The So-Called “Father’s Love Letter” Refuted: Part I

You may have come across this letter before, whether in audio or written form. It seeks to present God’s love for the reader, attempting to prove its claims by Scripture. The fact is, it’s a perversion of God’s love, and not a proclamation of it. It really sums up the modern perversion of the Gospel. I shall, to the glory of God and the edification of the reader, refute what is false teaching in this letter; because errors in the preaching of the Gospel should not be tolerated. A perverted gospel is the recipe for false converts. My comments are in italics. As the refutation requires some space, I divided it into two parts.
It should be duly noted that this does not mean that I deny God’s love, let that be made clear! God loves His elect, those whom He has predestined to salvation before the foundation of the world. There are some whom He justly predestined to damnation, whom He doesn’t love, but hates. For why should God even love anybody? That’s why it is a wonder that God loves somebody at all, and is why we should praise Him, for not letting His loved ones perish. The Son emptied Himself and died on the cross for our salvation, and THAT is the Bible’s doctrine of the perfect love of God.
So, on we go.

My Child,
You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

So far, so good.

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

More about God’s omniscience than His affectionate love for someone.

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Yeah, because God is omniscient.

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

Specifically directed to the disciples in the context. In a more general application, it speaks more of God’s providence and omniscience than His love for someone.

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

Yes, man is made in the image of God. That’s nice.

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

Without God wanting it, nothing would exist.

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

Yes, everyone was created by God in His image. This does not mean that He loves all of His offspring, though.

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

Specifically speaking only to Jeremiah, but yes, it is applicable to all men, for God is omniscient.
Thus far, the letter hasn’t been awfully bad.

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

But here comes the nonsense. Where does "I chose you when I planned creation" appear in those verses? It speaks about God having elected some (the Christians) to salvation.

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

That’s true of everyone, though not a sign of God's love for everyone.

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

Yes, God is sovereign and omnipotent, and does whatever He desires. That this was an act of love for the person whom He has determined where to live, is not supported by the text.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

Yes, that’s correct, but don’t let that get to your head, by thinking that you’re perfect and don’t need a Saviour. God made everyone very well, but that should make us honour the Creator more than the created.

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

Yes, He in fact did.

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

He did that too.

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

Yes, He unfortunately has, among whom we find the authors behind this letter.

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

?! A verse aimed at Christians, isn’t applicable to unbelievers. And where’s the part about God not being angry? God is angry with many people, and He even hates somebody (Psalm 5:5; Joh 3:36).

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

He-he. Funny. This “Father’s Love Letter" is aimed at unbelievers, yet to prove its assertions cites verses which CLEARLY differentiate between believers and the world. God loves the believing ones, and this verse says nothing else.

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

Wow. It amazes me how the author actually can cite this verse to prove his assertion. The verse is clearly differentiating between the unbelieving (the world) and the believing (us). It is “we” that are the sons of God, not just any random person who may happen to come across this love letter.

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

If we ask in His name, that is. And the verse does not say that He offers beforehand, but gives us when we ask Him.

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Yes, He is perfect! But for clarification, He is a Father in a different sense for His followers than for His enemies. A Father for creating them, but only a Father in the redemptive and loving sense for believers.

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

Yes, that is in fact correct, though it needs to be clarified that it’s every good gift seen from a spiritual and regenerate viewpoint.

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

God does provide for both the wicked and the righteous—but these verses are specifically intended for Christians. He lets the rain fall down on the believer as well as the unbeliever, but these verses don’t teach this.

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

This verse isn’t directed to unbelievers, but to the nation of Israel in Babylon. It certainly is applicable to God’s elect—but not every man in the world.

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

Well that’s a weak love that lets people live after their own lusts to their own damnation. A love that really doesn’t care that much about saving people. Luckily, that’s not the Bible’s teaching, because this verse is aimed at Israel, by extension Christians. Pay attention to the last part of the verse—it says because of God’s love, He has drawn them. He actually did something because He loved them, He didn’t just stand idly by, waiting for their “free-will-decision.” My head cannot fathom the abuse of Bible verses in this letter.

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

Why does the author of this letter assume these verses speak to unbelievers? David was by no means an unbeliever.

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

This verse doesn’t prove God’s love for everyone. It is talking about Israel.

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

Not to anyone—but to His elect. He actually does something to them: He regenerates their wicked hearts. If “you” in this verse refers to everyone, then everyone “shall not depart from [God].” That's absurd by any measure.

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

   Directed to Old Testament Israelites as a group. Notice they will be His peculiar treasure if they obey God’s voice and keep His covenant.

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

   To everyone—no. But notice that He not only desires to “establish” someone, He actually does it. This verse is directed towards the true Israelites, the elect of God.

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

   Speaking to Jeremiah, though whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved. But noting context is important, there exists something called hermeneutics.

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Is this verse talking to 21st century sinners? No, it is talking to the Israelites, saying that if they’d seek God in the lands they would be scattered to, they would find Him.

To be continued…