[Christianity] God's "Divine Plan"

Introduction: Hello everyone. I am posting this debate in search for answers to some of my questions in my quest for absolute faith. Therefore, I am requesting an "opponent" whom comes from a strong religious background/study. I am not sure if there are any pastors or reverends on this website, but if you are out there, I hope you take this debate. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Opponent Requirements: 1. Christian (Presbyterian, Orthodox, Methodist, etc.), preferably Presbyterian 2. Self-Introduction of level of study in theology (if applicable) 3. Any other extra info to represent the source of your reasoning ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Definition: Will of God, also called the "Divine Plan", is defined as "the concept of God having a plan for humanity, and desiring to see this plan fulfilled." (wikipedia.com) This definition expands to all monotheistic religions, therefore including Christianity. Yet, for the purpose of directing the debate, I want to clarify this definition specifically in terms of Christianity (Presbyterian). "Divine Plan" is God's, Yahweh's, plan of the Kingdom of God to be fulfilled for his most beloved creation, humans. Within this concept lies many things, which us humans will never be able to comprehend. Yet, one is the saving of our souls. Since we have lost our connection to God due to the original sin, Jesus, God's only son, had come to forgive us from our sins. Each and every individual has a purpose which has been predetermined since the beginning, which this can go back into infinity. Therefore, on a micro scale, each individual is living each day that has been predetermined by God. On a macro scale, through each person's life, God is fulfilling his "Divine Plan". This is the best I can do to define such an abstract ideal. If any information seems questionable or incorrect, please feel free to begin with that. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arguments: So, we are all God's creation, whether "good" or "bad". Now, I know that our (hence, social) classifications of "good" and "bad" are completely different from those of God's. The Bible states that there is no human that is "good", yet there are those that God are "pleased with". One example would be King David. Yet, there aren't many that God seems to be pleased with. In the eyes of God, everyone is equally loved, yet one is more pleasing than another. This I can comprehend. A good example would be a mother with two sons, one being morally upright and the other being a constant problem. The mother is bound to love her two sons, yet being pleased with one more than another. The reason I bring this up is to confirm that whether good or bad, everyone is part of the Divine Plan. There are numerous occasions in which God uses Satan/Evil to punish his children. One good example is Job. The Bible clearly states that God "allowed" Satan to strike Job, but under the restriction of taking his life, and Satan humbly complies. In other words, he may use Satan to fulfill his divine will. Therefore, only God may take lives. This leads to a very difficult question. What of those that are sacrifices of unfortunate events? What about those innocent Christians that are tortured and murdered from extremists? Many religious leaders have answered this question by stating that we do not know of the sins they may or may not have committed. Therefore, that is dangerous to label them as innocent. The truth is that I can not refute that, because I do not know. As I have mentioned above, we are all sinners whether we live with love and care for others. However, I think that argument is flawed since the opposite is also unclear. For this, I am requesting your argument. Another questionable example is Judas Iscariot. Judas is one of Jesus's apostles, whom has betrayed Jesus leading to his crucifixion. Now, according to Presbyterian doctrine, God has predetermined each individual's life. Adding on to this, Jesus had already known of both the betrayal and the death. This occurs in his last supper with his apostles. So, under circumstances that all above is correct, Judas's betrayal was predetermined, therefore he is also a "necessary evil" to fulfill a plan. This would also apply to many others involved including Pilates, whom played the role of making the final decision for Jesus's crucifixion and so on. So, are they to be so condemned by us? How is one supposed to understand predetermination and blame Judas at the same time? I sense irony. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Conclusion: There is so much I want to ask. I want to firmly state that I am a believer, but also one whom does so through rationally. I "can" keep my faith without asking questions, but I'd rather keep my faith knowing that I am seeking the truth. The Bible states that those who believe in him like children (purely) will enter his kingdom. I have tried but I am wired to be logical and rational. So, please help me. I truly hope to reach a level of faith with the absence of a shred of doubt. Thank you.