God's Logic

When I was involved in computer programming, we learned to be very
cautious of the "IF" condition. It was a very convenient way of
programming. It set up a series of tests that must be passed each
time the program executed. The "IF" condition was established by a
true or false response. If true then it would do one thing. Else,
(if false) it would do something different. In fact, when writing the
program, you had to develop it as a standard "IF-THEN-ELSE" command.
Example: "IF A=1, THEN Stop ELSE Continue". So, if the amount input
for A was equal to 1, then the program would stop. If it was not equal
to 1, it continued. The problem came, not from the computer itself,
but from the logic established by the programmer. If the computer programmer
used faulty logic, then the computer would do exactly as the programmer
designed, whether it was right or wrong. It took a lot of
long hours of going over and over the logic to make sure it was right.
If incorrect, the program could go in a direction you had not designed.

God has never been afraid of man testing His logic. He knows that
what He says is true and that man cannot find fault with Him. In 1
Corinthians 15:12-29, the inspired writer Paul displays divine logic.
In fact, when you read these passages, the conclusion is inescapable,
just like a computer program with an "IF-THEN-ELSE" command.

Paul says that if Christ is preached as being resurrected, how come
some were saying it was not so (verse 12). If Christ is not risen,
then their preaching was vain (verse 14). Since their faith is founded
on Christ, if Christ is not risen then their faith is in vain (verse 17).
If their faith is in vain, then they have no real hope (verse 18). If
they have no hope, then they have only this life and nothing to look
forward to (verse 19). Everything hinges on the answer to the question:
"Is Christ Risen?" If they answer YES, then there is hope. If they answer
NO, then there is no hope, no faith, no Resurrection and no Christ.

God's logic is so perfect that it is impossible for us to misunderstand.
If I answer YES to believing that Christ is risen, then I must believe
that the dead can be resurrected, and therefore that I will some day be
resurrected. If I say NO, then Christ cannot be alive, and there is no
hope for anyone. It is simple, yet perfect. However, it is possible to
just ignore it, as men often do.

Of course, God is not a computer programmer and man is more important
than some circuit boards and wires. We are made in His image (Gen. 1:26),
and He provides salvation for us. He does not program us to give certain
responses, but implores us to consider His word and His love and answer
accordingly. If we answer YES (We obey) then His blessings and rewards
will be showered upon us now and in Eternity. ELSE we will suffer the
consequences of our lives. The choice is yours and mine. [JW]