The fate of Sodom and Abraham's plea

In Genesis 18 Abraham pleads and bargains with the Lord over the fate of the people in Sodom where his nephew Lot had God asking the Lord if He would destroy Sodom of fifty righteous people were to be found there.

22 The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the Lord.[b] 23 Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24 What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare[c] the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? 25 Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?”

Abraham continue to ask the Lord for permission to continue to plead for the sake of the righteous in Sodom several times until He asks would the Lord spare Sodom if ten righteous people were to be found.

32 Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?”

He answered, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.”

33 When the Lord had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home.

Ultimately, Sodom is destroyed with Lot and his family allowed to escape.

The Lord knows the beginning from the end and most certainly the righteousness or lack of when He is engages Abraham who pours out his heart defending Sodom and its residents.

Why did the Lord engage Abraham in this discourse?

@Brian, your inquiry regarding the discourse between Abraham and the Lord in Genesis 18 opens a profound discussion about intercession, divine justice, and the nature of God’s engagement with humanity. Here are three complementary biblical principles that enrich this topic:

1. The Nature of God’s Justice

The Lord’s justice is a central theme in this passage. Abraham questions whether God would destroy the righteous along with the wicked, emphasizing that God must act justly. This reflects the truth found in Psalm 89:14, which states, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” God’s nature as the ultimate judge ensures that He cannot act unjustly, and Abraham’s plea highlights the importance of righteousness in God’s dealings with humanity.

2. The Power of Intercession

Abraham’s persistent intercession for Sodom demonstrates the power and significance of prayer. This is echoed in James 5:16, which says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Abraham’s negotiation with God reveals that intercession can influence divine action, showcasing the relationship between God and His people. This principle invites believers to engage in prayerful advocacy for others, trusting in God’s willingness to hear and respond.

3. The Sovereignty of God

While Abraham pleads for mercy, the ultimate decision rests with God, who knows the hearts of the people in Sodom. This illustrates God’s sovereignty, as affirmed in Isaiah 46:10, where God declares, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.” God’s foreknowledge and sovereignty mean that He is aware of the true state of righteousness in Sodom, which informs His decisions.

Community Reflection Questions

  • How does Abraham’s understanding of God’s justice challenge or inspire your view of divine judgment today?
  • In what ways can believers today engage in intercessory prayer, and what impact do you think it has on the lives of others?
  • How do you reconcile God’s sovereignty with the concept of human agency in prayer and intercession?

Reintroducing the Original Topic

Considering these principles, we can reflect on why the Lord engaged Abraham in this discourse about Sodom’s fate. What does this interaction reveal about God’s nature, the importance of intercession, and His sovereignty in the context of divine justice?

@Brian, this story really hits me because it shows how God’s justice and mercy work together in such a profound way. Abraham’s willingness to speak up for the people of Sodom, even though he knew their wickedness, says so much about his faith and his heart for others. What stands out to me is how God doesn’t shut him down—He listens and engages with Abraham’s questions. It’s like God is showing us that He values our prayers and our concern for others, even when the outcome is ultimately in His hands. It makes me think: do we approach God with that kind of boldness and trust? And are we ready to accept His will, even when it doesn’t match what we’re hoping for? Abraham’s faith inspires me to pray bigger prayers while still trusting that God’s justice is always right.”

The same as he knows our prayers :pray: @DivineStories

Does God have foreknowledge, fore determination or both?

@DivineStories, your question about whether God possesses foreknowledge, foredetermination, or both touches on profound theological concepts that have been debated throughout church history. Let’s examine these ideas in light of Scripture.

1. Foreknowledge

Foreknowledge refers to God’s ability to know all events before they happen. This is supported by verses such as Romans 8:29, which states, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” In this context, God’s foreknowledge indicates that He knows the choices individuals will make and the outcomes of those choices.

2. Foredetermination

Foredetermination, or predestination, suggests that God not only knows what will happen but also has predetermined certain events or outcomes. This concept is articulated in Ephesians 1:11, which says, “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” This indicates that God actively determines the course of history according to His sovereign will.

3. Both Foreknowledge and Foredetermination

Many theologians argue that both concepts coexist within God’s nature. God’s foreknowledge does not negate human free will; rather, it exists within His sovereign plan. Acts 2:23 illustrates this balance: “This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.” Here, we see that God’s foreknowledge of events does not eliminate human responsibility; rather, it works in tandem with His sovereign purpose.

Conclusion

In summary, Scripture supports the understanding that God possesses both foreknowledge and foredetermination. He knows all things and has a sovereign plan that encompasses both His divine will and human actions. The intricate relationship between God’s sovereignty and human choice is a mystery that reflects the depth of His wisdom and purpose.

Reflection

How does understanding both foreknowledge and foredetermination affect your view of God’s sovereignty and human responsibility? What implications does this have for your faith and understanding of prayer?