Is God Good or is He Great?

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God is both Good and Great

In the Bible, God’s Word, He reveals to us that He is both good and great. Yet some would say “Hey brother, God is GREAT, not just good!” True, yet there is a difference between GOOD and GREAT. The LORD is both GREAT and GOOD. Meditate on this beloved of God. Great has to do with divine omnipotence (all-powerful) while goodness speaks of the divine disposition toward His creation, namely mankind which He created in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27). When the LORD informs us that His nature is “good,” He’s conveying that His intentions, His desires toward us are not to do us evil but rather to do us good!!!! His disposition toward His people is goodness.

“For thou, Lord, art GOOD, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. … But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Psalms 86:5, 15

The divine intent towards His people was expressed to us by the Holy Spirit via the prophet Jeremiah:

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11

Jesus Christ is “the GREAT Shepherd of the sheep” for whom He died:

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,” Hebrews 13:20

This redemption truth expresses just how GREAT God’s GOODNESS is to us!

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17

No greater greater love, kindness, and goodness could ever be expressed than that which was displayed by our heavenly Father when He crucified on Calvary’s cruel cross His only begotten Son for the sins of the whole world.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

He Found Us in Our Sin and Saved Us to Himself by His Sheer Mercy and the Blood of His Only Begotten Son

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth (displayed) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:6-9

“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:3-7

Repeatedly the LORD tells His people that He is good and that His desire is “to do you good.”

“And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, …” Deuteronomy 28:63

Is God really good “all the time”? Yes, even and perhaps especially when He’s convicting, purging, chastening, and rebuking you.

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:19

It’s important for us to see God for who He really is – GOOD. The LORD reflects back to us as we choose to see Him (Numbers 13-14; Psalms 18:24-26).

God is not only GOOD and GREAT, He is also HOLY and JUST and will punish for eternity (in hell) those who behold His GOODNESS and don’t obey Him. Hear this severe warning. Using the example of His judgment on the Jews, the LORD warns us Gentiles to fear and obey Him lest we also be “cut off” (judged):

“Well; because of unbelief they (the Jews) were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches (Jews), take heed lest he also spare not thee (Gentile believer). 22 Behold therefore the GOODNESS and SEVERITY of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, IFFFF thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Romans 11:20-22

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MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“I read the new post titled ‘Is God Good or is He Great?’ So good. Love Ps. 86:5 & 15! Like the statement too, of Him showing us how GREAT is His GOODNESS. And that Scripture calls Jesus the GREAT shepherd. Thanks for pointing that out. Hadn’t paid attention to that adjective — will now! Will be looking for it throughout the Word.” Debbie Lord

REPLY:

Ahhhhh yes amen.

This type stuff which simply underscores what GOD says in His Word of Himself (divine attributes)…. This is what greatly enhances our reading of Scripture from that point on….. Things begin to come together in our understanding. Jesus is so GREAT and GOOD!

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Matthew 7:6

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”

God’s wisdom is that you have to get rid of the “SCORNER” in order to get rid of the “STRIFE”.

“Cast out the SCORNER, and contention shall go out; yea, STRIFE and reproach shall cease.” Proverbs 22:10

How do we know when someone has truly repented?

“… to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.” Acts 26:20

When someone has truly repented, their changed life will be full of the fruit of the Spirit.

“Bring forth fruits meet for repentance” simply means prove you’ve repented with the corresponding restitution of making things right (Matthew 3:7-10; Luke 19:8-9, etc.).

Luke 17

1 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

“And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.” 2 Thessalonians 3:2

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16

Jesus saw the heart and proof of Zacchaeus’ repentance and granted him salvation.

“And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:8-10

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Rich in Faith [podcast]

“Them that Love Him”

——WHAT one temporarily has in this fleeting world or doesn’t have, has NOTHING to do with that person’s spiritual state. This is what Jesus taught: “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” (Luke 12:15) In fact James says:

“HEARKEN, MY BELOVED BRETHREN, HATH NOT GOD CHOSEN THE POOR OF THIS WORLD RICH IN FAITH, AND HEIRS OF THE KINGDOM WHICH HE HATH PROMISED TO THEM THAT LOVE HIM?” JAMES 2:5

James says God chooses those for His eternal kingdom “that love him,” namely “the poor of this world.” We are justified by “faith” and not by what we do or do not temporarily possess in this fleeting life.

IF in your mind you rate people by what they have or don’t have in this fleeting sinful world, you are deeply deceived and in utter need of repentance and the washing of water by the Word of God. You are carnally minded (Romans 8:5-6).

Regrettably, it seems that most people professing to be following Christ, the One who gave all, are not the least bit concerned if their brother or sister has a need. God have mercy upon us and grant us repentance in Jesus’ Name! Are these people truly saved?

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.” 1 John 3:16-19

“If we are in Jesus we have the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8). Unfathomable (in our small minds), infinite wealth and spiritual blessings! Endless mercy, grace, and forgiveness. That is inexhaustible! Why do we need any worldly riches that will rot and corrupt our hearts!? Lay up in your hearts God’s riches! Which are eternal!” Karen Cochran

Some have tens of thousands in the bank and could care less to find out if a sister or brother has a need. The Bible assures us that they are not saved. If you have even a little to give and don’t, it’s because you simply have chosen not to know and abide in Christ.

“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” James 2:14-17

The financial institutions and their salesmen are vying for your money. They want your money to invest so that you and they earn a financial gain in this life. Christians in need, orphans, and Gospel workers are also available to invest in. To help them is to invest in the LORD’s kingdom and be repaid dividends for eternity. Oh, and your heart will follow where you choose to place your money. Jesus says “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

PRAYER: Holy Father, please break me and make me Your authentic follower. Jesus I love You. Let me walk as You walked, live as You lived, love as You love. Bless this life You gave to be truly crucified with You – dead, buried, and raised up – a vessel of honor for Your glory! In Jesus’ name.

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“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalms 90:12

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