The Evangelical Universalist Forum

God as artist

Evangelical Universalism Arguments for Evangelical Universalism
#1

A random thought. Yes, we are created beings, but what makes us think God has finished his creative work? Sure, he’s had a busy week, and he’s resting on the Sabbath, but he’ll be back in his studio come Monday.

God’s an artist who’s begun his great work, stands back and says it’s good, but is perfectly aware it’s far from finished. In fact, a critic visiting his studio might conclude his great painting is nothing but an evil mess, and say rude things about the artist’s ability, intention and moral character. But the work has only just begun, and the mess is a necessary, but temporary, stage in the creative process. Hence the problem of evil is no problem at all, so long as all the messy elements end up being transformed into something beautiful and harmonious. Basically, evil is the state of things that necessarily exists between the painting’s beginning and the painting’s end.

The resurrected Son (who said “It is finished”) shows the critics what all things will be like when the Father has finished.

#2

Jesus says, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” :sunglasses:

I like that, Allan.

Sonia

#3

If I understand the older Jewish idea correctly, we’re actually still in Day 6 (so to speak), Day 7 being the Day of the Lord to come when He rests from finishing His creation.

On this account, quite a lot happens in creation before Day 1! – which starts at sunset in the Genesis 1 account of creation (thus starting, or reflecting, the unusual tradition of the Jews reckoning their new days at sunset instead of at midnight or at sunrise.)

#4

Things get a deal messier for God because the pinnacle of his creation are self-creating creatures with a mind of their own. For most artists, the paint more or less stays where the brush puts it. In God’s case, the paint (us) goes wherever it jolly-well pleases, which makes things tricky for the struggling artist…

#5

It’s more like the art of computer programming, you make it as good as you can, but you don’t know what the users will do with it or how they will break it, but you try to do something really beautiful.

#6

If you are not warning sinners about hell and preaching the gospel you are just waisting HIS time.

“Why do these people call me Lord and don’t do what I say? Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. The harvest is ripe but the laborers are few” - Jesus

“Go! and warn people so they do not come here. I am tormented in this flame” - Luke 16

“For a Christian to know hell exists and to remain silent is criminal!” - A.W. Pink

#7

I agree. Hell is very real, and is to avoided at all costs. The good news is that God is both willing and able to save you from death and hell.

Think about that. We’re not saved from life on earth. We’re saved from death in hell. God has both the power and the desire to raise you from the dead and rescue you from the place of the dead. He wants to do this amazing thing, and he will. He will not see his creation in ruins. He will not give his glory to another. The resurrection of Jesus is our proof. This is why He descended into hell, to blast open the doors of death and set the prisoners free. This is the good news we are commanded to preach to all people. Change your mind about God and trust him. He is not a monster. He is good. He would rather die than lose us.

Abraham tells the rich man it is impossible to escape the flames. Jesus tells his disciples that with God nothing is impossible. Who do you choose to believe? Will you cling to the bad news of Abraham, or the good news of Jesus?

#8

Just noticed your sig. line.

I think it worthwhile to remind you of what Jesus actually said:

“But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Tell me. Why can you hear when Jesus says, “Fear him”, but deaf when Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid.”

God has the authority to throw you, body and soul, into hell. Indeed he has that authority. But he loves you. He knows the very hairs on your head. Do you really think he will toss you alive into the mincer, or scrape you off his boot like dog shit? STOP being afraid. God is good. Learn to love and trust him, because perfect love casts out all fear.