Table of Contents
On Fridays, a local thrift shop sells books for 25 cents. I love to read therefore a couple of times a month I drop by to see if they have anything that interests me, (I’m such a big spender). I came across a book by Randy Alcorn titled “If God is Good” copyright 2009.
I have previously read many of Randy Alcorn’s books, both fiction, and non-fiction, and enjoyed them immensely. I recommend reading them. Especially his book titled “Heaven”. Therefore, because of past experience, I knew I needed to add this book to my reading stack.
See: About Randy Alcorn
As I’m sure you can guess, “If God is Good” deals with the age-old question of why? Everyone asks the question at some point. As I began to read, it became clear that this was something I wanted to share on my blog.
As these last days of the church age draw to a close, we definitely see evil ramping up as it was in the days of Noah.
“But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” (Matthew 24:37)
Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was… grieved in His heart.
Genesis 6:5-6
Those who do not have a Biblical Worldview and even those who do can be deceived by the father of lies. After all, his most deceptive strategy is “Did God Really Say?” (Genesis 3:1-4)
It’s easy to say that evil exists because of sin. However, there are those who would then blame God, (if they even believe in Him) for allowing sin in the first place. “If God is Good” how could He…?
Book Review/Study
Therefore, what I want to do is do an online book review/study as I read through the book. The goal is to share valuable information that hopefully will be helpful in understanding and answering the question of “why?”.
I intend to follow the author’s outline chapter by chapter. Hopefully, by the end of the book, you and I will have a clearer foundation and understanding of this complex question.
I encourage you to join me and feel free to leave questions and comments as we go along. By the time we end the book, our many questions will be answered.
A word of caution, you may not like the answer, but the Truth will set you free. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6)
If God is Good Book Sections
Listed below is the layout of the author’s book. My posts will follow each section.
- Understanding the Problem of Evil and Suffering.
- Understanding Evil: Its Origins, Nature, and Consequences.
- Problems for Non-Theists: Moral Standards, Goodness, and Extreme Evil.
- Proposed Solutions to the Problem of Evil and Suffering: Limiting God’s Attributes.
- Evil and Suffering in the Great Drama of Christ’s Redemptive Work.
- Divine Sovereignty and Meaningful Human Choice: Accounting for Evil and Suffering.
- The Two Eternal Solutions to the Problem of Evil: Heaven and Hell.
- God’s Allowance and Restraint of Evil and Suffering.
- Evil and Suffering used for God’s Glory.
- Why does God Allow Suffering?
- Living Meaningfully in Suffering.
- Conclusion: Final Thoughts About God, Goodness, Evil, and Suffering.
From the Book Introduction
The introduction opens with encouragement from the author to readers and those especially hurting and confused.
In his introduction, the author shared that a friend of his contracted ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2003. Randy shares that even though his friend’s body deteriorated, and he lost normal body functions, his friend touched more people and was touched more by God than at any other time in his life.
In seeking answers to the question of “If God is Good” the outcome should draw us toward Jesus Christ.
In looking for answers we find throughout the scriptures that God does see our afflictions. He does care for us, and He has prepared a place and a time where evil and suffering will be no more!
“And the Lord said: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows.”
Exodus 3:7
“So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the Lord. And His soul could no longer endure the misery of Israel.”
Judges 10:16
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4
Deeply Personal
The author further states that this is not a book where the issue is only theoretical, philosophical, or theological. If you have faced evil or suffering of any kind, it is deeply personal. Logical arguments won’t satisfy you and could even offend you. Those of us hurting deal with the emotional problems of evil as well.
However and therefore, the author will present a case from God’s Holy Word and appeal to logic. God has revealed truths about Himself, us, the world, goodness, evil, suffering, Heaven, and Hell in His Word.
Like a Father, God Is:
God, like a father, doesn’t just give advice, He gives Himself. He is:
- “For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth.” (Isaiah 54:5)
- “You are the helper of the fatherless.” (Psalm 10:14)
- “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
See More HERE
Eternal Perspective
God’s word is central to gaining an eternal perspective. Moreover, faith that can not be shaken is faith that has previously been shaken.
God tells us that the trials where evil and suffering come upon us are:
“so that the genuineness of your faith, which is much more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested and purified by fire, may be found to result in [your] praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:7 AMP)
Randy Alcorn’s prayer is that this book will bring not only help those who read it but also by sharing life-changing insights with others.
This is also my prayer and why I will share with you what I discover as I read through the book. Be encouraged, there is Hope! JESUS IS THE ANSWER.
Maranatha! Until next time, I am Passionately Loving Jesus, the Anchor of my Soul.
Maranatha! Until next time, I am Passionately Loving Jesus, the Anchor of my Soul.
Other books by Randy Alcorn
