10 - What Should We Do with the Paradox

We must not dismiss the paradox, even though we cannot reconcile it
Speaking first of paradoxes in general: While the Bible tells us all we need to know about any paradox, it never fully explains it, it never unravels the knot; hence we have paradoxes! The Bible simply states both sides of a truth and leaves it there. Of course, to God there are no paradoxes; it is self-evident that he knows all things and is perfectly consistent. It is we who cannot understand; paradoxes arise in our poor finite minds. But on no account dare we question God: ‘O man, who are you to reply against God?’ (Rom. 9:20). ‘Who can say to him, “What are you doing?”’ (Job 9:12). In trying to cope with puzzles the Bible does not solve, we must not go beyond God’s revelation (Deut. 29:29). Nor must we be arrogant: ‘What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not!’ (Rom. 9:14). Rather, we should be humble: ‘Can you search out the deep things of God?’ (Job 11:7). Of course not! ‘Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements and his ways past finding out!’(Rom. 11:33).