This chapter was a great reminder for me. So often when we talk about sin and the fall I get depressed because I feel like those things bog us down and make us miserable. But, what Plantinga said on page 49 hit me; "Human life is not the way it's supposed to be". This also fits in with the Longing and Hope chapter from earlier in the book. We as humans aren't meant for this earth, but for something much better. During our life time here we will never be fully satisfied because we have a thirst for something eternal: life with the Creator. It's such an encouragement to know that we won't have to suffer under sin and evil forever. Someday our chains will break and we will be set free!
Another interesting point made was the fact that, "... evil needs good in order to be evil". You don't usually picture evil and good going hand in hand but (at least in this world) you can't have one without the other. We as humans also have both qualities inside of ourselves. Aleksandor Solzhenitsyn puts it this way, "If only there were evil people somewhere, insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?". There is no way to vanquish sin (until to coming of our Lord). Many may blame the entrance of evil into the world on Adam and Eve when we probably would have all done the same thing. We as a human race have corrupted all the good things God has given us. But remember, He has/will redeem them for good. A verse of encouragement comes to mind:
"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". John 16:33
Gina, Thank you for your thoughts. WHen I first started reading this, I found that it was very depressing. How wonderful it is to know that we will not have to suffer in sin and evil forever. I enjoyed reading what you had to say because though it is true that we are sinners, Christ is in the process of redeeming us and soon make a new earth. May His Kingdom come!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post Gina. I can definitely relate to feeling depressed when learning about the Fall. But I agree that even though the world is not as it should be, we can look forward to an eternity of joy in Heaven, when all our longings will be fulfilled. Your closing verse, John 16:33, is one I found in my devotional the other day. I was struck by how I felt filled with hope and encouragement just by reading it. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGina, I am sorry. Above I meant that when I first started reading the chapter by Plantinga that the chapter itself was depressing, not your post. I am sorry for my miscommunication.
ReplyDeletehaha not a big deal.. I didn't read it like that anyway.
ReplyDeleteRedemption is such an amazing event! When I meditate on the state of the human race because of the fall, like you said, it can get depressing. But in stark contrast to that we have the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ to save His people. What an amazing reality!
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