This past week, Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, made some comments about his opinion on God. Those comments have garnered a lot of attention in the media and the pulpit. Not surprisingly, his family was distressed by his comments as they don’t align with what he was taught growing up. But my intention on talking about this subject isn’t to judge or criticize Aaron, but just to look at his view of how he sees God. He said,

“I don’t know how you can believe in a God who wants to condemn most of the planet to a fiery Hell. Like, what type of loving, sensitive, omnipresent, omnipotent being wants to condemn most of His beautiful creation to a fiery Hell at the end of all this?”

Unpacking this statement shows that he acknowledges that you either believe in God or you don’t. He also acknowledges that the bible talks about eternal punishment for those who do not believe in God. He correctly describes God’s character as loving, sensitive, omnipresent and omnipotent. God is omnipresent, everywhere at all times, infinite and boundless. God is also omnipotent, with unlimited power. So how can a God who knows all and is all powerful, condemn those he loves?

First off, God doesn’t get angry when we ask questions. He understands and he seeks a relationship with each of us. Second, God does love us and does not desire that anyone should perish. Many people know about John 3:16. But do you know what John 3:17 says?

John 3:16-17
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

I’d like you to close your eyes and image this picture. You are drowning in a lake with no hope of making it to shore. You are going down for the last time into the dark, cold water. Suddenly, a strong arm reaches out and grabs you! You slap it away, destroying all hopes that you will be saved. Do you see it? Now, ask yourself, who’s fault is it that you drowned?

God sent his only son from heaven in order that you would be saved! Jesus came to earth and died on the cross so that no one would perish. All you have to do is accept his lifeline. If you stubbornly slap his hand away as he reaches for you, how can you accuse him of being “unloving” or “cruel and vengeful”?

God loves each and everyone of us. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Isaiah 59:1-2 says, Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.² But your iniquities have separated
you from your God…”

God is all powerful, all knowing, loving, sensitive and he does not wish to punish any of us. But if we continue to slap away his repeated attempt to save us, we will drown. We will spend eternity outside of his presence. Please, open your heart to his love; accept his arm of salvation. His arm is not too short to save!

My vision of God isn’t a vengeful God who wants to destroy his creation. My vision, my relationship, is with a loving God, who teaches me every day. He speaks to me, he guides me, and I trust him, even in the midst of the storm. Will you?