9.27- Theology is for Everyone
9.27-
Theology
is for Everyone Jeremiah 23:25-32 Julie Ackerman Link
Some say that theology is only for
“professionals.” But the situation in the days of the prophet Jeremiah
illustrates why it’s important for everyone to know what God says about Himself.
The religious experts in Jeremiah’s day
were misrepresenting God by prophesying “the delusions of their own minds”
(Jeremiah 23: 26) and leading people astray with their lies (verse 32). Due to
their dishonesty, the people did not know the true nature of God.
Today there are people who portray God as
angry, vengeful, and eager to punish people for every minor offense. God,
however, describes Himself as “merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and
abounding in goodness and truth” (Exodus 34:6). Others show the world a picture
of a loving God who is too kind to punish wrongdoing. But God describes Himself
as one who exercises judgment and righteousness (Jeremiah 9:24). He is both a
just Judge and a loving Father. If we emphasize one over the other, we paint a
false picture of God.
The most important thing we can know about
God and proclaim to the world is that God does not want to punish people; He
wants them to repent so that He can forgive (2 Peter 3:9).
But
to be truly loving, He must also be absolutely just.
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