Texas Shooting Spree

Today a man in Texas was killed after he began shooting from his vehicle, resulting in at least 2 deaths and 5 injured. The police found his car loaded with an assault rifle along with other arsenal  as well as ammunition. This may lead many to ask, “If there is a God, why would He allow this to happen?”

The answer can be found in Scripture. In the beginning God created a perfect world, a world without death or suffering.  He formed a paradise and placed man in the midst to rule it. The only stipulation was to refrain from eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Man was tempted by the serpent and ate, and this has resulted in man falling under the curse of sin. Adam rebelled against the command of God and because of that, we now live in a world with death, disease, and suffering.  You might be thinking right now, “That isn’t fair to be responsible for another’s sin!” I’d like to pose a question, “Based on who’s opinion?”  

God is Creator and has every right to establish things however He pleases.  Besides, even if God didn’t count that against you, you would still be accountable to Him for your sin: every lie you’ve every told, every time you used His name as a curse word, every lustful look, the fact that you love other things instead of your Maker who gives you life and sustains you. The Bible makes it clear that we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The Bible also teaches that sin brings forth death and after death comes judgment.

Regardless of whether or not you like the rules does not change that you will have to face a holy God one day and give an account for your thoughts, your deeds, and your words. If God judges you based on His standard of goodness, which is the 10 commandments, and you die in your sins, you will be condemned and will rightly spend an eternity in hell.

While God is a just judge, He is also incredibly merciful and made a way of escape. See our sin has racked up a fine that none of us can pay. The Bible says that even our good deeds are like filthy rags in the sight of God. God came down in flesh (Jesus), lived a sinless life, and died on the cross to pay that fine for the sins of those whom would repent and trust in Him. He rose from the dead, proving He was God.

God can offer you a full pardon, resulting in not just the removal of punishment, but to gain an eternity in heaven with Him. Turn from your sins today, cry out to Him for forgiveness and place your trust in Him alone for salvation. If you do this, God will make you a new creature with new desires.  We are not guaranteed tomorrow. Those who lost their lives in this shooting didn’t know that today would be their last. Get right with God today. 

Article/Picture Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2013/05/texas-shooting-spree-leaves-two-dead-five-injured/

Post written by Elaine Muniak

Common Term Definitions: Hell | Sin | Repent