Everything about God and the Christian faith.
Biblical Faith
Errors about God Page 1
7 - "GOD is in everything (humans, animals, plants, etc.)"
The truth is:
The idea that GOD is present in everything that exists is a thoroughly pagan concept that bears no relation to reality. This philosophical worldview is known as "pantheism" (from the Greek: pan = all + theos = God). The term originated in the early 18th century, although the roots of pantheism go back much further. Pantheists believe that the universe—or nature—is divine. The concept of a "divine world-soul" or "divine reason" (Greek: logos) pervading all things already existed during the era of Greek Hellenism. While pantheism itself is not a religion, there are various religions worldwide that are pantheistic in nature; these include Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, and Neo-Paganism. Whereas pantheism holds that everything is divine, the Bible draws a clear distinction between GOD—the Creator of all things—and His creation ( Numbers 23,19 / Hosea 11,9 ). Unlike in pantheism, GOD is transcendent; that is, He exists independently of all created things. In this sense, GOD is the only Being who is infinite, divine, and holy in the absolute sense, even though He can bestow immortality upon His creatures ( Deuteronomy 32,40 / Job 36,26 / Psalm 90,2 / Psalm 102,26 f. / Isaiah 40,28 / Habakkuk 1,12 / 1st Timothy 6,16 / Revelation 1,8 ). While in pantheism GOD is understood as a driving, impersonal force or essence, in the Bible GOD reveals Himself as a living and personal counterpart capable of thought, speech, and emotion—as well as a Father who loves us, cares for us, and seeks fellowship with us ( Psalm 34,19 / Jeremiah 31,3 / Matthew 6,25-34 / John 3,16 / Romans 8,38 f. / James 4,8 / 1st Peter 5,7 / 1st John 3,1 ). In this respect, pantheism is thoroughly pagan and thus in no way compatible with the Christian faith.
________________________________
8 - "GOD does nothing about the suffering in the world"
The truth is:
Suffering—including war, violence, injustice, poverty, and disease—is the direct result of humanity's rebellion against GOD and His commandments. The instigator of this rebellion is Satan, the Devil ( Genesis 3,1-24 / Revelation 12,9 ). The Bible testifies that GOD originally created the earth as a paradise free from suffering and death ( Genesis 1,31 / Ecclesiastes 3,11 ). All the evil and wickedness that plagues humanity to this day entered the world only through the Fall of Man ( Genesis 6,5-13 / Romans 1,18-31 ). Cain’s murder of his brother Abel is the first act of violence recorded in the Bible ( Genesis 4,1-16 ). Since then, war and violence have shaped the course of human history. The causes are primarily hatred, envy, and resentment, as well as greed for money, power, control, and resources. Despite numerous efforts to achieve peace, the bloodshed on earth continues unabated. GOD’s goal is to deliver the world from suffering and death. The prerequisite for this is that we accept GOD’s commandments and submit to His rule ( Ecclesiastes 12,13 f. ). Only then will humanity’s longing for a peaceful and just world be fulfilled. Because GOD is just and cares for the well-being of all people, He repeatedly intervenes to punish those who do evil and sow discord. Conversely, GOD rewards those who live righteously and strive for peace ( Psalm 5,13 / Psalm 34,12-15 / Proverbs 10,6 / Matthew 5,9 / Acts 10,35 / Romans 2,6-11 ). If GOD were to take no action and instead leave humanity to its own devices, the state of this world would be far worse than it currently is. We should view the fact that GOD allows suffering as a wake-up call to turn back to Him ( Isaiah 30,15 / Isaiah 55,6 f. / Ezekiel 33,11 / Mark 1,15 ). GOD wants us to realize that we need Him and that we are lost without Him. GOD is full of compassion and draws near to us even in pain; He suffers alongside people when they endure suffering through no fault of their own. At the same time, GOD promises His children protection and support in times of distress ( Psalm 34,20 / Nahum 1,7 / 2nd Corinthians 1,3 f. / 1st Peter 5,10 ). Moreover, suffering can serve to strengthen our faith, teaching us to trust not in ourselves but in GOD—knowing that He always directs all things for the best. This holds true in times of prosperity and times of suffering alike. GOD-fearing people have long faced persecution for their faith. Yet Jesus promises a great reward awaiting them ( Matthew 5,10-12 / Acts 14,22 / 2nd Corinthians 11,23-33 / Philippians 1,29 / 2nd Timothy 3,12 ). Furthermore, Jesus declares that His power is made perfect in weakness. The early apostles and many other Christians, constantly exposed to suffering and persecution, personally experienced this supernatural power bestowed by faith in Jesus ( Romans 5,3 f. / 2nd Corinthians 12,9 f. / Philippians 4,11-13 ). Even today, Christians accomplish great deeds through faith—deeds beyond the comprehension of ordinary people. While the present world and all its evil will pass away, GOD promises a future in a new world—free from tears and death—to all who live in reverence of Him. In doing so, GOD grants humanity hope and profound comfort ( Jeremiah 29,11 / Luke 21,33 / John 3,16 / John 11,25 / Romans 8,18 / 2nd Corinthians4,17 / 2. Thessalonians 2,16 / 2nd Peter 3,13 / Revelation 21,1-7 ).
________________________________
9 - "GOD is an angry and punishing GOD"
The truth is:
GOD is gracious and merciful, patient and full of goodness ( Exodus 34,6 / Psalm 103,8 f. / Psalm 145,8 ). Moreover, GOD is love itself ( 1st John 4,16 ). Yet, many people hold a distorted view of GOD. This stems partly from negative personal experiences—such as illness, an accident, abuse, the loss of a loved one, or simply bad luck in life. On the other hand, a false image of GOD can also arise from misunderstood biblical passages—such as those describing war and destruction, or killings, genocides, and acts of plunder commanded by GOD. This is one reason why people mistakenly believe GOD to be evil or cruel. In truth, GOD’s intentions are entirely peaceful ( Jeremiah 29,11 ). GOD loves us humans and desires our well-being and a secure life on earth ( Deuteronomy 5,29 / Deuteronomy 6,3 ). To this end, GOD gives us His commandments, which apply equally to all people ( Ecclesiastes 12,13 f. ). When we do things that displease GOD, He punishes them sooner or later; for GOD is just and does not tolerate injustice ( Psalm 140,12 / Isaiah 1,24 / Isaiah 63,4 / Jeremiah 15,15 / Jeremiah 20,12 / Luke 21,22-24 / Offenbarung 6,10 / Offenbarung 18,1-23 ). In doing so, GOD never acts arbitrarily; rather, He punishes evil to restore justice ( Deuteronomy / Psalm 94,1 / Isaiah 35,4 / Isaiah 59,17 / Jeremiah 51,6 / Hebrews 10,30 ). Fundamentally, however, GOD takes no pleasure in punishing anyone. That is why GOD shows great patience with us humans by holding back His wrath and instead calling us to turn away from our wrong paths ( Ezekiel 33,11 / Acts 17,30 ). If we heed His call, GOD can forgive us and grant us eternal life. If we refuse to turn to GOD, we remain under His wrath ( John 3,36 ). The goal of our life is to know GOD, our Father in heaven, and to be reconciled with Him ( John 17,3 / 2nd Corinthians 5,20 f. ). Once this goal is reached, GOD can transform our lives for the better. Even unpleasant circumstances—such as suffering or illness—can lead us to GOD. If we live without GOD, everything we do is in vain. Sometimes people feel punished by GOD when things do not go according to their wishes or expectations. In reality, however, GOD guides our lives in the way that is best for us; for He knows us better than we know ourselves and understands exactly what each of us needs. Even when there are things we do not understand, we can place our firm trust in GOD and rely completely on His guidance. GOD disciplines us so that we may learn to live as He desires ( 1st Corinthians 11,31 f. / Hebrews 12,6-10 ). While GOD rewards trust and obedience, He also allows us to experience consequences when we are arrogant and disregard His will. In this way, GOD steers our lives in the right direction and helps us overcome sinful behaviors that harm both ourselves and others. Although we may not always find GOD’s discipline pleasant, the result is peace and the bearing of good fruit in our lives ( Hebrews 12,11 ). The Bible urges us not to resist GOD’s discipline but to submit trustingly to His will. When we do so, GOD takes pleasure in us and can bless us ( Job 5,17 / Proverbs 3,11 f. ). Thus, we come to understand GOD and His wonderful plan for our lives ever more deeply. This strengthens our faith and causes our love for our heavenly Father to grow ever stronger. GOD’s goal is for us to live in complete unity with our heavenly Father—just as Jesus, the Son of GOD, demonstrated ( John 10,30 / John 17,21 ).
The primary reason GOD commanded the extermination of peoples and nations in the Old Testament is idolatry—that is, the worship of created beings or things instead of GOD, which constitutes a direct violation of the first and second commandments of the Bible. In ancient times, idolatry was associated with bowing down before man-made images of gods or statues. Furthermore, idolatry was often linked to occult practices such as sorcery or divination, as well as abhorrent rituals, such as the burning of children ( Jeremiah 19,3-5 ). The Apostle Paul explains that behind pagan cults involving sacrifices to idols lie none other than Satan—the Devil—and his demons (= fallen angels), who seduce people into worshipping them ( 1st Corinthians 10,14-22 ). Holy Scripture issues stern warnings against every form of idolatry ( Exodus 20,3 / Leviticus 19,4 / Leviticus 26, 1 / 1st Corinthians 10,7 + 14 / 1st John 5,21 ). GOD declares that He will not give His glory to another ( Isaiah 42,8 ). After all, He is the Creator of the universe and the One to whom we owe our lives and every good thing we enjoy in life. For this reason, He alone—and no one else—deserves our worship. Whoever worships other "gods" shows contempt for the true GOD and robs Him of His glory. Consequently, Holy Scripture attaches severe punishments and curses to idolatry—curses that can extend to the fourth generation ( Exodus 20,4-6 ). Because the pagan nations had profaned the holy name of GOD through their idolatry, GOD commanded Israel—His chosen people—to fight against them, take possession of their land, and execute the ban upon them; that is, to put both people and livestock to death. In this way, GOD intended to eradicate every trace of pagan worship. Furthermore, the Israelites were to be protected from being tempted to worship false "gods" and thereby incurring GOD's wrath themselves. Although some may perceive this as cruel, it serves to illustrate to us just how deeply GOD detests the worship of false "gods" In the New Testament, the understanding of this concept is broadened to include greed or covetousness as a form of idolatry ( Ephesians 5,5 / Colossians 3,5 ). Ultimately, anything that takes the place of GOD in our lives can become an idol; for example, money, power, material possessions, people, etc. ( Matthäus 6,24 / Philipper 3,19 ). Disobedience to GOD is also considered idolatry, since it places one's own will above GOD ( 1st Samuel 15,22 f. ). GOD wants us to love Him with an undivided heart and serve Him alone. Only then can we receive His blessing. The Bible warns that anyone who practices idolatry will be excluded from GOD's kingdom and condemned for all eternity ( 1st Corinthians 6,9 f. / Revelation 21,8 / Revelation 22,15 ). For this reason, all people are called to turn from false "gods" to the living GOD. For before Him every person will one day stand ( Amos 4,12 / Acts 14,13-17 / Acts 17,30 f. / 1st Thessalonians 1,9 / Revelation 20,11-15 )
________________________________
10 - "It doesn't matter to GOD how I live"
The truth is:
GOD created us humans to serve Him and to live in accordance with His will ( Isaiah 43,7 / Ephesians 2,10 ). When we transgress GOD’s commandments, we miss this goal. GOD calls this sin. Sin and disobedience signify rebellion against GOD. This is the root cause of all suffering in the world. Sin separates us humans from GOD and, according to GOD’s law, results in death ( Isaiah 59,2 / Romans 6,23 ). GOD gives us His commandments so that we may live by them ( Ecclesiastes 12,13 f. ). This includes worshipping nothing and no one other than GOD, not making images to represent GOD, not dishonoring or misusing GOD’s name, not killing, not stealing, remaining faithful to one’s partner for a lifetime, not bearing false witness, honoring father and mother, and treating every person the way one would wish to be treated oneself ( Isaiah 59,2 ). GOD is the source of truth and all wisdom ( Proverbs 2,6 ). All the commandments and ordinances GOD gives us are perfect, just, and good, serving the well-being and peace of all people ( Psalm 19,8-12 / Romans 7,12 ). GOD expects us to keep His commandments so that we may fare well; for as our Creator, He alone has the right to decide how we humans ought to live. The Bible makes it clear that all people have violated GOD’s commandments and therefore stand under the curse of death ( Romans 3,23 / Romans 5,12-14 ). That is why GOD sent us His sinless Son, to liberate humanity from the bondage of sin and lead us into a new life that aligns with our divine destiny ( John 8,31-36 / Romans 6,6 f. ). By sacrificing His own life, Jesus atoned for humanity’s guilt and conquered death. Now, everyone who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness for their sins and eternal life in the coming Kingdom of GOD ( John 3,16 / James 2,5 / 1st John 5,11 ). A person’s conversion marks the beginning of a completely new life in fellowship with GOD ( 2nd Corinthians 5,17 / Galatians 6,15 / Ephesians 4,22-24 / Colossians 3,9 ). Those who love GOD will always strive to please Him. When we obey GOD and keep His commandments, we receive His blessing and can live in peace with our heavenly Father ( Matthew 7,21 / Romans 12,1 f. / 1st John 3,22 ). However, whoever refuses to accept GOD’s salvation and change their life headS for perdition ( John 3,17 f. + 36 ).
________________________________
11 - "GOD made me the way I am"
The truth is:
The Bible teaches that GOD created man in His own image ( Genesis 1,27 ). This means that man is meant to reflect GOD’s love and purity in his thoughts and actions. However, sin has corrupted human nature and made man a slave to his desires ( John 8,34 ). Consequently, man lost the innocence and purity he once possessed, and he no longer corresponds to the image of his Creator ( Romans 3,23 ). Over time, man drifted further and further away from GOD, eventually losing all connection to his Creator. Since most people do not know GOD, their thoughts and ways often fail to align with their Creator’s intentions. Human conscience has also become increasingly dulled over time, leading us to view as normal things that are sinful in GOD’s eyes ( Romans 1,18-32 ). For this reason, GOD gave us the Bible as a guide for our lives. The Bible is GOD’s Word, through which He reveals who He is and what His plan for our lives entails. It helps us understand GOD’s will and distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong. At the same time, GOD’s Word makes it clear that we all fall short of GOD’s righteousness and that there is only one person who meets GOD’s holy standard. That person is Jesus Christ. GOD gave Him to us as a model so that we might follow His example and become like Him. The New Testament describes Jesus as the image of GOD because He embodies what man was meant to be according to GOD’s plan of creation ( Colossians 1,15 ). Jesus lived in perfect unity with GOD ( John 10,30 ). Through Jesus, GOD’s Kingdom—where love, truth, and justice reign—became visible to all people. GOD grants His Holy Spirit to those who believe in Jesus ( Ephesians 1,13 ). GOD’s Spirit brings about a complete transformation of our hearts. He helps us overcome old, sinful habits and empowers us to live a new life that reflects GOD’s holiness and the example of Jesus ( Romans 6,11 / 2nd Corinthians 7,1 / 1st Peter 1,14-16 ).
________________________________
12 - "You cannot prove the existence of GOD"
The truth is:
It is indeed possible to prove GOD’s existence—both directly and indirectly. The crucial factor is what we accept as proof. 1. The fact that GOD is invisible does not prove that He does not exist. 2. The Bible states that GOD can be recognized through His works ( Römer 1,20 ). A look at the immense scale, breathtaking beauty, perfect order, and staggering complexity of the universe and the natural world reveals GOD’s greatness and glory to us. If we reflect on this with an open mind, we can only conclude that this must be the work of a brilliant and all-powerful Creator. 3. Since GOD is alive, every person has the opportunity to get to know Him personally and become convinced of His existence. GOD calls upon all people to seek Him. He will reveal Himself to anyone who sincerely seeks Him, causing all doubts and prejudices to vanish. Faith is not a figment of the imagination or a mere theory; it is a firm and unshakable certainty that GOD exists, that He is good, and that He will fulfill everything He has promised us in the Bible—even if there are things we cannot yet see ( 2. Korinther 5,7 / Hebräer 11,1 / 1. Petrus 1,8 f. ). Faith has nothing to do with "positive thinking" or a person's particular spiritual state. Faith is neither a feeling nor a capability possessed only by certain people. Faith is the decision to trust GOD and to serve Him. In this sense, every person is capable of having faith. The word faith describes a personal relationship with GOD. The Hebrew word emuna and the Greek word pistis express reliability, steadfastness, and faithfulness. Faith in GOD is more than just an inner conviction; it is a tangible reality. Although GOD is invisible, we can perceive His constant presence around us—in the way GOD guides our lives, blesses and rewards people, influences circumstances and resolves seemingly unsolvable problems, answers prayers and brings about miracles, helps and cares for our well-being, and much more ( Matthew 8,5-13 / Matthew 17,20 / Matthew 21,22 / Mark 9,23 / Mark 10,51 f. ). All it takes to know GOD is an open and humble heart. Those who are connected to GOD can experience GOD’s love and goodness anew each day. In this way, we can be as close to GOD as if we were seeing Him. This personal experience brings faith to life and is the best proof that GOD truly exists.