Does God Need Us?

[repentandbelieve]

God is not strained for means or instruments with which to do His own work, so in that respect God does not "need" us. He could employ other means to carry on His work. All His purposes will be fulfilled, for no power of evil can destroy them. That which God purposes, man is powerless to disannul. Even amid the working of evil, God's purposes have been moving steadily forward to their accomplishment. It was thus with the house of Israel in Biblical times, and it is thus with His Church today.


But your question is food for interesting thought. When Christ became human, did God need Jesus to be obedient unto death? What would have become of the Kingdom of heaven had he not?

 

[nb_christseeker]

our King sent us on a mission to love and teach the gospel. we're needed insofar as we have a mission to complete, orders to fulfill.

 

[repentandbelieve]

our King sent us on a mission to love and teach the gospel. we're needed insofar as we have a mission to complete, orders to fulfill.

What you've said is true christseeker. "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Matthew 24:14.

But those who think of what man does as hastening or hindering the work of the gospel think of it in relation to themselves and to the world. Few think of its relation to God. Few give thought to the grief that sin has caused our Creator.

Every departure from the right, every deed of cruelty, every failure of humanity to reach His ideal, brings grief to Him. When there came upon Israel the calamities that were the sure result of separation from God,--subjugation by their enemies, cruelty, and death, --it is said that "His soul was grieved for the misery of Israel." "In all their affliction He was afflicted: . . . and He bare them, and carried them all the days of old." Judges 10:16; Isaiah 63:9

In order to destroy sin and its results He gave His best Beloved, and He has put it in our power (through co-operation with Him) the ability and responsibility of bringing this scene of misery to an end.

 

[hlaltimus]

God does not need us out of any deficiency on His part, but I suppose that you could say that He has made a glorious celestial inheritance which needs us. If He has gone, "...to prepare a place for you...", then it is perfectly clear that a mansion needs an occupant! He can also be said to need us out of His created intention for us. We were originally made to bear the image of God, and that desire of God demands a fullfilment which continues to this day. It is not a deficient need, but an appointed need. He could have done without us, but chose not to pass us by, to our eternal advantage.

 

[kisstheson]

God does not need us out of any deficiency on His part, but I suppose that you could say that He has made a glorious celestial inheritance which needs us. If He has gone, "...to prepare a place for you...", then it is perfectly clear that a mansion needs an occupant! He can also be said to need us out of His created intention for us. We were originally made to bear the image of God, and that desire of God demands a fullfilment which continues to this day... He could have done without us, but chose not to pass us by, to our eternal advantage.

Well put hlatimus! Such a longing form the Trinity... We should respond to Him! Gives us grace Lord Jesus!

 

[nb_christseeker]

some very excellent posts here. think i'll spread around a lil rep.

 

[nb_christseeker]

the work that God requires is that you believe in the one that he has sent.