Answers for tragedy and Judgment

What does God think of those who massacred thousands of people?
God will Himself judge every last person connected with this massacre. We must realize that even a sentence from our highest courts cannot bring satisfying justice. When one wrecklessly murders hundreds or thousands, is not his judgment more serious than the one who kills just one person? Of course. We could pass a death sentence. But God perfectly carries out His judgment in the eternal spheres. For this reason God declares that "Revenge is Mine." His sentence will be perfectly just.

"Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord." (Romans 12:19).

Is it wrong to want judgment upon these people?
No. Judgment is right and fair. The terrorists were persuaded by misguided movements, but still man is always responsible for their own acts and words. Those who destroy the life of others should have their own life taken. If they are caught, they should quickly be put to death. God has given the governments authority largely to bring protection. They should use it. However, we personally, need to pass our spirit of revenge over to God and let the government do its job. Any anger we carry will begin to greatly trouble our soul. We were not designed to hold evil in our hearts.

"Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil." (Romans 13:1-4).

Is there something better to do? Can we pray for the terrorists?
Sure! The evil one wants us to harden our hearts and not to pray for mercy and truth. The scriptures teach us to pray always. Pray without ceasing; (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Terrorists deserve judgment, but so do we all. We could pray for mercy and do a greater good for all. A recent email gives us this special perspective, (1)

What if Bin Laden were to become a Christian?

Outrageous? Not really. This is not a farfetched possibility. There is a biblical precedent for this: Saul of Tarsus was the Bin Laden of the First Century. Saul's mission was to hurt and destroy Christians. He terrorized them to the point that tens of thousands were forced to flee Jerusalem. And like Bin Laden he was also a religious fanatic with the backing of religious-political leaders.

The turning point came during Stephen's brutal murder. As he laid buried under stones that have shattered his bones, Stephen prayed for Saul and his accomplices, asking God to forgive them. This prayer must have pleased God because shortly afterwards Saul, the destroyer, became Paul the builder of the church. It can happen again because when sin abounds, grace is ready to overflow.

Let us pray for Bin Laden and the terrorists everyday. Like Paul, he deserves severe punishment. Like Stephen, let us extend extraordinary mercy to the one who has done so much harm.

Doesn't man just disappear after death?
Some people are not sure what happens after death. God Himself is very clear. Physical death is a sign of God's judgment upon them. Death is a door for eternal judgment. The degree and duration of pain will be worked out in eternity. What cannot be equally judged on earth or through the cross, will be in the eternal realm. God Himself brings judgment that is totally just. He has seen it all, even what is in our hearts.

"And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment", (Hebrews 9:27).

What happens after death?
God speaks clearly as to what happens after death. There is a resurrection of the wicked and righteous (that means everyone). On Judgment Day God will oversee this eternal judgment and sentencing . Some have already sealed their end with their suicidal death. This death is only part of the full judgment yet to come. They will be surprised on the other side of the curtain not to find reward for bravery but a heavy eternal sentence There are others, the sheep, who will by God's grace find forgiveness through Jesus Christ. (For more information on this click here).

Notes:
(1) Ed Silvosa leads Harvest Evangelism Ministries at www.harvestevan.org

ANSWERS FOR TRAGEDY