WHY DO GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO BAD PEOPLE?

Pastor Rick Jackson

Some years ago a Jewish Rabbi wrote a book entitled “Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?” after his 14 year old son died. Of course, the theme is older than that by thousands of years but there are several things that should cause us to realize the question ought be, why do good things happen to bad people?

I. THERE ARE NO GOOD PEOPLE

1. All of Us Are Sinners [Rm. 3:10, Ecclesiastes 7:20]

For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

2. All Sinners Owe a Sin Debt [Rm. 3:23, Ezekiel 18:20 \]

The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

3. No Sinner Can Save Himself of Any Other [Rm. 5:8]

II. A LOVING GOD PROVIDES GOOD THINGS FOR BAD PEOPLE

1. The Ultimate Saviour- God Himself [Acts 20:28]

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
Hebrews 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

2. The Ultimate Sacrifice- Christ Paid Our Hell [Is. 53, 2 Corinthians 5:21]

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

3. The Ultimate Salvation- Ours for the Asking [Jn. 1:12, Revelation 2:11]

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
1 John 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

III. THE OBLIGATION TO LIVE RIGHT

Since it has no bearing on us attaining Heaven why should we live right? To ask the question shows the old nature is still active within our bodies. But the answer is easily obtained.

1. The Creator Has Every Right to Expect His Creation to Obey Him [Mark 1:27]

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
Mark 4:41 And they feared exceedingly °, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

2. The Redeemer Has Every Right to Expect His People, Property and Purchased Possession Obey Him [1 Corinthians 6:20]

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Corinthians 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.


3. The God of Heaven has Promised a Blessing though It May Not Be What We Expect [1 Samuel 12:14]

If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God:
Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
Acts 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.