CAN WE UNDERSTAND GOD?

I think that there are things about God that we cannot understand but just have to accept. For instance, why must God punish all wrongdoing? This is related to the question, “Why did Jesus have to pay the price for all of our sins instead of the Father just freely forgiving us without a payment for the sins of the world?”

Meanwhile, I think that we can understand God’s indignation over injustice. This is because we have been created in the likeness of God. Therefore, we can experience His hatred of injustice. Consequently, when I see a movie where the bad guy finally receives what he deserves, I feel satisfied. I also feel that I understand (perhaps mistakenly) what God must feel when justice is delivered. However, I do not understand how God is satisfied (propitiated) by the death of Jesus. This is just not part of my experience or perhaps anyone else’. This is a revelation I just have to accept.

But should we accept something that doesn’t compute with us? Why not? What right do we have to insist that God’s feelings and ways always coincide with ours? Or what right do I have to insist, as a first grader, that my teacher’s understanding of math agree with mine. As heaven is above earth, so are His ways above ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). Our understanding is earth-bound, but even from the earth, our Lord can give us glimpses from above.

But some insist that we cannot understand God at all. Talking about the deeper things, Paul expressed his profound awe of God:

·       Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! (Romans 11:33)

However, in the same epistle, Paul insisted that even the rebel knows enough about God (Romans 2:14-16):

·       For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse...who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:18-20, 32)

Besides, the wisdom of God is available to all who cry out for it as if it were water in the desert:

·       Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; (Proverbs 2:3-6; James 1:5)