Was it unfair for God to allow Job to suffer over what was basically an argument between God and Satan?
Job 1:1 - 22
ESV - 1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. 2 There were born to him seven sons and three daughters.
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Asked July 01 2013
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Anonymous (via GotQuestions)
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Annie Lockhart
God knew the heart of Job, that he would not say or do anything that was ungodly. God trusted Job.
anna mcmillan
I would say, no, this situation is not fair to Job. I would question whether this book really describes the God described in other parts of the Bible. This whole situation seems profoundly immoral to me. I am asking as a new learner, I perceive this as torture and I would like to hear the standard Christian view on this. Please just give an honest answer to an honest question, I am not trying to be oppositional but just want to know your interpretation.
Mark Vestal
Hi Anna! Have you read the answers that have been posted so far? Michael Houdmann in particular gives a good perspective that may assist. (Although many of his posts offer good insight, this is not an endorsement for them all.)
While Satan reigns over this present evil world (2 Cor 4:4, Gal 1:4), we can use the story of Job as an example of why to maintain faith as it is God's grace today that is "sufficient" in this current age (2 Cor 12:9, Eph 3:2).
Rather than consider any false premise that God would ever act immorally (which is not possible), remember that God is sovereign. Anything that we PERCEIVE to be an immoral act of God would be an error on our part for not 'knowing the whole story', unlike God. He knew how all of time would play out before He ever created our universe. Understanding that He possesses this "foreknowledge" helps us with our walk in faith in Him. Because we do not understand the "how" is one reason we do not have to question His "why". Everything that God has done or will do can then be understood to be justifiable.
Every human is born into a sin nature. What is TRULY unfair is how God, in His human form, took the punishment that we deserve and gave His life in exchange for our eternal security. It was the most unfair deal ever made, but done out of His love for us. God's grace is beyond our comprehension, but thanks be to Him for what He completed at the cross for us. When Satan attacks our faith (daily), we can look to the cross to renew it!