(September 2, 2011 at 9:10 am)salty Wrote: As we know, this whole argument comes down to belief as I feel all the major events in my life point to God and you believe it points to chance.

When I think about it, if I was God, I wouldn't just show up right in front of someone, in person, because my power and presence would simply force them to believe in me. They would have undeniable proof and then they would lean on me showing up in person everytime they have a question or they're going through something. They would "feel" like they weren't connected to me unless they could see me in all my splendor, therfore their faith would be based on sight, which is hardly faith at all...They would then probably create their own notion of what it means to be "saved" by running around and asking everyone, "Have you SEEN God? No..no...I mean have you SEEN him in person?" and then people would think I was showing favoritism by appearing to some in person and not appearing to others. Then my people would be scattered with all these crazy notions of what it means to know me and the lost who can be easily overcome would fall in line and pray night and day to SEE me, just to PROOVE they are mine, instead of praying to learn how to please me by helping and loving others.

Amazing, these things happen even without God appearing in person, people are confused, they're burned, they're lost, they're hurt, they're angry, they're scared, they're hated, they're depressed and they all want to demand answers from a higher power, a power that is all knowing, fully holy and loving and compassionate. They're shaking their fists at him, even begging him to present himself to succumb to their desires of proof because if he LOVED them he would do whatever they wanted. These people have no notion of humilty or understanding. They are asking a completely holy God to bow to their whims, instead of taking a moment to think, "God is so above me, so powerful and pure, I'm not worthy of knowing him, but I hope one day he will see me as worthy." When people humble themselves like this, and feel that it would be an honor to know and be around a God of love and power, then he comes bursting into their lives, showing up in every situation, making himself known because the humble are always exalted. It's the proud that miss the point.

If I was God. I would not appear in person, I may send angels here and there, but I would want my people to have faith in me without knowing for sure by touch, taste, sight, scent or sound that I am real. Instead I would place myself in their lives and let them discover how I have been there the whole time and will continue to be there, and to live within them. If I was God, I would let those who have ears, hear me when I speak, and those that have pride to be lost because they want me to lower myself to their human terms, but the universe was created on my holy terms.

The Kingdom of Heaven will only be filled with people who realize that everything was created on God's terms, that all things good and evil are laid bare before God. He knows of all the injustice that has happened and he will repay all evil to the evil and pardon all sinners who claim the righteousness of Jesus through faith. God is aware of what you feel you need to believe in him, but even moreso aware of the real excuses behind your lack of faith, it's usually the same sin that Lucifer struggled with: obedience.