The Eternal Purpose of creation !

[stovebolts]

SavedbyGrace,
Please explain...

How does God create evil?
Does God do evil deeds?
How does God create darkness?
Is God part of darkness?

I'll await your response.

 

[Mysteryman]

mystery:

This type of creation is based upon God "allowing" evil and darkness to exist.

Hog wash, God activily created evil and darkness isa 45:


7I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.

That which is "hogwash" to one , is truth and righteousness to another. Interesting isn't it ? Being on the opposite side of the fence ! But that can be resolved , but can not if one is not willing to change.

Either of us could be the one that needs to change. However , God is not evil, so he did not created something that he is not. He knows and understands all things. Hence, he knows/understands good and evil. Likewise, God is not darkness, he is all light and in him is no darkness. But , he knows/understands darkness. When he creates evil and darkness, he creates something that did not exist from within God. He created evil and darkness from within his understanding and knowledge of darkness and evil.

The make up of God is Love, Life, goodness, Light etc. < This hinges all things we call "righteousness"

Darkness and evil all hinge on what we call - Unrighteousness

God is a righteous judge, thus he can judge between that which is darkness and evil, and compare it to that which is light and good.

Love IN Christ - MM

 

[stovebolts]

Hi MM

While I do not agree with some of what you have written, we are close. I believe this may be helpful in what we do agree upon.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was without shape and empty, and darkness was over the surface of the watery deep, but the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the water. God said, “Let there be light.†And there was light! God saw that the light was good, so God separated the light from the darkness.

To clarify, light and darkness do not refer to the sun, moon or stars. That occurs on day four.

We see here then, that God creates the heavens and the earth. However, the earth was empty, and darkness covers the deep waters. You see, darkness and emptiness are the uncreated, not the created as scripture attests.
God goes on to create light and calls the light good, and then makes a distinction between light and darkness by separating the two and we see the separation of what is created, from the uncreated.

Now then, this is not saying that darkness does not exist, it is simply to say that darkness is the uncreated. Likewise, this does not mean that evil does not exist, it simply means that evil is uncreated.

When you bring a light into a dark place, the darkness is filled with light. When you remove the light, darkness remains. When you bring a light into a dark place, the darkness does not fill the light but rather, the light fills the darkness and creation moves forward as God continues to utter order where emptiness once was.

Likewise, evil is also uncreated, it is the absence of what is good and what is right. Evil, is empty and void of form and substance, for if you bring light into dark places, it is no longer dark for light fills the emptiness.

In terms of Isiaih 53:7, I am awaiting savedbygrace's response to the questions I've asked earlier.

 

[Mysteryman]

Hi MM

While I do not agree with some of what you have written, we are close. I believe this may be helpful in what we do agree upon.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was without shape and empty, and darkness was over the surface of the watery deep, but the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the water. God said, “Let there be light.†And there was light! God saw that the light was good, so God separated the light from the darkness.

To clarify, light and darkness do not refer to the sun, moon or stars. That occurs on day four.

We see here then, that God creates the heavens and the earth. However, the earth was empty, and darkness covers the deep waters. You see, darkness and emptiness are the uncreated, not the created as scripture attests.
God goes on to create light and calls the light good, and then makes a distinction between light and darkness by separating the two and we see the separation of what is created, from the uncreated.

Now then, this is not saying that darkness does not exist, it is simply to say that darkness is the uncreated. Likewise, this does not mean that evil does not exist, it simply means that evil is uncreated.

When you bring a light into a dark place, the darkness is filled with light. When you remove the light, darkness remains. When you bring a light into a dark place, the darkness does not fill the light but rather, the light fills the darkness and creation moves forward as God continues to utter order where emptiness once was.

Likewise, evil is also uncreated, it is the absence of what is good and what is right. Evil, is empty and void of form and substance, for if you bring light into dark places, it is no longer dark for light fills the emptiness.

In terms of Isiaih 53:7, I am awaiting savedbygrace's response to the questions I've asked earlier.

Well , that is one way of looking at it I suppose.

But I prefer that because God is all light and in him is no darkness, and that because God is a God of life, not emptyness. That when God created the heavens and the earth, they both had light and life.

Then the question arises, what "caused" the earth to become without form and void of life ?

In Rev. 12:13 and verse 15 gives the answer as to why the earth "became" without form and void of life and light.

We have to remember, that from Gen. 1:3 on God is "re-establishing the earth. This is why God uses the word - "replenish" in Gen. 1:28. Plenish is to put something there (fill it up) that was not there before. Replenish is to replace something that was there before = refill. Like when you "refill" you car with gas once it is getting low on gas. There was gas there at one time, but now needs to be refilled once again.

Love IN Christ - MM

 

[Mysteryman]

Let me also add --- That before God created the heavens and the earth, God had created evil and darkness. This is the only way that gave Lucifer and one third of the angels a choice in heaven. They also had free will to do good or evil, or stay in the light or be sent by way of their disobedience into darkness and live in darkness and become darkness.

This means that a devil = meaning evil = was created by God first. However, God made it perfectly clear, that without a choice one is not being allowed their free will.

The tree of knowledge of good and evil, is an example of free will. This was the only tree they could not eat from . When they did, they died in that day = God's day = within a thousand years - Adam lived then died at 930 years of age.

So basically, yes , God did create evil and darkness before it was ever used or became . It was not a temptation ! It was a "test" by which we all have to do good or evil. As God tested Abraham, he tests us also daily.

If God allowed Abraham to kill his son , it would have been evil on God's part. Meaning that there was no just cause . However , Abraham passed the test with flying colors.

Lucifer did not --- Adam did not ------ Cain did not -- and on it goes ------------

God didn't create evil, because he was evil, that would be ludicrous.

We must understand that "freewill" is a part of the make up of God. This is why free will giving in the OT during the time of the building of the house of God was so abundant . Now in the church, we are only suppose to give "free willingly" and never , ever, ever according to any standard - Especially the tithe !

Love IN Christ - MM

 

[stovebolts]

But I prefer that because God is all light and in him is no darkness, and that because God is a God of life, not emptyness. That when God created the heavens and the earth, they both had light and life.

I'm glad you enjoyed that short exegesis.
I would only want to point out one small item though. An Item I've bolded above, and that is, "That when God created the heavens and the earth, they both had light and life."

I believe that scripture is very descriptive when it states that light was created after heaven and earth. Without light, the earth would still be void and empty.

You spoke of how the earth is to replenish, but in addition to replenish, it is to multiply and grow. You see, creation is moving forward... it has purpose.

When God created the heaven and earth, it was given the light and through the light, creation is able to move forward to full consummation.

Then the question arises, what "caused" the earth to become without form and void of life ?

While a valid question, it's not that it 'became', but it 'was' This reminds me of the question, "Why is the darkness dark?". Perhaps a better question might be, "Why isn't the light shining as bright as it should?". Perhaps on answer might be found in scripture where it states that some men love the darkness...

But I regress. It is not cause that leaves the earth without form and void, is is the lack of a cause. Perhaps the next question might be, "What is your cause?"

Grace and Peace,
Jeff

 

[Mysteryman]

Hi Jeff

Well, if God created an earth empty and void, IMHO it would represent God as being empty and void.

When God made seed, God made seed to have life within itself. Seed begats seed of its kind.

Now thats life !

Everything grows from that stage on. When we walk in darkness, we walk in what is the opposite of God - Love, life, righteousness, etc.

This is why God tells us that we can not eat at two different tables. We will eat at either the Lord's table or the table of devils.

This is also why the Word tells us, that we will either hate the one and love the other, or love the other and hate the one. = Freewill

Which is why God would never create an earth void of light and life. And why God was replenishing it with life.

Love IN Christ - MM

 

[stovebolts]

Hi MM

Well, if God created an earth empty and void, IMHO it would represent God as being empty and void.

According to the biblical texts, when God created the earth, the earth was empty and void. He did not create the emptiness and void, he created the earth, and it was without form and void. In addition, darkness was over the deep.

It's not that God is empty and void let along dark, but rather, it is the act of God creating which forms and fills what is empty and void. It is the act of creating that brings light into dark places. It shows direction and purpose. It describes will.

When God made seed, God made seed to have life within itself. Seed begats seed of its kind.

This is also interesting, because it is God who utters, or rather, breaths creation into existence and by doing so, one thing God does is calls the earth to bring forth vegetation. (verse 11). Thus, the earth now has purpose. Where it was once formless, the earth has now been empowered to fill that void, and it does so by the power of the light. Creation, is packed with potential.

Now thats life !

 

[Mysteryman]

I always say we all can learn more than we now know or understand. However, I also believe that it is God who opens the eyes of our understanding. Our conversations can be of use, or no use , based upon this fact, that if God does not open one's eyes, then that paticular person remains blinded. But, when truth is spoken, then this allows God to open up the eyes of one's understanding.

As deceptive as the serpent was in his deception of the woman. One thing is true. He used many half truths. Half truths are used to deceive the whole truth. So , one must ask one's self, which part of the serpents statements were truth and which parts were the lie or the other half of the half truth.

God knows good and evil, and if he didn't he would never be able to be a righteous judge.

So, when the serpent said in Genesis 3:5 - "For God doeth know" < This was truth !

Then he went on to say, "that in the day ye eat thereof" < Again, another truth ! < Why is this a truth ? Because God said in Gen. 2:17 - "in the day that thou eatest thereof"

Then the serpent went on to say - "then your eyes shall be opened" < Another truth ! Why ? Because their eyes were opened to the fact that they found themselves as being naked, and full of shame.

Then the serpent went on to say - "and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil" < Here is the half truth ! Yes, they will know good and evil, but they will not be as gods ! This was the untruth.

Now why did I bring this to the conversation ?

Well, because anything we say can be used with the same impact of deception that the serpent used. His was intentional, and ours might be unintentional, but both can have the same impact. Resulting in the same outcome.

Did God create evil and darkness ? The answer is absolutely - Yes. But, we must put this in its proper perspective, or we will be deceived. We actually can even decieve ourselves, and then others can put some planted thought in our heads that starts the process in motion.

We know that God was re-establishing the earth that he originally created with life and light upon it.

The first earth had light, maybe a sun or large star, which is basically what the sun is. But all this light and life God created "became" without form and void. Which means empty of life and light. The total opposite of what God created.

The water spewed out of his mouth shows us the power of the devil, who flooded this earth with water and covered it and destroyed any light that was here. The earth helped the woman and drank up some of the water. God made two great lights that seperate the day from the night, and one is to rule the day and the other is to rule the night. < Notice here, that God left some of the darkness that came upon the earth . God didn't eliminate all darkness. He left this earth half in the light and half in the darkness.

God created man and told him to "replenish" the earth, which means to restore/ refill it . The animals God put here also accomplished the same, to replenish the earth with life once again. The same with plant life.

Love IN Christ - MM

 

[stovebolts]

Let me tell you upfront that I enjoy the creation account, and could spend the next week just covering the first three chapters of Genesis.

Did God create evil and darkness ? The answer is absolutely-yes

According to the account of creation in Genesis 1, darkness was not created and there is no mention of evil, only darkness.

Please provide clear scripture to support your position with an explanation, or better yet a solid exegesis.

If you believe that I am in error, please show me precisely where I am in error and why. I believe that I am a reasonable man.

Grace and peace,
Jeff

 

[Mysteryman]

Let me tell you upfront that I enjoy the creation account, and could spend the next week just covering the first three chapters of Genesis.

Did God create evil and darkness ? The answer is absolutely-yes

According to the account of creation in Genesis 1, darkness was not created and there is no mention of evil, only darkness.

Please provide clear scripture to support your position with an explanation, or better yet a solid exegesis.

If you believe that I am in error, please show me precisely where I am in error and why. I believe that I am a reasonable man.

Grace and peace,
Jeff

Hi Jeff

Whether or not you are in error is not for me to say. As I was corrected today myself, then and only then did I know that I was in error.

We know that the scriptures are of no private interpretation. So here is where we "all" need to be careful.

I am going to merely point out a few things, and you judge for yourself.

If we let the scriptures interpret themselves. What we need to do is not allow our own thinking into the picture. Would you agree ?

By reading the whole Word of God, and giving it an overall evaluation. We can conclude that the earth was flooded twice. Once during the time of Noah and the other time was here in Gen. 1:2 . We understand that the world was flooded by reading Gen. 1:2. Before we need to read on into verse three, we need to go back and look as to whom flooded the earth . Once God flooded the earth during the time of Noah, because of all the evil in the world. But who flooded the world this first time we read of in Gen. 1:2 ? Like I previously said , that in Rev. 12:15 that it was the serpent who cast out of his mouth water that flooded. So now we need to find where in the scriptures where we can find this flood. God flooded the earth during the time of Noah. And the only other record is in Gen. 1:2. This is how you line up the scriptures and allow the scriptures to interpret themselves.

My conclusion, and remember I said "My conclusion" is that the serpent flooded the earth here in Gen. 1:2.

And since God is a God of all life and all light, it stands to reason (logos) that God created the heavens and the earth with life and light. Also, the heavens were created as well with life.

Most people call all of Gen. chapter one the creation story. Well, my research tells me that this is not true. Gen. 1:1 is the creation story, and only this verse. All the rest is based upon what I call facts, that God was replenishing the earth with life and light once again.

Shall we start here ?

Love IN Christ - MM

 

[savedbygrace57]

stove asked:

Savedbygrace,

How does God create evil?

If I go by scripture anology, I would say the same was He created all things by speaking the word, like He spoke everything else into existence that was conducive to His purpose, did He not say, let there be light and behold it was light..gen 1:

1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

2And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

3And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

4And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

Now, even though we see not God saying in the genesis account the words let there be evil, we do see later in subsequent scripture, that He takes responsibilty for creating evil.. Isa 45:

7I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.

One of the signs of a person knowing God is that they take God at His word without questioning Him when human reason reason does not quite understand the hows.. Thats what Faith is all about, it defys human logic at times..

God merely said, Let there be darkness or let there be evil, and it was so..

 

[Mysteryman]

stove asked:

Savedbygrace,

How does God create evil?

If I go by scripture anology, I would say the same was He created all things by speaking the word, like He spoke everything else into existence that was conducive to His purpose, did He not say, let there be light and behold it was light..gen 1:

1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

2And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

3And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

4And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

Now, even though we see not God saying in the genesis account the words let there be evil, we do see later in subsequent scripture, that He takes responsibilty for creating evil.. Isa 45:

7I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.

One of the signs of a person knowing God is that they take God at His word without questioning Him when human reason reason does not quite understand the hows.. Thats what Faith is all about, it defys human logic at times..

God merely said, Let there be darkness or let there be evil, and it was so..

Hi

I think we need to be a little careful with your analogy here. The Word does not say he spoke that there be darkness and there be evil. God can speak about, while not speaking something into manifesatation.

God created, then spoke into manifestation would be more accurate. Or God created, then used his finger to bring something into manifestation. OR God "made" then brought that which he made into manifestation.

The Word tells us that God created man, but then formed him from the dust of the ground. Man was not around just because God created him. The same holds true when God created darkness and evil.

It was created, but it was not around, it was only in its created form, not its manifested form. That didn't happen until one's free will is used to activate the darkness or evil.

Understand ?

Love IN Christ - MM

 

[stovebolts]

stove asked:

Savedbygrace,

How does God create evil?

If I go by scripture anology, I would say the same was He created all things by speaking the word, like He spoke everything else into existence that was conducive to His purpose, did He not say, let there be light and behold it was light..gen 1:

...

One of the signs of a person knowing God is that they take God at His word without questioning Him when human reason reason does not quite understand the hows.. Thats what Faith is all about, it defys human logic at times..

If I take this scripture at face value, then ALL men will be saved. All, as in everyone, the whole kettle.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

This is not a test of faith nor logic. It's simple, and we call it context.

God merely said, Let there be darkness or let there be evil, and it was so..

I would call that a leap from scripture and if that's the way you view Genesis 1, then may I suggest you've utterly missed the point.

But I regress. It's about context. Without covering all the bases or writing long paragraphs, the jest of Genesis 1 could be summarized as God's sovereign will and purpose and as I've stated earlier, darkness is uncreated... and I won't repeat what I've written earlier nor add to this thought at this time.

Now, even though we see not God saying in the genesis account the words let there be evil, we do see later in subsequent scripture, that He takes responsibilty for creating evil.. Isa 45:

Within the context of Isaiah 45:7, we see judgment against oppression and deliverance for God's chosen. What we see, is judgment and mercy.

Note: In Genesis 1, the word LORD (YHVH) is not mentioned, only God (Elohim). In Gensis 2, we see the word LORD (YHVH) and God (Elohim). Within the context of Genesis 1, it is Elohim who creates, but in Genesis 2, it is YHVH who interacts with said creation.

In Genesis 2, for the first time the Lord God says that something is "Not Good" in relation to his creation. However, YHVH Elohim (The LORD God) does not make it "good" until after his creation experiences that which is "not good".

Did the Lord God create this "Not Good" in Genesis 2 or was it simply something that was 'uncreated'. I would suggest the later.

 

[stovebolts]

Hello MM,

While I agree that Genesis 1:1 is a summation of Genesis 1, I would affirm that the first thing God does with the earth as a response to the earths state is outlined in verse 3.

That being said, I don't view Revelation 12:15 as a portion of scripture that is able to fill the gap per se between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2.

While I really don't want to go into Revelation here, especially chapter 12, I again lean on context, and verse 17, two verses later, states: Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Within context, I believe chapter 12 echo's Daniel...

 

[Mysteryman]

Hello MM,

While I agree that Genesis 1:1 is a summation of Genesis 1, I would affirm that the first thing God does with the earth as a response to the earths state is outlined in verse 3.

That being said, I don't view Revelation 12:15 as a portion of scripture that is able to fill the gap per se between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2.

While I really don't want to go into Revelation here, especially chapter 12, I again lean on context, and verse 17, two verses later, states: Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Within context, I believe chapter 12 echo's Daniel...

Thanks Jeff for you comments, I do appreciate the discussion.

What I see from time to time, is when someone defines something. That they never ask themselves if what they are thinking ever contradicts something else within scirpture.

My approach has always been, well maybe not always, but most recently always, that scripture can not contradict itself in any way, shape, form, or manner. When that happens, we need to search more diligently as to why something looks right here, but does not look right with all of scripture.

If there is still a contradiction anywhere else within scripture, then we have not found the true understanding. We might come close, but close is only good in horseshoe's. You might get a point for being close, but you will not have a ringer.

Love IN Christ - MM

 

[savedbygrace57]

stove:

I would call that a leap from scripture and if that's the way you view Genesis 1, then may I suggest you've utterly missed the point.

You miss the point of Isa 45: 7

God said He created darkness and evil..It takes Faith from God to believe what God says..The word evil is not limited to its context, the word has a diverse meaning, and God is the Creator of evil and its diverse purposes..Now here is the meaning of evil in Isa 45 7

its the word ra` and means:


bad, evil

a) bad, disagreeable, malignant

b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery)

c) evil, displeasing

d) bad (of its kind - land, water, etc)

e) bad (of value)

f) worse than, worst (comparison)

g) sad, unhappy

h) evil (hurtful)

i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition)

j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically)

1) in general, of persons, of thoughts

2) deeds, actions

So God is the active cause of all that the word evil means..

All evil serves God's eternal redemptive purpose in Christ Jesus..God created moral evil to be instrumental in the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ, for it was by wicked hands He ordained or predetermined for it to occur or be brought about..

acts 2:

23Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

This is the same slain we have in rev 13:

8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

All evil and wickedness was created by God and for God and serve His eternal cause or it would not have been called into being..

 

[savedbygrace57]

This world was made for Christ !
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Many today believe that this world was made for Adam, but it was not, it was made for Jesus Christ col 1:

16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

The world [ Kosmos ] was made by Him ! John 1 :

10He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

The word by here is the greek prep dia which means here:

through

a) the ground or reason by which something is or is not done
1) by reason of
2) on account of
3) because of for this reason
4) therefore
5) on this account

He was the reason, the account of, why the kosmos was made or brought into being..

The creation of the world had a soterilogical purpose which involved salvation from sin..

This world was created for Christ for the display of His natural perfections which entailed him becoming incarnated for the redemption of His people.., for His creative wisdom before the angelic world, for we are told it was He who laid the foundations of the earth heb 1:

10And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:

And they [ the angels] shouted for Joy.. job 38:

4Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.


5Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?

6Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;

7When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God[angels by creation] shouted for joy? note: These would have been the elect angels..

Oh yes, for you skeptics and infidels, the same Lord speaking in job 38 about laying the foundations of the earth is the same Lord that is identified as the Son in heb 1 10 lets read:

8But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.


9Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

10And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:

By His Incarnation this world was a place for Him to display all of His God Honoring Moral perfections, the Glories of an Incarnate God Man..and that perfection of which all His redeemed ones have laid to their account and will come to experience in its fulness at His second coming..

This kosmos was created to display the working out of Gods eternal purpose of redemption, the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ being its goal, this purpose from the foundation of the world rev 13:

8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain [ in Gods eternal purpose see eph 3:11] from the foundation of the world..

It was created to be the province of His Mediatorial Kingdom, where His chosen would be prepared by His grace for the entrance into His everlasting kingdom from above..1pet 5:

10Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

11For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

When this present kosmos order has served its purpose from eternity, Christ will be done with it, its end of creation having been accomplished, then its time for it to be destroyed, the visible heavens being made on fire, will be dissolved and the elements [the elements from which all things have come, the material causes of the universe] shall melt with fervent heat, and the earth as we know it shall be burnt up, and will afterwords be renewed with the perfections of Its Redeemer, the Lord of Glory..The Lord Jesus Christ..

 

[Mysteryman]

Quote from savedbygrace57: "God created moral evil"

Wait one minute here , please !

Do you have any idea what you are suggesting ? Moral evil ! ?

Does this not fall under the guise - calling evil good, or good evil ?

Now, where do we find "that" in the scriptures ?

IN Christ - MM

 

[stovebolts]

My approach has always been, well maybe not always, but most recently always, that scripture can not contradict itself in any way, shape, form, or manner. When that happens, we need to search more diligently as to why something looks right here, but does not look right with all of scripture.

I too take that approach. Along with that approach, I do believe that it's beneficial to find out what's driving the text. In other words, why was the text written and to whom was the text written. What event compelled the writer to write what was being written and what was the text to convey to it's original audience. You see, if we can't understand the scriptures from the perspective of it's original audience, we're not going to do a very good job understanding it thousands of years later where our culture doesn't even come close to resembling theirs.

I am not trying to wiggle out of what Scripture says in Isiah 45:7, I am simply putting it in the correct context.

BTW, this is how Youngs Literal translates verse 7.

Isaiah 45:7 Forming light, and preparing darkness, Making peace, and preparing evil, I am Jehovah, doing all these things.'

We see that God "Forms" light and "Makes" peace. By nature, form and make are "creative" words while preparing rings of condition much in the manner that Genesis 1 describes the state of earth before God created light, and made a distinction between light, and darkness.