Mat 11:20
Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: Mat 11:21
Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Mat 11:22
But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. Mat 11:23
And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. Mat 11:24
But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
If Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom, would have repented had such mighty works been done in them, then why did not God perform such mighty works? By no means do I doubt the goodness and mercy of my Saviour, I am just seeking to understand his reasoning, in as much as it possible for me to understand. Most answers I have read simply dodge the issue or end up begging the same question.
I am thinking that God is under no obligation to further reveal himself past the minimum he gives to every man, even if that further revelation could save him.
Please support each claim with scripture. Thank you
One of the reasons God destroys cities and nations is that their sins and sinful influence has been so great that it suits God to make an example of them to dissuade other cities and nations from going down the same path.
God is never under obligation to do anything, including provide additional revelation to persons or cultures that have rejected what has already been given.
I think the issue for you here is that you have empathy for the innocents in the midst of such cultures that are being destroyed, such as children and the faithful remnant, however large or small they may be. Remember, while God sometimes judges cities, cultures, and nations in the fallen world, there is coming a day when we will be judged individually, so that no truly innocent children or faithful people will be ultimately punished for the sins of others.
Remember that when we talk of God, we are talking about the Author of Life Who has created and sustained us. Most of those who have been faithful to God throughout the ages have died due to strife, sickness, age, etc. Their lives in God are not lost. They are alive in Him at this very moment and will be raised on the day of judgment.
People like to second guess God.
Why did God do this and not that.
The oldest one I know of is "Why doesn't God instill in everyone faith in Christ, that way no one would be punished and undergo the second death in the afterlife."
Next, is why doesn't God reveal the gospel to everyone, so people would always have the chance to ask for mercy?
At its core, it is finding fault with God's perfection.
King James Version Romans 1:28
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
It may be that there comes a point when God ceases to try and convince men of their depravity and begins to execute judgement.
I mentioned in the OP the following: "By no means do I doubt the goodness and mercy of my Saviour, I am just seeking to understand his reasoning, in as much as it possible for me to understand." so I don't understand your reply given that qualification.
People say all sorts of things to justify their behavior.
Did you say "by no means do I doubt God's wisdom, perfection and sovereignty?"
Recall the story where the first guy agreed to work all day for X amount of money?
Then the next guy got the same money for less work.
Did you understand?
Or did you leave the church mad when the Pastor taught that story? Matthew 20:1-16
What kind of mind says I deserve the same amount of mercy as the next guy?
Recall the story of the Publican that prayed? Luke 18:9-14
I pray about things I don't understand the reason of. Sometimes It's revealed to me from scripture. Some things just aren't to be known in this life. Praying about it is more likely to help than not.
MB
Then why did you not address the "help" provided.
First you find fault with God, such that His behavior needs to be explained, then you find fault with my effort to help you see the truth.
God has mercy on whom He has mercy. Take it or leave it.
God says in 2 Peter 2 that there was a purpose for the destruction and burning of Sodom and Gomorrah.
It was to serve as an example,[and in my opinion across time], as to what God is going to do with the ungodly.
I say "across time" because Sodom and Gomorrah are talked about in the Bible from the beginning to the end.
And the Bible is here for us to read today.
Dear Sir, why are you posting?
I am tired of your falsehoods.
Anytime a person says why did God do this and not that, he or she is saying the "this" was not perfect.
Orrrrrr.......they are trying to learn. Not sure why you run to the worst possible interpretation of what he said. Further I have ssid no falsehood. I was on this board before you got here ill be here long after you are gone
I provided the falsehood, Anytime a person says why did God do this and not that, he or she is saying the "this" was not perfect.
Therefore the OP did find fault with God.
Yes, you have been here a long time, but not as long as those who wandered in the wilderness.