A Book Review Can God be Trusted

By the Late Dr. A Graham Maxwell

Review by Dionne Sabbay Thompson June 13, 2011 (Revised) Dr. A. Graham Maxwells wonderful piece entitled Can God Be Trusted enables readers to see God in a refreshing all-loving Light, answering the controversial question: Does God kill?

Maxwells book presents the Character of God message in a manner that is accurately adorable, fair and just. It commences with a Judicial Court setting that highlights the fact that Gods character is on trial see page 31. Gods all righteous government and His contingency plan of Christ clothing His divinity with humanity (reconciling fallen mankind) engages readers of all age groups 2Cor. 5:19, 1John 1:5. Does God Kill? - Listen to a Bible study Maxwell mentions a Court scenario where Christs character appears to be on trial, and the false accuser is Satan. Regarding this ongoing court case, or great controversy Gods law, as per the false Accuser, is said to be unjust, and thus the question emerges, Can God be trusted? Maxwell highlights that Satan, is the accuser of the brethren, while Christ intercedes, and acts as a benevolent Advocate for those who grant Him permission Rom. 8:34, Heb. 7:25, 1John 2:1. God is never arbitrary. If a Christian has confidence in their Creator, it would make sense that there is a promise or covenant, providing a sense of security and trust. Within page 44 of this well synthesized book the concept of faith is mentioned, and faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God Rom. 10: 17.1 While remaining faithful, readers can reference 1Thess. 5:21, while testing all things to be true.

Offering some resource-filled variety, Maxwell mentions Martin Luthers contributions,

1 Dr. A. Graham Maxwell Can God be Trusted (2002) p.

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dating back as far as 1534. Maxwell appears to appreciate the Hebrews cannon as a book worthy of ones trust. Abrahams name within the Hebrews faith hall of fame is definitely worth mentioning Heb. 11:8, 17. Abraham, the Father of many nations, does provide a great character reference regarding trust. Abraham clearly knew that God was trustworthy, as Jehovah is the source of all righteousness Psa. 145:17, Eze. 20:12.

God, in all His glory, greatness and honor, is such an ALL-LOVING CREATOR: and, it is thus "strange" for Him to "give-up" His precious creatures that were made for His pleasure". However, due to the advancement of the sin issue, God must give up those who "choose" self over mercy; and Satan then does his destructive work see Isa. 28:21; Hosea 11:8-9; Rom. 1:24-28, Rev. 4:11, 9:11. Luke 9:55-56 is irresistibly inviting, as it highlights Gods non-aggressive methodology.

Christ laid down His life for fallen mankind. What did Christ do when Peter cut off Malchus ear Matt. 28:10? Without hesitation, Christ rejoined the ear: and, while on the way to His crucifixion, there is no record of Christ ever retaliating. One can therefore surmise that, it is in fact a sinners lack of harmony with God that causes their selfdestruction by choice. God can not use force, as it conflicts with His Character Transcript, the Ten Commandments, and any change to His immutable moral law would compromise His entire universe see also Exo. 20, 2Pet. 3:7-12.

Exodus 20 reveals the Most Highs character. His "strange act" undeniably involves Him giving up His loved creatures to destruction Isa. 28:21, Rom. 1:24-28. The Bible clearly requires focus on principles, accompanied by the Holy Spirit's guidance. God has only one side to Him: and, He is patient, kind, humble, good-tempered, guileless, generous and sincere Gal. 5:22, 1Cor. 13:4-8, 2Pet. 1:3-8, Rev. 4:11 - also see Christs Object Lessons p. 84. Most important, Maxwell states that Gods acts of kindness and patience is meant to lead us to repentance: and, Gods nature is loaded with generosity, as He is constantly giving.2

For those who harp on the word destroy mentioned throughout the scriptures, attention must be paid to Gods requirement of searching the scriptures for PRINCIPLES while measuring each line and precept Isa. 28:10. Maxwell mentions the sincerity and kindness of Christs act of withholding prophetic details relating to Judas, the Betrayer: and, it is mentioned that Judas mistook Christs humility for weakness, assuming that He would not exercise foot-washing.3

God does not kill. Patriarchs and Prophets p. 160 relates the following: "had they not been visited with double blindness, being GIVEN UP to hardness of heart, the stroke of God upon them would have caused them to fear and to desist from their evil work.4
2 Ibid. p. 140. 3 Ibid. p. 88-91, 109. 4 E.G. White Patriarchs and Prophets p. 160.

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Christs Object Lessons p. 84 reveals that: "God destroys no man. Everyone who is destroyed will have destroyed himself. Everyone who stifles the admonitions of conscience is sowing the seeds of unbelief, and these will produce a sure harvest".5

All in all, God does care and He can be trusted, as He met us precisely where our forefather Adam chose to be, within sinful fallen flesh Matt. 1:23; Rom. 5:12, 8:1-4. Thus, all must not be presumptuous, as Gods immeasurable sacrifice is a priceless gift, imputed to all mankind Eph. 2:8-10. Rightfully, God could not admit aggressive creatures to His Kingdom, as it would place unfallen creatures at-risk for danger see p. 117.6 Although Moses was among Gods faith hall of fame Prophets, Moses was not permitted to enter the promise land due to his ungodly act of murder; coupled with his anger outbursts, causing him to have to taste death, as the wages of sin is death Deut. 34:6, Jude 1:9. Despite Moses error, he remains the first in Biblical history to be resurrected from planet earth: and he was a phenomenal source of encouragement for Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration Matt. 17:1-8.

Regarding the atmosphere of heaven, Maxwell identifies keenly that those who go to heaven will enter bearing a trustworthy character.7 A sense of cohesiveness will emerge in heaven, as the Lawgivers Sabbath rest is indeed sanctified Gen. 2:3, Exo. 20:8-11. A wonderful vision of Gods people worshiping one Sabbath to another emerges on p. 134.8 God does nothing by force, and the Desire of Ages page 22 relates this very fact. Honoring the Lord leads believers on a wonderful path unto wisdom and understanding. Overall, Maxwells great piece entitled Can God be Trusted melts the heart, as it expounds on Gods gracious demeanor, referencing John 16:26-27. God is equally as powerful as He is gracious.9 It remains clear that Gods kingdom will at no point utilize force: and, our Wise Creator has promised a universe free from sin.

Character Purity Ministries, located in Pelham, New York (Westchester County), aims to edify the globe about the Three Angels' Messages, the Loud cry and all relevant end-time present Truth, as Christ's return is imminent: and, He hopes to cut His work short in righteousness Rom. 1:16-17, 9:28; Rev. 14:6-12, 18:1-4.

5 Ibid. Christ Object Lessons p. 84 6 Dr. A. Graham Maxwell Can God be Trusted p. 117. 7 Ibid. p. 94 8 Ibid. p. 134. 9 Ibid. p. 144.

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