TO All:
Here is why I believe that the Book of Jonah is true based on my study of the archaeology, history, and science issues:
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EvC Forum: Jonah and the whale - It happened! -->
EvC Forum: Jonah and the whale - It happened!
Here are the main theological implications from what I have read from various theologians and what I have gleaned from the Jonah account:
1. God cares for men's eternal and earthly concerns more than all his own representatives on earth do at certain points in history. Jonah had to be compelled to go to Ninevah.
2. God gives some free choice (the Ninevites chose to repent although it was based on some compulsion in that God's justice demanded judgment soon) but not total freedom because Jonah was somewhat drafted and was not a true volunteer and the threat of judgment for wrong doing was hanging over their people of Ninevah's heads.
3. God about the gentiles even before Christ arrived on the scene. He sent a prophet to them so they would repent.
4. God comes to man first rather than men coming to God. God extends the invitation. Jonah came to Ninevah. The people of Ninevah were not seeking God it appears. As the New testament says:
1Ti 2:3 For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
1Ti 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Also, the New Testament declares in many cases that God comes to the sinner and extends the invitation and man the rebel does not seek after God.
5. Revival does not always last. The people of Nineveh went back to their heathen ways it appears according the Bible. This would of course, imply human freedom although some Calvinist would take issue with this.
6. Sometimes the representatives of God can have a pity party when they do not get their own way (read last chapter of Jonah), but God has higher purposes and more compassion than men (read last chapter of Jonah).
7. You can run from God but you cannot hide. Jonah could not hide from God. God can intervene in nature in order to make those who rebel accountable (the seas, sea creature swallowing Jonah, etc).
[This message has been edited by kendemyer, 03-26-2004]