The Validity of the Bible in an Age of Skepticism: Part 5 - Richard E. Simmons III

Why doesn’t God speak to us from Heaven in an audible voice? Why doesn’t He just speak and let His presence be known? I believe the primary reason is that if the infinite God of the universe regularly spoke to us from Heaven, we would be terrorized into loving and listening to Him. Such a direct and demonstrative communication would create a situation where God actually forced Himself on mankind. Serving and listening to Him would almost become compulsory. True love exists only when we choose to love from a condition of freedom.Ironically, just yesterday, I happened to come across this in the book of John, chapter 12, verse 37. Jesus had performed many miracles, including raising Lazarus from the dead, that was witnessed by large numbers of people. Yet look what the verse says: “But though He had performed many miracles before them, yet they were not believing in Him.” It's true that God has chosen not to regularly appear in a visible way. But it's also true that He has not hidden Himself, so that He can be found by those who truly seek Him. This is the promise He makes to mankind, "If you seek Me, you will find Me."