Quick Study: Our Wretched State
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Little Distraught Dawkins
Remember towards the end of the movie Expelled when Richard Dawkins, quoting Bertrand Russell, said:
“When I stand before God, I’ll ask him why he didn’t give me more evidence.”
Remember that? I find that comical.
I also find it comical when someone like Dan Barker suggests that he’ll rail on God when he gets the chance.
Strange positions for people who supposedly don’t believe in God.
Naturally, unregenerate people aren’t going to share the biblical view of God or His holiness. Or their wretchedness.
So, in that vein, I’m kicking Monday off right by sharing narratives from the Bible that demonstrate what our true response will be when we stand before God–whether in this life or the next.
Because of this I must lament and wail, I must go barefoot and naked; I must make a lament like the jackals. And a mourning like the ostriches. Micah 1:8
But He said, “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!” Exodus 33:20
But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” Luke 5:8
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ Luke 18:13
and I said, “O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God, for our iniquities have risen above our heads and our guilt has grown even to the heavens. Ezra 9:6
Then I said, ”Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” Isaiah 6:5
Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them.
And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds.
Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire This is the second death, the lake of fire.
And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11-15
Tell me: Do these passages humble you, stir your heart or…make you want to vomit? Does your skin crawl when I use the word “wretched”? Can you think of any passages I’m missing?
I look forward to hearing from you. Brutal and all.
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11 Comments to Quick Study: Our Wretched State
Demian,
The Russells and Dawkins of the world will be in for a rude awakening when they discover that the physical world around them is all the evidence they needed. In Romans 1:20 we read, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–His eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” God’s creation alone leaves them without excuse for not “seeing” the evidence.
Nice post. Keep up the great work!
Demian FarnworthJanuary 26, 2009
Thanks for the kind words, Richard. And the Romans 1:20 reference. Beautiful.
Angie FarnworthJanuary 26, 2009
I think you could have quoted at least half the book of Revelation here. 
Absolutely, anyone who thinks they will stare God down and demand answers from HIm when they see Him face to face, doesn’t really know Him. They are probably the kind of people who think angels are tiny cupids with wings, not the mighty warriors who invoke fear that the Bible shows them to be. And I don’t say that in a proud way, but with fear and trembling. Sadly, I’m sure my own view of the pure and holy God is wholly inadequate and heretical in many respects.
Micah 1:8 describes me to a tea right now.
Whatever happened to Dawkins, he looked adorable as a little kid?
Demian FarnworthJanuary 26, 2009
Archie: He read “Origin of Species.”
Angie: *blink, blink* It’s impossible to concentrate when you bring your pretty little face around. *vacant, starstruck stare*
If I really got this stuff I would be a much better evangelist.
Demian FarnworthJanuary 26, 2009
You and me both, Tim.
Hello Demian,
I think that people have the right to choose either to believe in God, nobody forces them. But there are so many religions out there, and they all sustain that they are right, and all of them promise heaven. But all of them say you should die first. Nobody knows what to believe anymore. If you were born in Morocco you should say that your religion is the right one. Anyways… I think that if you are a good person inside, keep on being that person, don’t show off.
Take care.
Demian FarnworthJanuary 27, 2009
Daniel: Thanks for stopping by and thanks for sharing your thoughts. I know how you feel. I felt that way to for the longest time. Let me ask you a question: You say that what really matters is that we remain a good person. What defines “good”?
Look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Hey,
Good inside. I mean, the usual stuff that the bible teaches you. Don’t harm others, forget when other make mistakes, pray at night..
Demian FarnworthJanuary 27, 2009
So why follow the Bible if all other religions are equal? [I'm not sure I'm following your original comment. Apologize.]
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January 26, 2009