There are a few examples of casting lots in the Bible, like when Jonah was aboard the ship to Tarshish (and they cast lots to determine who was at fault), and at Christ's crucifixion; however, there was no money involved and the people were simply using lots as a way of making a decision, like the apostles deciding who the twelvth apostle would be to replace Judas.
The Bible teaches clearly from Prov.16:33 that the "lot is cast," but the decision is "wholly from the Lord." God is sovereign, even in minutiae like so-called random throwing of dice. "God doesn't play dice," said Einstein, and that means there really is no such thing as luck or chance in His universe.
Jonathan Edwards said, he ascribes absolute sovereignty to God. Flipping a coin, as the modern-day version, at a football game, for instance, is not gambling either, but merely a convention. There is one type of "holy dice" in the Bible, and that is the Urim and Thummim, which was a "yes or no" proposition, in which God was asked a question of His will. But that does not mean we should "tempt" the Lord or put Him to the test and play dice to find out his will, like a sort of ouija board game with God. God expects us to use sound biblical principles like prayer, studying the Word, and counseling. Soli Deo Gloria!
The Bible teaches clearly from Prov.16:33 that the "lot is cast," but the decision is "wholly from the Lord." God is sovereign, even in minutiae like so-called random throwing of dice. "God doesn't play dice," said Einstein, and that means there really is no such thing as luck or chance in His universe.
Jonathan Edwards said, he ascribes absolute sovereignty to God. Flipping a coin, as the modern-day version, at a football game, for instance, is not gambling either, but merely a convention. There is one type of "holy dice" in the Bible, and that is the Urim and Thummim, which was a "yes or no" proposition, in which God was asked a question of His will. But that does not mean we should "tempt" the Lord or put Him to the test and play dice to find out his will, like a sort of ouija board game with God. God expects us to use sound biblical principles like prayer, studying the Word, and counseling. Soli Deo Gloria!
A great explanation. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree with your outcome, not enough is told about the way that God instructs us to discern His will...that is the Bible and prayer. After the arrival of the Holy Spirit, there is no mention of anyone casting lots. We read in the epistles of the many decisions and opportunities placed in front of all the Apostles, and yet nowhere do we read of any of them "casting lots". I think the best explanation for this is the presence of the Holy Spirit, makes "casting lots" unnecessary. Additionally, look at the many times even in the Old Testament when decisions had to be made, and we see a conspicuous absence of "casting lots". It is clear from Scripture that "casting lots" was not commanded, and certainly not the preferred method for determing God's will.
ReplyDeleteWe don't interpret the Bible based on events but on sound doctrine. Arguments from silence are not valid and can prove anything. I do not recommend casting lots as the way to find God's will, but God is in control no matter what method is used. God confirms the word of His servant (Isa. 44:26). Good counsel and prayer confirmed by the Word of God is the soundest methodology.
DeleteCasting lots is not recommended nor forbiden. it should be avoid, but if deemed necessary should be used. Intention is what matters, God knows your heart. In the Old testament they were prophet, yet god instructed his people at times and for specific reasons to cast lots. Those prophets were all inhabited by the holy spirit, were they not?
ReplyDeletesaying casting lot is unbiblical because of the indwelling presence of the holy spirit is like saying that reading the bible is obselte when born again. For new belives or recently born again christian casting lot is a method God can used to direct them,especially when their faith is not strong enough and when they cannot find answer even after meditating, prayer, reading bible ect...
I am just as confused as I was when I came seeking an answer.
ReplyDeleteAnd THIS is the reason why people need to study their Word and KNOW the answers before they just put answers out on the internet. For some, this is not just conversation. It's a very serious matter.
Thanks a lot for being responsible with your teaching.
I don't have all the answers but maybe you are challenged to go on in your search for the truth and know that it is never easy to arrive at--no one has a monopoly on the truth and you must always be a Berean.
DeleteThis is an open forum and I have no axe to grind or agenda, and am seeking the truth in the matter like everyone else--I don't claim infallibility or to pontificate or speak ex cathedra like a pope. To me this is what a blog is all about and I learn in the process too.
ReplyDelete