God Is Absolute (Final Edition)
God is Absolute: He is infinitely definitive. This points to the greatest paradox of all; He is both infinite and finite. Infinite, because God is greater than the sum of infinity, again another paradox, one that is true, because there is nothing greater than God, and there is no circumstances in which there is God and something more. Finite, because as in any absolute there must be limitations, because if He is absolute, He can’t be something else, again another paradox and necessarily so. It’s important that both aspects of God, the infinite and finite taken together are paradoxical, because this describes a condition which cannot be, but is. Now, we see on closer examination, that when two elements in the same thought or sentence are contradictory yet true, this is when paradox becomes analogous. G.K. Chesterton said, “Paradox is the truth standing on its head to get attention.”
If we agree that God is absolute then consider this: by His word, He made what is. He said it would be and so it is. When Jesus proclaimed by His word, by His oath (as in Matthew 18: 15-20), He established a covenant definitive in its manifestation and infinite in its mercy. If this points to the truth, and I think it does, then what follows are limitations God places on Himself, by His manifestation in this distinctive reality which He created. Let’s consider several conditions: God cannot create a God greater than Himself, if He could, He wouldn’t be God. God cannot be evil; evil is the absence of God. God cannot sin. Jesus in His worldly realm did not sin. In His human condition He certainly chose not to sin. However, in His divine nature He could not sin. God does not punish. He can heal, He can cure, He can re-align, He can rehabilitate, He can discipline, and He can put us through therapy however none of this is punishment. God’s judgement is justice, not punishment. Our worldly father sent us to our room for what we did, our Heavenly Father sends us to our room for what we will become. God cannot lie. There are no circumstances, no contingencies in which God would misdirect or misinform us for our own good. God does not test us. The world tests us through events, circumstances, and sin, those sins we commit and those sins we have contracted. God does, however, reveal His faithfulness to us in our times of testing.
Perhaps most importantly, in the reality of this distinctive creation of His, is to understand, He is the author who gave each created character the freedom to write their own script. This binds each of us to a covenant relationship with the Triune God we call God. In the beginning, Adam and Eve had the choice to be obedient to God’s parameter, or write their own script. They put themselves ahead of God and made the wrong choice. I know God pleaded and prayed to them, spoke in the tender voice of a loving Father; please don’t do this, think what you are doing and realize the grave mistake you are making. They heard but weren’t really listening, they did it anyway. In the beginning, God spoke to Abraham, He pleaded and prayed to him, don’t take Hagar as your own, trust in My power and purpose. Abraham heard, but wasn’t really listening, he made the wrong choice and did it anyway. The Lord in His loving generosity gave us the power to create, the free will to choose to surrender to His loving embrace or write our own script. Jesus’ promise is to give us anything we wish as long as it is in accordance with His will. God’s prayers for us will never be stronger than our free will, His love is our gift, ours to receive and accept or write our own script.
Mercy, understanding and unconditional love demand honesty and sincerity. All of God’s commandments are possibilities. All of God’s promises are true. God is Absolute, He cannot be anything other than God. God did create a world where great tragedies both natural and manmade can and have occurred. Why He did this is another discussion, how He intervenes during these times is His decision for His purpose and plan.