How Can You Believe in a Jealous God?

[@donald2818]

Thanks for making that analogy at minute 34 Sean. For me personally, it isn't enough to just say to someone that God created us for the express purpose that we may worship and glorify him only. That doesn't help the argument that God isn't selfish as we as humans understand selfishness. Whenever I find myself feeling uncomfortable about the passages in the Bible that speak about God's jealousy, I remind myself that if it weren't for God I would not exist. I would not get to enjoy the splendor of nature, or the pleasures of human relationship, etc. Not to mention his great gift of Jesus' sacrifice to save me from my brokenness. Knowing these things reminds me why God deserves all the attention and all the glory.

[@Wallacetax926]

Just an FYI. Our youth have made this 9 lesson series. we are so excited for them. We are The Lords House in Texas. Our Pastors are going way out for our teens. Preparing for the ring ceremony with the pledge and a certificate they will walk away with. We know it hasn’t been easy our teens have made so much progress. Wish you could be here to see our teenagers walk the stage as they have learned so much truth in the true love waits series. Thank you Sean for this chasing love. It’s also strengthened our marriages. To God be the glory! Waiting is worth it campaign! 🙋‍♀️

[@SeanMcDowell]

Thanks!

[@Wallacetax926]

Hi Sean I was asked to reach out, Is it possible to make a 60 second video to those students who have endured thru all 9 sessions in congratulating them a much needed success? The church is going all out on Tuesday the 28th to receive a pledge along with their certificate of the true love waits. A dinner for both their parents and student. Thanks in advance.

[@timothyfiorello9688]

Thank you, Sean for having Erik on. I did a study of God's jealousy a while back. I have El Knh on my fore arm as a reminder that if I say I am His then I need to live it. Phineas is one of my greatest heroes. Should I have a son one day, it will be his name. You do a great work. Thank you for carefulness!

[@christiannieves5762]

Jesus is my hero 🦸‍♂️ he died for our sins he save my life my home my marriage my relationship with my family God is my true hero

[@vincecorso7717]

I have found in my own life a deeper love for the Lord knowing this truth about His jealousy for me. My affection for Him has only deepened and intimacy with Him has intensified. You erudite Biblical scholars have added a new texture and color to my life since I recently found this channel. I sincerely thank you . Erik, I just ordered your book and with eager anticipation and great expectation look forward to taking that biblical journey in learning of the God of jealousy. God bless you both!🙏❤️🎼✝️

[@pineapple4143]

Hello, my name is Chris and my fiancee name is Ashley. Will everyone keep praying for us for open doors and help with our relationship to remain strong. Also, please pray for us for our finances to get married and find a home. Please pray for the Lord to help us with these things and all obstacles holding us back,for breakthroughs. Please pray that God blesses our relationship so much. Please pray also that our hearts remain soft towards eachother in our relationship. Thank you so very much.

[@chadsnyder33]

just get married.. you can do it Trust.

[@movietime4931]

Hope u make it bro

[@_sarah.]

Prayed for you 🙂

[@pineapple4143]

@@chadsnyder33 awesome. Thank you

[@pineapple4143]

@@movietime4931 Thank you. We can do it.

[@Angismit]

I do find in this journey with God, it is movement from self centeredness to God centeredness.

[@LaurenSheehan]

Thank you for this and your channel! I had an old friend bring to me a oneness pentacostal sermon today and I had not heard of this demonization yet. It was a teaching about the power of women's uncut hair. I immediately felt it was off in the first 30 seconds and the preacher hadnt even spoke yet. After I did research on the beliefs of OP... I questioned my friend and we began a hot debate about trinitarian -ism ... It was my first time ever having to try to defend this. I learned a lot. Our Convo grew me, and as I searched for more about this denomination I found your channel and you have just confirmed exactly what I was thinking as I watched this sermon (Lee Stone King).... He made all kinds of crazy arguments that made no sense. Including a story about a car accident where the car was "magically" lifted up so that the car wasn't damaged , and that it was all because of the women with thr uncut hair in the car... I was super disturbed And I told my friend it was so focused on personal and spiritual power and it was dangerous. You have spoken more clearly to what I saw.

[@SeanMcDowell]

Great to hear, thanks!

[@HarmonyWheeler]

A really great conversation here, both practical, in its reminder that believers should be jealous for God, and informative, in its response to critics who would say that God's jealousy is a negative trait.

[@Jasminestealth1]

Sean - thank you! I think out of all the interviews I've watched - you asked the most incredible questions

[@SeanMcDowell]

Thanks…I love it!

[@Jasminestealth1]

@@SeanMcDowell the only question that keeps coming up for me is like you said at the beginning of interview that it "opened your eyes" - and although I think it's great our personal journey with God is our whole life - why would The Word - require a deep dive with a phd? Why is there so much to decipher - why is his WORD - so disputed - and so many claim to only be "telling the truth"

[@JohnVandivier]

Thank you for introducing us to brother Erik.

[@SeanMcDowell]

You bet. He’s pretty amazing!

[@lilggs4813]

99.9K subscribers Sean, almost there !

[@aMiddleRoad]

Research has identified many root causes of extreme jealousy, including low self-esteem, high neuroticism, and feeling possessive of others, particularly romantic partners. Fear of abandonment is also a key motivator.

[@diannhall7564]

Thank you both so much ✝️. You answered questions I've thought about for years!

[@alonzocharles7390]

PRAISE GOD for you men!!!

[@nb7524]

I am so thankful for your channel!

[@SeanMcDowell]

Thanks!!!

[@melodyschleicher81]

The basic problem is because unfortunately jealousy and envy have become synonymous. Jealousy is legitimate. It deals with a relationship between two people where a third party tries to alienate one party's affections. Envy is where what belongs to someone else is illegitimately coveted by another.

[@rodneyaustin3999]

Two mins in and heres my thoughts: 1. The biggest problem of today's Christian thinking and the culture as a whole is the arrogance. We automatically associate Scripture with todays culture and ignore the differences. 2. Therefore, jealous as written for the Israelites for their culture and history is not the same as today. Today, we view jealousy as a bad thing, much like submission. But i believe Dr. Thoennes will explain. 3. Finally, His thoughts are not our thoughts. Nor are His ways. I honestly believe that part of the great cleansing of the church will be people leaving the faith because they want answers, dont understand why things happen or cannot accept the Bible as inerrant. May we hit our knees and return to the power of God rather than trying to explain everything. Jesus did not answer everything. He did not die to give answers, He died for our sins. Edit: 37 mins in. Dr. Thoennes is a wonderful teacher. He is enamored with God and i pray he stays diligent. My only disagreement, slight though it is, is getting people to see the goodness of God. I think this is not seen in His love alone, but His holiness. Does the church preach in such a way that men react as if they were pierced in the heart? The holiness and fear of God doesnt push people away, but if done by the Spirit it only shows how great His love for us is. His great separation is an beautiful manifestation of His great love. He has no need for us, but He still desires that we love Him like He loves us. John 17

[@DesGardius-me7gf]

Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality (NPD) as discussed by the DSM-5 (by definition, all I need is 5 out these 9 criteria for a diagnosis of a narcissist, but as you see, the Bible god Yahweh, fits ALL 9 of these criteria): 1. A grandiose sense of self-importance, i.e. exaggerates talents and expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements. (Job 38:4 & 31-35, Psalm 19:1, Isaiah 42:8, Jeremiah 32:17 & Romans 1:18-20) 2. Preoccupation with fantasies of ideal love, success, knowledge, power, and beauty. (Isaiah 45:23, 52:12-15 & 53:1-12, Jeremiah 3:17, Romans 14:11 & Philippians 2:10) 3. Belief that he or she is so "special" and "unique" and can only be understood by other high-status or quality people or institutions. (Leviticus 11:44, 1 Samuel 2:2, Isaiah 55:8, Habakkuk 1:13 & 1 Corinthians 2:14) 4. Is inter-personally exploitative, i.e. takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends. (Exodus 7:3 & 13-14, 10:27, 11:10, 14:4 & 20:5, Deuteronomy 5:6 & 7:2) 5. Has a sense of entitlement. (Leviticus 9:18, 1 Corinthians 10:31 & Revelation 4:11) 6. Requires excessive admiration. (Exodus 25-31) 7. A lack of empathy or an unwillingness to identify with feelings and needs of others. (Numbers 11:1-3, 4-35, 16:49 & 21:4-9, Luke 9:61-62) 8. Envy of others (Exodus 20:5 & 34:14, Deuteronomy 4:24, 5:9 & 6:15, Joshua 24:19, Isaiah 42:8) 9. Arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes (All throughout the Bible, I’m not fucking joking!)

[@JosiahFickinger]

We shouldn't use the word "jealousy" because it's culturally a negative term and it causes confusion.

[@JosiahFickinger]

@@cardcounter21 Obviously have you not considered translations? And I was referring the INTERPRETATION of the word.

[@frankwhelan1715]

@@cardcounter21 Yes you shouldn't bother with these other gods,the bible one doesn't like it.

[@JosiahFickinger]

@@cardcounter21 You know better that that's not the negative kind of jealousy but more of a grieving or sadness.

[@JosiahFickinger]

@@cardcounter21 And you're just as guilty of assuming these things.

[@christiannieves5762]

@@cardcounter21 of course he could made us to just obey him and he won’t have a need to be jealous as you put it but then we have no free will you won’t want your wife showing attention to other man. And by other gods he means when we become obsessed with money material things or ourselves that what he means you become so obsessed is like something else become your god

[@kathrynknipe6615]

Thank you!

[@christiannieves5762]

God is not selfish. He gives us free will. We can do what we want. The problem is people want to live how ever they want and have the benefits of God blessing protection peace love but don’t want to live they way he demands. I’m not sure if this is a good analogy is like I want to get paid but not have to go to work. I want a house a car and a good life but not do anything for it

[@M.....................]

Someone tag Oprah on this

[@gravitypronepart2201]

Love this!

[@Kay-it4ed]

This was so interesting but I do have a problem with the volume in your videos Shaun. I wondered if it was 'just me' but checked with other videos and didn't need to strain to hear those. Intended as constructive feedback x

[@Lordpraisethe]

This was fantastic

[@sevgibson]

I appreciate your interviews, Sean. However, I wish you would more often relate the Divine Counsel world view Dr Heiser has demonstrated throughout the Old Testament. In this case, the Divine Counsel world view makes perfect sense of the jealousy of God for our loyalty. "Thou shalt have no other elohim before me."

[@SeanMcDowell]

Thanks for the suggestion. I had not thought of it that way. I’ve had Heiser on to discuss demons but not this issue…

[@ObjectOfMercy]

I love your answers! But 90% of the questions that are asked are found there in scripture. Typically when it says God is jealous there’s some sort of surrounding context that will explain what that means. Commentary is always beautiful in furthering our understanding but I’m sure majority of the people that ask these questions aren’t too familiar with scripture.

[@wordswordswords48574fce]

Nice

[@movietime4931]

Sir what do u think bout islam plz answer if u saw

[@planetbethie]

Ezekiel 16

[@spencer1854]

QUESTION: Sean, is one's salvation guaranteed by faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, by repentance, or by both? If both are required, what is the true meaning of the word "repentance." Is it more about one's sincere intent or one's conviction of heart in how he repents? Or, if the definition "'a change of mind that produces a change in behavior" is used, is my soul destined for destruction if I still struggle with sin at times (I'm still behaving in sinful ways, even though I hate it, or I've had a change of mind). Appreciate anything you or anyone has to say in this regard. Been struggling to really understand and stay away from guilt and self condemnation as it relates to how effectively I'm repenting and the possibility of it keeping me from salvation.

[@ckjones]

The Bible says to pick up your cross daily. Daily repentance is required especially for those sins which are persistent. Also it’s important to petition the Lord for help in stopping our sinful behaviour. Remember self control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. So if you have received the Holy Spirit then you are given this fruit freely. Ask God for it. He will show you what to do. I bless you in Jesus name to grow in your faith and trust in Jesus. X

[@spencer1854]

@@ckjones I've done everything you've said, and I feel the holy spirit at work in me. However I still feel guilt and shame when I ultimately live up to the standards I set for myself, or the Bibles for that matter. Any opinion on my question as it results to salvation?

[@ckjones]

I would appreciate others weighing in here. As I would never want to deceive you. Or lead you astray. But it’s does say what whoever calls upon my name will be saved. And I believe that the out working of our salvation is then done by the Holy Spirit and ourselves. So even those close to death can call upon the Lord and be saved without working out all the finer details. So I suppose in answer to your question it would be the intent and bit the end result which ensures salvation. But I don’t think that should lead to complacency regarding sin. And that we can trust that God will work it out for and with us and that we will be set free.

[@ckjones]

So for clarity. We are saved by Grace through faith. First and foremost.

[@ckjones]

The repentance is the vehicle by which we are delivered from our sins and set free. But I do appreciate that they do intertwine and certainly initially as we come to faith and need to repent of the things holding us back from accepting Jesus..

[@Center1240]

Wow, a whole discussion to excuse the negativity of the word JEALOUS just because the Bible attributes it to God.

[@frankwhelan1715]

Is God shellfish?

[@JosiahFickinger]

Does Jesus dying on the cross answer that for you?

[@matterhorn731]

@@JosiahFickinger I mean, I think that would make _me_ a little crabby...

[@JosiahFickinger]

@@matterhorn731 What do you mean? 😄

[@matterhorn731]

@@JosiahFickinger Read OP's comment a little more closely. 😉🦀

[@JosiahFickinger]

@@matterhorn731 I'm still confused. I see no one in the comments section with the name or initials OP

[@christopher-si9kv]

Dr. Sean, your YT thumbnails are really bad 😬 look at Capturing Christianity's. the font is big and bold, the background is uncluttered, he only uses a few words. he uses faces instead of full upper body. because you put so much information in your thumbnail, it actually translates to being less informative. hope this helps

[@christopher-si9kv]

pull up your channel on an iPhone YT app. your thumbnail should be clearly legible even if the thumbnail is an inch or two wide

[@SeanMcDowell]

Good input, thanks!

[@royhiggins7270]

My testimony for the story of Jesus Christ. The story of Jesus destroyed my world. I've witnessed first hand what the bible did to my friends and family and nation. It turned good decent people into hate filled monsters. What has happened to my loved ones and the deadly divide in my nation could never have happened without the greatest lie ever told...the story of Jesus Christ.

[@_sarah.]

People who adhere to true Christianity will look nothing like what you described above. They must have taken an extreme or unrational interpretation to the scriptures, or were never truly Christians in the first place. Jesus is True, and I hope you and they will find the true Jesus! 😊

[@caroleevandyk5544]

That’s because Christianity is deceived. Christianity says it’s god brought billions of people into existence knowing beforehand that they would be rebellious and end up suffering forever. Christians worship a monstrous caricature of the true God of scripture, a psychotic monster that says love me or l will torture you forever. They become like the god they worship. The true God of scripture says this, Romans 5:18-19, “Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for ALL people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for ALL people. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many(ALL) were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many(the same ALL who were made sinners) will be made righteous.” 1 Timothy 4:10, “That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of ALL people, and especially of those who believe.” 1 Corinthians 15:22, “For as in Adam ALL die, so in Christ ALL will be made alive.”

[@royhiggins7270]

@@caroleevandyk5544 I think it is because once you can believe one lie you can believe them all. That is why so many American's have embraced the Trump-Republican-Jesus cult. Forcing raped women and children to give birth, fighting against common sense gun laws, denying the science of climate change and vaccines, giving more to billionaires at the expense of the poor and middle class, maginalizing the LBGT community and other minorities.

[@velkyn1]

if someone is jealous, there is something to be jealous of. So it does seem that the bible indicates that there are other gods. If this god is jealous of something lesser than it, it has issues. Of course, it is imaginary and the only thing jealous are humans who get upset of people don't agree with them. They want the attention all to themselves.

[@_sarah.]

He is jealous for us. His heart longs for us. That's the true meaning and passion of God's jealousy. It shows us how much He loves us and cherishes us.

[@velkyn1]

@@_sarah. "He is jealous for us. His heart longs for us. That's the true meaning and passion of God's jealousy. It shows us how much He loves us and cherishes us." Sarah, you need some threat if you are jealous. What threat does God have? amazing how an omnipotent being needs something, "longing" for anything. One would also think that if that were true, this god would have kept satan out of the garden. But he either intentionally let it in or was unable to keep it out, both possibilities looking bad for this god. Keeping it out would have done nothing against free will, so that's not an option for an excuse.

[@_sarah.]

@@velkyn1 God is not threatened, but if humans are giving the glory and honor that only belongs to the Creator of the Universe to wooden blocks, that's a problem. Would you be okay if someone gave a high award, honor, or credit you deserved (like the Nobel Peace Prize) to someone who didn't even do anything to earn it (or maybe didn't even know about it), or better yet, to an animal? I'm sure you wouldn't, just as none of us would be either. In much the same way, God is jealous for us and our hearts. He doesn't want our hearts to be worshipping or idolizing worthless things when we have the Majestic Creator to worship. Also, God does not at all need us, but He chooses us out of His Great love for us. As for satan entering the garden, you have to understand that satan also had free will, and he could do whatever he wanted with it. That's how he entered the garden. Plus, I think the time had come for Adam and Eve to be tested according to their faith and obedience to God (for more about this specific part you can read up on "Humanity's Test" by Bible Project).

[@velkyn1]

@@_sarah. Ah, so this god is jealous of wooden blocks. That's even sillier than being jealous of other gods. If someone I made was so clueless to give an award to a wooden block, I would be rather embarassed of what I made, not offended by it. Your god seems to be rather incompetent. That your god needs to be honored, constantly stroked, it's rather a pitiful god, no different from the other gods invented by bronze/iron age humans. As for love, that doesn't consist of telling someone that if they don't stroke you enough, you'll torture them forever. That's the action of an abuser. So, now Satan has free wll. But he was an angel, and per Christians, they don't have free will; that is what is supposedly special about humans. Do tell why an omnipotent and omniscience being needs to test anyone, Sarah? By definition, this god already would know what they would do.

[@_sarah.]

@@velkyn1 ** Just a heads up, this is a long response. ** For your first point, yes it is quite embarrassing that humans give honor to things that are not God, such as other people, wooden blocks, or whatever else there is. And that's why it's called a _sin_ . It's the sin of idolatry. And by the way, I'm sure you would be embarrassed if that happened to you, but I know that you would be definitely angry too. It's only natural. Who told you that God needs to be constantly stroked or honored? Just because He doesn't like it when we worship false things doesn't mean He is in "constant need" of our praise or attention. God doesn't need our praise at all. But if praise is at all given, it should rightfully be given to Who it belongs. If God needed to be constantly honored, and if He was an "Egomaniac", as you probably think He is, we all would have been dead a lifetime ago for not giving enough praise to Him. Heck, we wouldn't even have been born because the first set of humans would have already been killed! On the contrary, you should know that each and every human that has ever walked this earth has blasphemed God at one time or the other. And if God was such an Egomaniac, He would have rightfully destroyed us the first chance He got for us blaspheming Him! But He hasn't because He is So Very Merciful, more than we can ever imagine. And to tell you a personal thing, I have blasphemed God quite a many times and thrown disgusting false accusations against Him, but not once has He relented in showing His Mercy and Love to me, even though I never deserved it. If God needed to be constantly stroked, then He would not even spare us when we blasphemed Him. But if you truly open your eyes, you see it's exactly the opposite (His Grace and Humility and Love are so amazing that they make me cry 🥺😭). So, in general, it's not about us constantly giving praise to Him, it's about rightfully honoring Him as God and being humble before Him, just knowing our position before Him. In addition, it's never about us not giving praise to Him which ends us up in hell. We end up in hell for our own sins which we consciously commit, and for not choosing to repent and believe in the Way of Salvation. Yes, satan was an angel, but he still has free will. If he hadn't, then he would never have rebelled against God, because God would have prevented that from happening. Why couldn't God test the humans for their faith? God had given them a command, and to see if they truly trusted in God over their own instincts and impulses, they had to be tested. As Bible Project stated, "A test is a way to measure someone’s knowledge, skill, or resolve. You have to take a test to get a degree. You need to take a test to prove you can drive a car. You might even need to take a test to prove you are ready for a job. Tests are designed and given to us to see if we measure up." In the same way, Adam and Eve were given a "Test of Faith." Of course God knew what would happen, but that didn't mean that the test could just be evaded. Moreover, even after knowing what would have happened, God continued to love, care, and provide for His sinful creation. But even more so, He sent His own Son to be humbled in the form of human flesh and to die such a painful and degrading death so that these same sinful humans could be saved. If you are saying that God was "wrong" and "mean" in testing Adam and Eve knowing what the consequences would be, you also need to know that this same God would know that to redeem these sinful humans He would one day have to sacrifice Himself. So knowing what could happen to Him, He could have prevented the test from happening in the first place. Yet He still didn't, because it was important that the test take place to see what Adam and Eve's choice would be according to the free will that was given to them.