5 Hard Questions

The following 5 questions are the ones that I have had the most difficulty with in life.  Several were questions that I had before I came to faith, some are things I still struggle with.

I didn't get near satisfactory answers to these until I came to the Reformed understanding of biblical truth.  I have attempted to provide the answers as I have now grasped them, in the case that my thoughts might help you or spark new thoughts.

1)  Who made God?

"Noone.  Its a category error.  You can't classify an eternal and timeless being in the same terms with the temporal state that he has created.  God is outside time, thus there was noone or nothing 'before' him."

2)  How did people before Jesus get saved?

"By grace thru faith in Jesus, just like us.  God elected them and they subsequently exhibited faith.  We both  have the same object as our faith - the promise of God to redeem his people. The difference is that we (of the post New-Testament era) have seen that promise in the flesh as Jesus.  Those in the B.C. world looked forward to the incarnation, but they still had faith in God's promise."

3)  What about people who never hear of Jesus?

"They will sadly perish in their sins, as we all deserve.  God doesn't save everyone - if he did so, his justice would be eclipsed by his love and both must be displayed.  If one never heard of Jesus they cannot be saved.  We should be affected by this news to take up the banner of the Great Commission and bring the good news to all people."

4)  Why does God allow horrific crimes to occur?

"Well...this one is hard.  We do know that he has subjected the world to this fallen state, but he has done so in hope.  We also know that he works the evil acts of men for ultimate good.  These things tell us that he has a plan and its the best plan to show his glory and draw his elect to himself.  Not very satisfying in the midst of great loss perhaps, but true and worth holding firm to."

5)  How can I be sure that I am saved?

"You intellectually believe biblical truths, your actions begin to look more and more like those of Jesus, the ultimate joy of your heart becomes glorifying Christ, others observing you confirm your redemption, and an inward testimony of the Holy Spirit brings you peace."