God is People-Positive: A Biblical Perspective
"That guy is going to hell!"
My son's sudden outburst caught me completely off-guard. We were sitting together, watching a rerun of Law & Order.
A character on the show had just casually dismissed the existence of God, saying, "Well, there is no god, so who cares?"
And just like that, my young son declared that the man was hell-bound.
You might be wondering what led him to such a harsh judgment.
The truth is, I'm still pondering that myself.
I've served in the church for over three decades and never advocated for a 'fire and brimstone' approach to theology.
Yet, somehow, my son had absorbed this idea that God is as vindictive and as harsh as the devil himself.
It was a wake-up call, highlighting a disturbingly common misperception that has been ingrained in the collective consciousness:
God is a malevolent, punishing figure rather than a loving Father.
A Rhetorical Reminder
The Bible, an intricate tapestry of historical events, prophecies, and teachings, offers a wealth of insights into the nature of God.
Yet, one verse stands out starkly against the vast backdrop:
"What, then, are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?" - Romans 8:31 (CSB)
While at a casual glance, it might seem like a mere declaration of divine protection, a deeper dive reveals God's inherently positive view of humanity.
At its heart, this verse is rhetorical. It confidently states an undeniable truth rather than posing an actual question.
The underlying message?
God's allegiance to humanity is unwavering.
But many wonder: Is God really for us?
This unsettling moment with my son forced me to reflect on how society, but even Christians, often misrepresent God's nature.
It's an unfortunate notion, seemingly shared by many, that God is just waiting for you to slip up so He can condemn you.
This story is a stark reminder that even our children are not immune to these damaging views, making correcting them all the more crucial.
And so, in this article, let's explore the biblical evidence that portrays God not as a malevolent punisher but as profoundly people-positive.
Beyond Religion, Duty, and Sacrifice
The God of the Bible is often perceived as a deity who values rituals, demands strict adherence to duties, and expects sacrifices.
While these elements do exist in the scriptures, they are not the entirety of God's character or desires.
To say that God is merely religion-positive or duty-positive would be to overlook His deep and abiding love for people.
The Bible teaches that God is a God of love (1 John 4:7-8, John 3:16) who created humans in His image and likeness (Gen.1:27).
He desires a relationship with us (Rev.3:20, Matt.11:28-29, Rom.5:8) and wants us to experience His love and forgiveness (Rom.8:1-39). He also wants us to obey Him (John 14:15, 1 Peter 1:14, 1 John 5:13), but this is not because He is a dictatorial or controlling God.
Rather, it is because He knows that what is best for us is to live in accordance with His will (John 8:51).
Biblical Proof of God's Affection for Humanity
1. Creation in His Image: At the very beginning of Genesis, God created humans in His own image, setting us apart from all other creatures. This act signifies a special connection and value placed on humanity.
2. The Gift of A Mind: God gave humans the capacity to think for themselves rather than creating robotic beings that always act righteously. Despite its potential for misuse, this gift underscores His respect for human growth and ingenuity.
3. God's Pursuit of Relationship: Throughout the Old Testament, God consistently reaches out to His people, seeking a relationship. From covenants with Abraham, to direct conversations with Moses, God's desire for connection is evident.
4. The Ultimate Sacrifice: Perhaps the most compelling evidence of God's people-positive nature is the sacrifice of His son, Jesus. Sending Jesus to die for humanity's sins was an act of unimaginable love, proving once and for all that God is undeniably pro-people.
5. Teachings of Jesus: Jesus's life on earth reflects God's heart for people. From His parables about lost sheep and prodigal sons to His actions – dining with sinners, healing the sick, raising the dead – Jesus exemplified a God who is deeply invested in humanity's wellbeing.
Reframing Your Perception
The evidence is clear: God is not merely an entity who values rituals and sacrifices; He is a loving father, deeply invested in His children's lives (Matt. 7:9-11).
It's essential, then, that duty-driven Christians understand this facet of God's character.
Recognizing God as pro-people doesn't negate the importance of rituals or duties but adds depth and dimension to our understanding of Him.
In the journey of faith, let us be reminded that a profoundly people-positive God is at the heart of every scripture, duty, and act of worship.
