(Broken Crusader;4662)
I agree with this, throughout this thread we are trying to come to terms with what we understand God should have done. The fact remains, the begining of the bible is meant to illustrate the nature of God and his relationship to man. God showed and shows His infinite mercy on those He choses, when He choses to. It doesn't really have to make sence sometimes, He was mercyful. And in the end I believe what we are to take from that is, if God can be mercyful, even to Cain, then He can also extend His mercy to me. I may be over simplifying, but sometimes I think its necessary.
I do not believe you're over simplifying it. God's character is at stake. We only have to look at some people in the Bible to understand the mercy of God. David commited adultery and murder. We have Jacob, who was selfish, crafty, deceitful. The weakness and idolatry of Solomon. There is the account of Manasseh and his murderous heart. All of them came to repentance! What's even more amazing, Christ came from the offspring of these sinners, and He partook of the very same nature, yet without sin. This is the hope and comfort we have, overcoming all temptation from sin as Christ did. (Rom. 8:1-4). blessings in Christ,John S.
I agree with this, throughout this thread we are trying to come to terms with what we understand God should have done. The fact remains, the begining of the bible is meant to illustrate the nature of God and his relationship to man. God showed and shows His infinite mercy on those He choses, when He choses to. It doesn't really have to make sence sometimes, He was mercyful. And in the end I believe what we are to take from that is, if God can be mercyful, even to Cain, then He can also extend His mercy to me. I may be over simplifying, but sometimes I think its necessary.
I do not believe you're over simplifying it. God's character is at stake. We only have to look at some people in the Bible to understand the mercy of God. David commited adultery and murder. We have Jacob, who was selfish, crafty, deceitful. The weakness and idolatry of Solomon. There is the account of Manasseh and his murderous heart. All of them came to repentance! What's even more amazing, Christ came from the offspring of these sinners, and He partook of the very same nature, yet without sin. This is the hope and comfort we have, overcoming all temptation from sin as Christ did. (Rom. 8:1-4). blessings in Christ,John S.