So, when we look at Romans 9:16-24, with a glimpse of God's perspective, we're able to see that Paul was right, with what he said in the latter part of the passage. God is God, and is able to do what he wants. How can we, with our limited understanding, and with our limited ability to comprehend, question him? In the most simplest of terms, "We just don't know what we're talking about". We know as little as that pot that has been created by its maker.
The next passage of scripture, that Kristi talks about, is Psalms 137:9. Psalms 137:8-9, reads as follows:
"Babylon, you will be destroyed. Happy are those who pay you back for what you have done to us--who take your babies and smash them against a rock."
-Psalms 137:8-9
Kristi's problem with this passage, is, two fold.
The first, is probably, quite obvious. This is because this passage describes something that's nearly unthinkable for most people. It talks about smashing babies against rocks. How can a loving God condone something so heinous? Does this prove that God is evil, and that he's worse than an ordinary human being? After all, most people would agree that only the vilest person would condone something like this. So, Kristi has proven that God is evil, and that he's unloving. Right?
Once again, this goes back to the notion of perspective. As humans, our extremes have limits that are sensible, to us. However, what are the limits of an unlimited God?
As humans, we're able to draw a line. Often times, you'll hear someone beg by saying, "Do whatever you want with me, but don't hurt my children!" We're able to feel that, to hurt someone's children, is invoking a pain that goes too far. It calls for extreme harm of the innocent, in order to punish the guilty. To us, that's a limit that can't be crossed. This is because it ventures into a mental anguish that is too much for many to bare. It, also, seems unfair to an innocent child. It, clearly, crosses a limit and, to us, only someone who is evil, would ever allow it.
However, with a God, there are no limits. So, the death of an innocent child, though seemingly off-the-charts, to us, isn't to God. Things, like hell, and eternal torment, blows our minds. However, how do you put limits on an unlimited God? So, this deals with God's ability to be extreme. As Hebrews 10:31, a popular verse, says, "It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God!"
This brings up the second problem, that Kristi has with this passage, it's the notion of punishment, altogether. When is punishment okay, and when is it not? After all, Jesus said, "turn the other cheek". So why is there this notion of punishment? Isn't it more loving to not punish, but forgive?
In some ways, this isn't a fair question. This is because it seems as if Kristi asks this question, solely, because of the severity of the punishment. Had the scripture mentioned a slap on the wrist, she, probably, wouldn't be talking about it. She'd, most likely, be fine with punishment, in that case. So, her real issue, is with the severity of the punishment; rather than the notion of punishment, itself.
So, let's go back to this notion of smashing babies. Kristi's problem, really, seems to be that God offers such an unimaginable, terrible punishment, for a crime. So, let's focus on that.
When it comes to God, there are so many things that are beyond us. When he's the subject of our focus, we can't just talk about someone who's good. We have to speak of someone who's completely, infinitely, pure. Not just excellent, but perfect. When we deal with absolute perfection, once again, we start to venture into areas that are beyond us. What I'm talking about, in this case, is God's holiness.
When it comes to a human attempt to understand God's view of sin, holiness is critical.
If something, or someone, is holy, they're, exclusively, set apart from all other things. They're in a class of their own -- completely special. When this concept is applied to the unlimited God, once again, it's taken to the infinite extreme, which, once again, blows the limited, human mind.
One passage of scripture, which articulates this well, is Hebrews 12:18-21. It reads as follows:
"You have not come, as the people of Israel came, to what you can feel, to Mount Sinai with its blazing fire, the darkness and the gloom, the storm, the blast of a trumpet, and the sound of a voice. When the people heard the voice, they begged not to hear another word, because they could not bear the order which said, 'If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.' The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, 'I am trembling and afraid!'"
-Hebrews 12:18-19
This verse is referring to an instance when the people of Israel were out in the desert. They were being led by God, and he took them to a holy mountain; Mount Sinai. It was at this mountain, that God gave the people the ten commandments. God revealed himself to the Israelites, at that mountain. While they stood at the base of the mountain, all sorts of terrifying, awesome sights were happening on top of the mountain. That's where this verse comes into play. This verse talks about the people's response to that awesome experience.