Systematic Theology, by Louis Berkhof - New Leaven

in our deeds. It is always active within us like a poisoned fountain polluting the streams
of life. And if it were not for the restraining influence of the common grace of God, it
would render social life entirely impossible.
2. THE SUFFERINGS OF LIFE. The sufferings of life, which are the result of the entrance
of sin into the world, are also included in the penalty of sin. Sin brought disturbance in
the entire life of man. His physical life fell a prey to weaknesses and diseases, which
result in discomforts and often in agonizing pains; and his mental life became subject to
distressing disturbances, which often rob him of the joy of life, disqualify him for his
daily task, and sometimes entirely destroy his mental equilibrium. His very soul has
become a battle-field of conflicting thoughts, passions, and desires. The will refuses to
follow the judgment of the intellect, and the passions run riot without the control of an
intelligent will. The true harmony of life is destroyed, and makes way for the curse of
the divided life. Man is in a state of dissolution, which often carries with it the most
poignant sufferings. And not only that, but with and on account of man the whole
creation was made subject to vanity and to the bondage of corruption. The evolutionists
especially have taught us to look upon nature as “red in tooth and claw.” Destructive
forces are often released in earthquakes, cyclones, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, and
floods, which bring untold misery on mankind. Now there are many, especially in our
day, who do not see the hand of God in all this, and do not regard these calamities as a
part of the penalty of sin. And yet that is exactly what they are in a general sense.
However, it will not be safe to particularize, and to interpret them as special
punishments for some grievous sins committed by those who live in the stricken areas.
Neither will it be wise to ridicule the idea of such a causal connection as existed in the
case of the Cities of the Plain (Sodom and Gomorrah), which were destroyed by fire
from heaven. We should always bear in mind that there is a collective responsibility,
and that there are always sufficient reasons why God should visit cities, districts or
nations with dire calamities. It is rather a wonder that He does not more often visit
them in His wrath and in His sore displeasure. It is always well to bear in mind what
Jesus once said to the Jews who brought to Him the report of a calamity which had
befallen certain Galileans, and evidently intimated that these Galileans must have been
very sinful: “Think ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because
they have suffered these things? I tell you, Nay: but except ye repent, ye shall all in like
manner perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them,
think ye that they were offenders above all the men that dwell in Jerusalem? I tell you
you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:2-5.
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