Underestimating God

In 1 Kings 20:23-30, the Syrians, after having been beaten by the Israelites, thought that God was a God of the hills but not of the valleys. This was an insult to an omnipotent God. Thus, He allowed them to be defeated by a very small army.

Some have a similar view of God today. They say, “God cannot see at night,” so sin is committed under the cover of darkness as though God does not see. But both night and day are alike to God (Proverbs 7:8-10; 1 Thessalonians 5:7). “Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee” (Psalm 139:12). Some also say, “God cannot distinguish one sinner from the other.” The theory is that God loves poor, helpless sinners so much that He will save them even if they do not repent. Paul said, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Timothy 2:19). Finally, some say, “God does not recognize the difference from one religion to the next.” If this is true, why so many warnings against following false religions (John 4:24; 2 John 9)? The Lord Himself said, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of me” (Matthew 15:9).

We should never ascribe to God the weaknesses of men (Psalm 50:22). He is an omnipotent God who is to be honored and respected (Habakkuk 2:20; Revelation 19:6). He sees all and has a standard of truth by which we will all be judged (Matthew 10:28). Don’t rest your salvation on a false assumption.

Kyle Campbell