What God wants us to know about the tragedy in Japan

I am the first one to say that there is no strong biblical basis for the concept of ‘unlimited’ or ‘general atonement – that is, the viewpoint that Jesus died for all the sins of everyone who ever lived. I don’t see the point at this time in offering up new arguments against that. It is a relatively minor doctrine, after all.

But in the aftermath of the recent earthquake and tsunami near Japan, I thought it might be helpful to concede that there is one element of Jesus’ atonement that was universal.

A part of Jesus’ work on the cross was appeasement of the wrath of God towards us who believe. However, in one sense, it could be argued that there was a temporary appeasement towards all mankind because of Christ’s sacrifice. Consider: When Adam sinned against God, the just and right thing to do would be to punish Adam’s sin and rebellion. As a God of justice, God is required to punish sin. If He did not punish wrongdoing, He would not be just and could no longer be trusted to do what was right. However, God did not immediately deliver Adam up to eternal torment as He had the right to do. Nor does He instantly send anyone to hell the instant they first sin against Him. What He did was to provide a substitute to pay our penalty and assume our debt. Because of this, God calls all men everywhere to repent and turn to Him. Although only some have been chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, yet there is an element in which they are responsible for either accepting Him or denying Him.

Some never get the opportunity – so far as we know – to repent and trust in Christ or reject Him. Those who die in the womb or die at an age or mentality level at which they cannot comprehend sin never have the chance to repent. Yet as members of Adam’s race, they are still under the curse. How God deals with these ones just noted is unclear in Scripture. Some suggest that He simply elects some and condemns, while others believe that all of them are hell bound. My personal conviction is that those who cannot yet grasp the truth of their sin are received by God’s grace into His kingdom. Again, though, I am not here to debate that particular position at the moment. I’m not sure a clear case can be made from Scripture in defense of any of these positions. However, we must be clear that if they are all condemned, it does not take anything away from either God’s love or mercy. God is loving and just. Everything He does is right and we would do well to remember that.

But to return to my main point, because of Christ’s substitutionary act on the cross, judgment has been delayed for all men. This delay is for the purpose of giving men the opportunity to repent before Christ returns again for His own.

When we see truly heartbreaking events like the recent disaster in Japan, our prayers go out to the families of these people. But at the same time, we must remember the warning of Jesus:

“1 There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”” (Luke 13:1-5).

Why do horrible tragedies like this happen? This passage seems to suggest that in allowing this calamity to take place, God was not judging these men for their wickedness but using them as a warning for others.

What is the warning? No one is guaranteed even another hour of life, no matter what their age or health condition. Life is a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Men would do well, then, to consider the state of their souls and whether or not they are prepared to meet their Maker and Master.

So as you remember the people of Japan in your prayers in the aftermath of these things, the most critical thing we can pray for is that the eyes of people will be opened; that they realize how short life is and that their thoughts will lift up to God; and that many will recognize their sin, repent of it and trust in God for their salvation. Whatever else you pray, pray that they will not forget the warning that God has given them this week.