Is it O.k. for Us to Willfully Sin,
If We Know That God Uses
All Things to Accomplish Good in Our Lives?

Below are two quotes from a book entitled, "All Things for Good," by Thomas Watson, Banner of Truth Trust. Because the book was written in 1663, the language is sometimes difficult to read. In a couple places, I've added "updated" words [in brackets], to compensate for the archaic terminology.

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QUOTE #1

From: Chapter 2 [The worst things work for good to the godly]

• Part 2 [The evil of temptation is overruled for good to the godly]
  • An "objection" responded to (at the end of the section):
     

OBJECTION:

But if being foiled [defeated] works for good, this may make Christians careless whether they are overcome by temptations or no.

ANSWER:

There is a great deal of difference between falling into temptation, and running into a temptation. The falling into a temptation shall work for good, not the running into it. He that falls into a river is capable of help and pity, but he that desperately turns into it is guilty of his own death. It is madness running into a lion's den. He that runs himself into a temptation is like Saul, who fell upon his own sword.

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Quote #2

From: Chapter 2 [The worst things work for good to the godly]

• Part 4 [The evil of sin works for good to the godly]

  • A warning (at the end of the section):
     

But let none ABUSE this doctrine. I do not say that sin works for good to an impenitent person. No, it works for his damnation, but it works for good to them that love God; and for you that are godly, I know you will NOT draw a wrong conclusion from this, either to make light of sin, or to make bold with sin. If you should do, God will make it cost you dear. Remember David. He ventured presumptuously on sin, and what did he get? He lost his peace, he felt the terrors of the Almighty in his soul, though he had all helps to cheerfulness. He was a king; he had skill in music; yet nothing could administer comfort to him; he complains of his "broken bones" (Psalm 51:8). And though he did at last come out of that dark cloud, yet some divines [theologians] are of opinion that he never recovered his full joy to his dying day. If any of God's people should be tampering with sin, because God can turn it to good, though the Lord does not damn them, He may send them to hell in this life. He may put them into such bitter agonies and soul-convulsions, as may fill them full of horror, and make them draw nigh to despair. Let this be a flaming sword to keep them from coming near the forbidden tree.

Again, I say, THINK NOT LIGHTLY OF SIN

 

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"All Things for Good" - Thomas Watson - public domain
Web page - Dennis Hinks © 1999
041109