because it highlights the reality of human free will and the presence of sin in the world. God, in His sovereignty, allows people to make choices, even when those choices go against His perfect will. This has several theological and practical implications for how we understand the world.
Biblical Basis for God’s Unfulfilled Desires
God Desires All to Be Saved, But Not All Are Saved
1 Timothy 2:3-4 (ESV) – "This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) – "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
These passages show that God desires all people to be saved, but because of free will, many reject Him.
God’s Will Can Be Resisted
Matthew 23:37 (NKJV) – "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!"
Ezekiel 33:11 (NIV) – "Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’"
These verses show that God longs for people to repent, yet many resist His calling.
God Allows Human Free Will and Its Consequences
Deuteronomy 30:19 (ESV) – "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live."
Romans 1:24 (NIV) – "Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another."
These passages emphasize that God gives people choices and allows them to face the consequences of their decisions.
Practical Implications
God’s Unfulfilled Desires Do Not Mean He Is Weak
God’s will includes permitting human choices, even when they oppose His desires. His patience and love allow room for repentance rather than forcing obedience.
Human Responsibility Matters
Since God allows choices, we must take responsibility for our actions and their outcomes rather than blaming God for evil and suffering.
Prayer and Evangelism Are Crucial
Understanding that God desires all to be saved should encourage believers to actively share the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20) and pray for others (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
Hope in God’s Ultimate Plan
Even though God’s desires are not always fulfilled in the present, His ultimate plan will come to pass (Revelation 21:3-4), where He will establish a world where righteousness dwells.
The fact that God does not always get what He desires reveals His love, justice, and respect for human free will. It calls believers to action—praying, evangelizing, and making choices that align with God’s heart. Despite present rebellion and suffering, we can trust that God’s ultimate purposes will be fulfilled in His perfect time.
More: Sabbath School Lesson 8: Free Will, Love, and Divine Providence
John 16:33 (NIV): “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Life is full of challenges. We experience trials, heartaches, and difficulties that sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed. Jesus, in His final words to His disciples before going to the cross, did not promise a life free of trouble. Instead, He assured them—and us—that tribulations will come. However, He also gave us a message of hope: In Him, we can find peace.
The Reality of Tribulations
Jesus did not sugarcoat the truth. He clearly said, “In this world you will have trouble.” This means that as long as we live on this earth, difficulties are inevitable. Whether it be sickness, financial struggles, relationship challenges, or spiritual battles, no one is exempt from trials.
But here is the key: Jesus does not leave us in despair. He reminds us that even in the midst of our troubles, we can find peace in Him.
The Assurance of Peace
Jesus said, “In me, you may have peace.” Notice that this peace is not found in the absence of trouble but in Christ Himself. The world offers temporary solutions—distractions, material comfort, or even denial—but true peace can only come from Jesus.
His peace is a supernatural peace. It is the same peace that calmed the storm when His disciples were afraid (Mark 4:39). It is the peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
The Victory of Christ
Jesus concludes with a powerful declaration: “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” These words remind us that no matter how great our struggles are, Jesus has already won the ultimate victory.
He conquered sin and death through His sacrifice on the cross.
He rose from the grave, proving that nothing—not even death—can separate us from His love.
He reigns as the victorious King, and one day, He will wipe away every tear and make all things new (Revelation 21:4-5).
How do we live in this peace despite our trials?
Trust in Christ daily. Lean on His promises and know that He is in control.
Pray and seek His presence. When anxiety arises, turn to Him in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7).
Hold onto His Word. Meditate on Scripture and let it strengthen your faith.
Encourage others. Remind those around you of the victory we have in Jesus.
Keep the Faith
Yes, troubles will come, but we do not face them alone. Jesus has already overcome the world, and in Him, we can find unshakable peace. So, no matter what you are going through today, take heart! Jesus has already won the victory.
More: Sabbath School Lesson 8: Free Will, Love, and Divine Providence
"9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ
10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will."
What Does This Passage Say About Predestination?
This passage speaks about God's sovereign plan, which was established before time, to unite all things in Christ. Verse 11 mentions "predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will," which indicates that God has a predetermined plan for salvation. However, the focus is on God’s plan to bring people into His inheritance through Christ rather than predetermining the eternal fate of each individual.
Are Some People Predestined to Be Saved and Others to Be Lost?
The passage does not explicitly say that some are chosen for salvation while others are chosen for condemnation. Instead, it emphasizes God’s purpose in Christ—bringing unity and redemption to humanity. The Bible consistently teaches that salvation is available to all who accept Christ (John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:9), suggesting that predestination in this context refers to God's overarching plan rather than an arbitrary selection of individuals for salvation or damnation.
What Do Adventists Believe About Predestination?
Seventh-day Adventists reject the Calvinist doctrine of predestination, which teaches that God has predetermined who will be saved and who will be lost. Instead, Adventists believe:
- God desires all to be saved (1 Timothy 2:3–4, 2 Peter 3:9).
- Salvation is by grace through faith and requires human response (Ephesians 2:8–9).
- Predestination refers to God’s plan in Christ—those who accept Him are part of the "predestined" group, meaning God has foreordained salvation for all who choose Christ.
- Human free will is essential—people can choose to accept or reject God's offer of salvation.
Ephesians 1:9–11 teaches that God has a divine plan for salvation through Christ, but it does not imply that individuals are arbitrarily chosen for salvation or condemnation. Adventists believe in free will and that predestination refers to God’s purpose to save all who willingly accept Christ.
More: Sabbath School Lesson 8: Free Will, Love, and Divine Providence
Free Will in Matthew 22:37 and Deuteronomy 6:4-5
- Matthew 22:37 (ESV): “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”
- Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (ESV): “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”
Both of these passages emphasize the command to love God fully and completely. Love, by its very nature, must be given freely—it cannot be coerced or forced. These verses suggest that humans have the capacity to choose to love God with their whole being, reinforcing the reality of free will. If love were not a choice, then such a command would be meaningless.
God’s Nature and the Certainty of His Promises (Hebrews 6:17-18, Titus 1:2)
- Hebrews 6:17-18 (ESV): “So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.”
- Titus 1:2 (ESV): “In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.”
These verses highlight that God's nature is unchanging and truthful—He cannot lie, and His promises are certain. This ties into the concept of free will because:
God’s promises are trustworthy, meaning that the free will He grants us is real, not an illusion. If God asks us to love Him, it is because we genuinely have the ability to choose whether or not to do so.
God does not manipulate or deceive—if He calls people to follow Him, it is because they are truly free to accept or reject Him.
The consistency of God's character assures us that He will always honor the freedom He has given, never forcing obedience but desiring genuine love and devotion.
Matthew 22:37 and Deuteronomy 6:4-5 affirm human free will in the command to love God wholeheartedly. Hebrews 6:17-18 and Titus 1:2 reinforce that God, who cannot lie, has granted this freedom genuinely and does not revoke it. Together, these passages show that God desires true, willing love from His people while remaining faithful and unchanging in His nature.
More: Sabbath School Lesson 8: Free Will, Love, and Divine Providence
The term Pantokrator is one of the most profound titles for God, used extensively in Christian theology and biblical studies. The Greek word Παντοκράτωρ (Pantokrator) translates to "Almighty" or "All-Powerful" and is used in the Bible to describe God’s supreme sovereignty and omnipotence. This title reveals the majesty, authority, and power of God over all creation, history, and the affairs of humanity.
Pantokrator in the Bible
The title Pantokrator appears multiple times in the Greek Septuagint (LXX) and the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Revelation. It is often used to translate the Hebrew term El Shaddai, meaning "God Almighty." Throughout Scripture, this title reinforces God's absolute dominion and power.
Pantokrator in the Old Testament
Though the specific Greek word "Pantokrator" is a New Testament term, its Hebrew equivalent appears frequently in the Old Testament. Some of the key passages include:
Jeremiah 32:17 – "Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You."
Job 42:2 – "I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You."
These verses emphasize God's omnipotence in creation and His ability to accomplish anything according to His divine will.
Pantokrator in the New Testament
The title Pantokrator is particularly emphasized in the Book of Revelation, where God's absolute rule is a central theme. Some notable passages include:
Revelation 1:8 – "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty (Pantokrator)."
Revelation 19:6 – "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent (Pantokrator) reigns!"
In these passages, God’s power is portrayed in His eternal nature, sovereignty, and ultimate victory over evil.
Theological Significance of Pantokrator
God's Supreme Sovereignty
As the Pantokrator, God is in full control over all creation, time, and history. His rule is unchallenged, and nothing happens outside of His divine will. This truth provides comfort for believers, knowing that even in chaotic times, God is still reigning.
God’s Omnipotence in Salvation
The power of God is not only seen in creation but also in redemption. Jesus Christ, being fully God, shares in this divine power. As Hebrews 1:3 states:
"Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power..."
This means that Christ, as the Pantokrator, is the sustainer of all things, including the salvation of His people.
Victory Over Evil and the Final Judgment
The Book of Revelation uses Pantokrator to emphasize that God will triumph over all evil. Revelation 11:17 declares:
"We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty (Pantokrator), The One who is and who was and who is to come, because You have taken Your great power and reigned."
This shows that no force in heaven or on earth can stand against God’s rule.
Pantokrator in Christian Art and Worship
The image of Christ Pantokrator is one of the most iconic depictions in Christian art, especially in Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine traditions. It portrays Christ as the sovereign ruler, often holding the Gospels in one hand and blessing with the other. This artistic representation reinforces the biblical teaching that Christ is both Judge and Savior, holding all power and authority.
The title Pantokrator is a powerful declaration of God’s absolute authority and omnipotence. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture affirms that God alone is sovereign, ruling over creation, history, and eternity. As believers, we find assurance in knowing that the Almighty God—our Pantokrator—is in control and will ultimately bring His divine plan to completion.
To Him be all glory, honor, and power forever! Amen.
More: Sabbath School Lesson 8: Free Will, Love, and Divine Providence
A theology that attributes everything that happens to God's direct will—including both good and evil—creates significant theological and philosophical problems.
The Problem of Evil and Divine Goodness
- If God directly wills all events, including acts of evil, suffering, and injustice, then it becomes difficult to reconcile God's goodness with the existence of such evils.
- This theology risks making God the author of evil, contradicting scriptural affirmations of His holiness (Habakkuk 1:13, James 1:13).
Moral Responsibility and Human Free Will
- If everything happens according to God's direct will, then human choices—including sinful ones—would not be truly free but rather divinely predetermined.
- This would undermine moral accountability, as people would not genuinely be responsible for their actions.
- The Bible frequently calls individuals to repent and act righteously, which presupposes real human choice (Deuteronomy 30:19, Joshua 24:15).
The Meaning of Prayer and Effort
- If all events are directly willed by God in an absolute sense, then prayer, effort, and moral striving might seem meaningless.
- Why pray for healing, justice, or transformation if everything—including suffering and injustice—is exactly as God wills it?
- This could lead to fatalism rather than faith.
Justice and Divine Judgment
- If God directly wills everything, then divine punishment of sin becomes perplexing. How can God judge people for doing what He directly willed them to do?
- A theology that makes God the cause of sin raises serious ethical concerns about divine justice and fairness.
The Nature of Love and Relationship
- Love requires freedom. If God's will is the only determining factor in all human actions, then love toward God (or from God) is not truly relational but mechanistic.
- This could diminish the meaning of a loving relationship between God and humanity.
This allows for a God who is sovereign yet does not directly will evil, preserving both divine justice and human responsibility.
More: Sabbath School Lesson 8: Free Will, Love, and Divine Providence
