Can you make a deal with God?

1. 79

   TahoeDocposted 13 years ago

   Can you make a deal with God?
   
   So first a disclaimer, I am an atheist and don't believe there is a God, but for those of you who do, do you make "deals" with God or do you believe you can do this and does God respond?
   
   The other day, I heard of someone who promised God to go to church more if God let her get a job she interviewed for?
   Then there was a soap opera on a tv at the hospital, and a parent promised to be a good person if his child was healed (yes, I know it was a soap, but do people really do this?)
   
   Much like my prayer question, I really just wonder what religious people think, and I'm not trying to start a fight

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2. 61

   allweathersforumposted 13 years ago

   Remove your bible from its shelf and read these examples, (Gen_28:20-22; Jacob; Jdg_11:30, Jephthah; 1Sa_1:11, Hannah; 2Sa_15:8, Absalom; Jon_1:16, vows of heathen). These are all vows made to God; if God’s does this, I will do something as well.
   We are responsible to follow the vows we make, Deu 23:21  "If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will require it of you, and it will be counted against you as sin”.
   
   In marriage we say our vows, which is a promise to our spouse and God.
   
   So, I wouldn’t say that we make deals with God, but we make vows, and we are to be sure to keep them, or else we shall be held in account.
   
   As far as being an atheist, there are none, only those that struggle and war with God because of Who He is. Everyone believes in something, or someone, and follows through in that belief. Think about it.
   
   A good question Tahoedoc, and I hope this helps in some way, at least it is my answer to your question. Many joyous days to you.

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   heavenbound5511posted 13 years ago

   For those who think you can make a deal with God, you can’t!! God can offer to make a deal with you, a covenant, but unless you accept it, and keep its (God’s) terms, it doesn’t work either.
   
   But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.> Heb 11:6
   
   Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.> Heb 4:16
   We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.> Heb 6:11
   
   And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.> Mark 10:52
   
   Matthew 15:28 -Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour
   .Mark 5:34 -He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
   
   -----------------------------------------------
   http://hubpages.com/hub/Faith-that-defeats-the-enemy
   http://hubpages.com/hub/Who-Said-That
   http://hubpages.com/hub/Jesus-the-Son-o … r-redeemer

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4. 79

   TahoeDocposted 13 years ago

   Thanks for taking the time to reply and for you answers. Like I said, I was curious about how different people would answer and am not looking to debate.
   
   But, just so you know...this is incorrect.
   "As far as being an atheist, there are none, only those that struggle and war with God because of Who He is."
   
   Atheist: without belief in a God or gods. That is me.
   I do not struggle with God or any supernatural power because I don't believe them to exist. The only way I can explain it is that it would be like me telling you that you "struggle and war" with gnomes or fairies or invisible dragons or the Flying Spaghetti Monster.  I have no belief in God.
   
   "Everyone believes in something, or someone, and follows through in that belief. Think about it."
   
   Here you are partially correct. There are things I believe in-  But none of them are supernatural or God beings. I do not worship them. Those things that I believe in do not have anything to do with whether I am an atheist or not. Atheists have no belief in God or gods. I do not have a belief in a god or gods, I am an atheist. The other things I believe in are not related to the god being or concept.
   
   and thank you too, heavenbound. Your answer seems to indicate that faith may or may not get you a wish granted, or at least it did in Jesus' day.

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5. 61

   roadrockafellaposted 13 years ago

   I was raised Christian, but not a practicing one. So, I could say I'm a bit of an agnostic--I'm still doing the balancing act though. But in answer to your question, making deals with God in exchange for personal gains is just plain selfish. And I would not think going to church everyday will make me ten times richer if that was the contract.

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6. 61

   Dave Mathewsposted 13 years ago

   If you are a professed Atheist, why would you care, for that matter since you do not believe in God how could any answer be relevant since in your way of thinking God does not exist, therefore it is safe to conclude that within your narrow way of thinking one could not make a deal with someone or something that does not exist.
   
   When Jesus was in the desert fasting, He was tempted of Lucifer or satan, and Jesus tells Lucifer, "Thou shalt not put the Lord Thy God to the Test." In other words do not try to bargain with God.

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      LoisRyan13903posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      He is honest and has a right to know and understand our way of thinking and believing.

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7. 60

   6hotfingers3posted 13 years ago

   No we can't make a deal with God. We can make a promise to do something. If we succeed at fulfilling the promise, we feel blessed. If we fail, then it is a personal disappointment in ourselves. God knows the outcome of our promises long before we make them to Him. I believe the important thing to think about when making a promise to God is do it from the heart. That is the part that He probably looks at.The sincerity in our actions.

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8. 90

   Gabriel Wilsonposted 13 years ago

   Hi Tahoe,
   I'm going to answer this question without thinking about it. Yeah! I make deals with God all the time. I struggle with belief in the way some believe; but then again I struggle with most things. I'll be honest though, sometimes just asking makes me realize what I want. Perhaps that makes me work harder, hence results.
   I'd make a deal with anyone when it comes to a loved one and their health. Am I wrong? Who really knows!
   You sound like a good person and I think it's good to question things regardless.
   I'll keep dealing with God. We've been doing it along time, sometimes I win some times he does.

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      Harishprasadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Gabriel Wilson, this is the best way to approach God. Believe me, I was certain that a very few mong us think about God this way. We Hindus deem God as father, mother, beloved, husband, friend and so on. It creates a greater affinity taking us closer

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9. 0

   AMBASSADOR BUTLERposted 13 years ago

   For me personally no deal. GOD drew me to himself and given me the knowing and walking with him moment by moment. Out of my free will I responded to GOD with a sold out to be an instrument to be used by him to serve humanity any way that GOD wanted to use me for the ultimate purpose of my life for the benefits of human beings. This was done before GOD given me the vision of the other side of death on August 1, 1982 A.D. a Sunday morning. Since that time GOD have set me apart and prepared me for the 1 article I written for humanity and it is a total success as it have gone around the world through 100 percent referring sites and I have done nothing else to promote it but it was found 2 months later after I started on hub pages on June 3, 2010 A.D. and my 1 unpublished hub is this 1 article that is now in 8 countries around the world and is growing stronger everyday. I know GOD and walk with GOD moment by moment. GOD have done something to bring humanity the message that he wants them to have through my 1 unpublished hub on hubpages that have gone around the world through 100 percent referring sites only and I have done nothing else except write what GOD told me to write and he done the rest through 100 percent referring sites. I am a living witness of what GOD will do through an individual who is totally surrendered to the purposes that GOD wants to do through them for whatever purpose that GOD wants to express through them. The individual must be flexible and knowing and walking with GOD moment by moment like I am doing in my personal life on the earth.

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10. 63

    Neverletitgoposted 13 years ago

    Thanks for your curiosity, I was born and raised Islam and I believe that you can make deal with God. I myself I made a lot of deals with God and  he answered most of them. I believe whenever you ask God something that he will answer sooner or later. Some of them you may get right away, some may be protect you any bad thing and some you may be get after life in the heaven. Remember that God promised to accept any answer of his servants. You need to be patient and you have to trust God after all.
    Thanks

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    1. 72

       Harishprasadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Neverletitgo, you are really closer to God. What is the shame in asking from Him who gives us all, who is the real owner of everything. I have also experienced God in a like manner and God has fulfilled my many  wishes so generously with all kindness

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11. 68

    Thesourceposted 13 years ago

    This is a great question.
    
    With God's infinite goodness and power there is no need to make a deal with God. God will give you what you ask without strings or deals attached. This because God needs nothing from you or me. God knows that we have needs.
    
    Unlike man, God Almighty is not is a state of want to trade or made deals with man. If he makes deals with imperfect man then is not not complete and not Almighty.
    
    God give Everything for free.. Many will quote bible and other scriptures to show that God make deals.  But I see a greater God who give everything including free will without strings attached.

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12. 69

    onegoodwomanposted 13 years ago

    As a  mere servant, no I can not.
    
    For the reknowned men of old, when God walked in their midst.......they had more clout.  They served a specific purpose, they were proven men.
    
    Promising to do, if we first receive......
    
    It just does not work that way, whether we are discussing God and followers, children and parents, criminals and laws, or employees and employers.
    
    To have a bargaining chip, you must first prove your value, your worth, and loyalty.
    
    No, do not tempt God.

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    1. 72

       Harishprasadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       onegoodwoman, I respect your outlook on God. How I view God is that we should approach God as blanks pure, bereft of any thought of ourselves, any trace of the world, without any conditioning of the mind whatsoever, like pure souls,and  nothing else.

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13. 58

    Beege215eposted 13 years ago

    It has always been my understanding that God doesn't make deals.  My take on old adage:  Man deals-God laughs.

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14. 0

    reeltaulkposted 13 years ago

    Lol people really do this, it's funny you asked.  It's like tit for tat.  It looks like to me that people make deals with "God" like they are equals or they believe he/she owes them something.  It's all hilarious to me.  It has gotten to the point where some people actually think they are smarter than "their creator".  It's just hilarious!  I'm not religious, I'm on the outside lookin in..... just nosey and looking in, lol

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15. 67

    Heatherlavernposted 13 years ago

    Because we are talking about the Almighty God the word "deal" is inappropriate. Although it is similar to a vow. The difference is that a deal always has terms a condition, usually spoken with the word IF. why should any one go to your creator with conditions? It is like a child who said to his parents "if you give me all what i want, i will be good".While a vow is a promise.Making promisies  to God has sometimes circumstantial conditions, which have an effect in our lives situations that need a change spiritual or natural. What does the bible says about making a vow to God: Lets see in Ecclesiastes 5 vs 4-5 says:"When you make a promise (vow) to God don't delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you made to him. It is better to say nothing than to make a vow and do not keep it". I hope this help your question.

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16. 53

    ebby08posted 13 years ago

    Yes, actually do do say things like that but hardly ever mean it.  Would you continue to be friends with somebody who only wants to be bothered with you when you give them something? Of course not.  It's selfish and if these people think they will get answer from God, they better not hold their breath.

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    Ann810posted 13 years ago

    It seems he made a deal with us. If we stay stable in our righteousness accoding to the Holy Bible, we get what He promised us.        Beautiful   

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18. 73

    Abhaque Supanjangposted 13 years ago

    Yes, I can. But it does not mean, all thing that I ask for to the God can be realized instantly. For further, maybe you can read my hubs which deal with this one. But, basically, if you do homage to your God; you do everything good; you spend your money for the poor or orphanages; try to help others to be good men as well, and so on.
         And especially in Islam, if you do all what Allah asks you and leave all what Allah bans you; the deal is you will get happiness in your life, in the world and after your death. Else, you will live in misery even though you get much money more than others and after your death, you will be thrown to the hell.

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19. 60

    Shahid Bukhariposted 13 years ago

    We are not Created ... so that we may make Deals with God ... Mr Atheist.
    
    Its Satan's business ... not of the Believers ...
    
    The Lord hath Created us In Purpose ... for we certainly did not fall out of the skies, as some of you believe ... that we came hither earth, riding a meteorite ...
    
    The Purpose of our Being, is to Follow the Course of Peace in Life ... God Expects Humans, to be His image of the Human...
    
    Humans are not animals of the Social Kind ... and what happens is In The Ordination of The One, Who Can Ordain.

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20. 61

    mkrandhawaposted 12 years ago

    no i can't because God is supreme He give us everything.i always thankful to Him.I can only promise to my God to complete it with my Heart as possible because He make the way to make it possible.

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21. 79

    Born Again 05posted 12 years ago

    For me, as a believer, I would not consider making a deal with God. God knows our innermost thoughts, desires and needs. As our Heavenly Father, a believer can trust Him to supply all our needs according to His good and perfect will for us. It is up to us to take our petitions to Him in prayer and trust that He will provide accordingly. This does not mean that we get all that we ask for. There is no Biblical basis to "making a deal" with God.

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22. 0

    dixie28714posted 12 years ago

    some people do try to make a deal with God.  I believe there is a difference in asking for something and having faith that God will take care of it than making a deal with him.  Now with you not believing in God, for you to ask this, maybe there is a small part of you that wants to believe, and I hope that is the case.  Not all people worship the same or judge the same.  God gives us life and places knowledge for us to either accept or deny.  Free will is our lives are lived.  We all need direction and understanding.  God gives us enough time to choose our paths, make our decisions, then when our time is up we either get our reward or our punishment.  I hope you choose the reward.  God is the alpha and omega, the beginning and end,  you have a purpose or you would not be here, Good Luck to you!!

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23. 60

    Porshadoxusposted 12 years ago

    Don't think so. As a sovereign being, God will do what He wills to do. Do my prayers have an effect? Absolutely yes. The Bible teaches that God does respond to our prayers. But that is not the same as making a deal.

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24. 68

    Bretsukiposted 12 years ago

    People do offer deals with God everyday, from praying for a parking space to asking for the return to health of a dying friend or relative.
    
    In reality no. We cannot make a deal with God.
    
    Saying "I promise to go to church more if ..." is not a real deal. it's just a promise of someone who is in desperate need to blame someone or something els when a desired result doesn't occur.
    God offers the only deal available, in that to trust in Him will bring comfort and protection. This doesn't mean you will never be hurt, never grow sick, be wealthy or have every prayer answered. It just means that accepting all good things and bad as gifts of God for your own benefit is a way of coping with day to day tribulations.

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25. 0

    darknight444posted 12 years ago

    well  you could
    believing in him and worshiping him and doing good work  is e deal that you promise to folow him throw religion in thise earth islam or cristianity or jeodaisme
    and he will repai you with
    peace with in and e good life and he will take care of you and thise is very important for hapiness on earth
    
    and he will get you to heaven and will pretect you from hell in the here after
    
    and in islam god push you to do good thinks anny way even if you attache that to e promise it s normal andit s always up to god

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26. 81

    Barbsbitsnpiecesposted 12 years ago

    Anyone can make a deal with God if he wants to, but making it doesn't mean it will work out. People generally make deals with God out of desperation, as you suggest in your question. However, I think there are people who really believe making deals with God is actually their relationship with Him.

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27. 0

    Tanmoy Acharyaposted 12 years ago

    I am an atheist too. But I do not shut down the possibility of a God. Especially when everything that surrounds us is so magical: we are a miracle ourselves!
    
    But if he really exists, it will be something far away to be contacted, unless another Einstein comes, and shows us a way to shorten the distance by digging into a Black Hole!!
    
    Does he accept a deal? I do not deal with children, nor I expect Him to be doing that.

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    nabeelplusposted 12 years ago

    how can you make a deal with God? i am sure no one can

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    Vinaya Ghimireposted 12 years ago

    We usually see people promising to do this and that if their prayers are heard. These people are businessmen who think they can make a deal with God.

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30. 71

    Darrell Robertsposted 12 years ago

    Making a deal with God is possible if God is all powerful and all knowing then if God accepts your deal you will get what you want. This is not love f God, it is a business deal.

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       Harishprasadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Darrell, Roberts, God is God because He sees unlike us, He takes unlike us, He speaks unlike us. So what you deem as  deals, only God knows them what and He responds unlike us. Let human traits  remain separate from God. Who knows God truly ?

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31. 59

    shea duaneposted 12 years ago

    Isn't that what Abraham did when he asked God not to destroy Sodom? Hey, but I ain't no Abraham... I wouldn't try it.

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32. 60

    bright_sorcererposted 12 years ago

    I'm not answering from a "religious" viewpoint, but rather a "spiritual" one. As for making deals with "God".... hidden within our genetics is a belief that some people can - and have - made deals with "the devil". The Biblical story of Job portrays him as a powerless, fragile and weak mortal, whose God allows "the devil" to torment and injure him, according to Job 2:3: "..for no good reason." After having his life torn apart, this same God turns merciful and allegedly gives him 7 times as much of everything what he had before. (Personally, this is hardly a story of mercy and love but provides a suitable example.)
    
    My point is that, according to this tale, we do have some influence as to whether we receive "blessings" and prosperity. In Job's case, it may not have been requested but the point remains that God actually interacted in this reality to ensure Job became wealthy once again....if this tale is true.  Energy is the currency of the universe so there may be some validity of offering a specific type of energy in exchange for something one needs or requires.

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    MOEFLATSposted 12 years ago

    God has amazing ways of telling us of His existence.  As far as deals are concerned, they've pretty-much already been made.  God will help you fix your:  spirit, mind and life if you listen to Him and do your best to obey His commands.  He'll lift the terrible weight of insecurity/fear from you if you pray for this knowing that this is all Him.  Although pretty much everything is possible through Him, we feel so reluctant to go to Him (I'm one of the Worst)!  Something has always pushed me away from Him since I was a child and when I so much as pray, unwanted:  thoughts, emotions and perverse thinking leave me ever-so-quickly.  These days:  The Power NOT to think certain disgusting thoughts is actually more important than what you can create with your own mind!  God rids the mind of sick, unwanted thinking and THAT ALONE should be sufficient to validate faith in His existence!

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34. 81

    goegoposted 12 years ago

    sure you can... he's just got more chips

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35. 70

    Mr. Smithposted 12 years ago

    It's far better to know that God was willing to make a deal with us... We accept His sacrificial gift, and He covers our imperfections for eternity's sake. Now that's a deal no one should refuse!

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    firesisleposted 12 years ago

    Of course... Biblical history is full of people who made deals with G-d, even those who argued with G-d and won.  Abraham, Noah, Moses... all made deals with G-d.

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    zzronposted 12 years ago

    
    
    I think alot of people do do this  in hope of finding an answer to their dilemma. I am a Christian and do believe in God, but I also don't believe it is wise to test God and offer to him something you may not be able to deliver. I believe God knows all things and knows what's on our heart before we ask or acknowledge it.

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       Harishprasadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       zzron, so apt is your vision of God that I am all for that. At the same time, we should let all humans to approach God the way they like as God knows that we indulge in them like kids and believe me God would be smiling and happy to see them doing so

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38. 73

    ChanellChildsposted 12 years ago

    Hello TahoeDoc,
    
    This is my belief and may not be true to you-
    
    God always answers our prayers, and the deal is our Destiny.  The key here is to follow our hearts desires, and serve the world for him.  When we do this we find that our hearts desires are more than likely the things that we love doing, and we can get paid the big bucks to do it.  Our job is to give something up that terrifies us, then Ask, Believe, and Receive.  God is waiting for the many to recognize his presence.  It is our duty to look inside of our hearts to see for ourselves.  Sometimes we get caught up in what everyone else is saying, not realizing that God lives within us.  If we have questions about God's existence we must ask ourselves, and listen for our hearts response.  Even if we don’t believe in God, God believes in us. 
    
    Wishing you the best

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       Harishprasadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Channellchilds, your vision of God  is something every person ,who loves God, should ponder over seriously instead of wandering in the of jungle of written words and plethora of outer superficial expressions to please God. So simple  is your way !

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39. 73

    jainismusposted 12 years ago

    I do not believe in God, so there is no question of making a deal with somebody who does not exist

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    smilingjimdicksonposted 12 years ago

    As has already been said, I don't believe in god so there is no deal to make. You live and you die, that's it.

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       Harishprasadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       You say,you don't believe in God ,yet have obliterated all the trash from your mind. Such an impossible feat even devout religious persons aspire to achieve but fail to accomplish it. I respect your outlook  and admire that with my all heart.

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    Jarnposted 12 years ago

    I think it's possible to make a deal with god. The problem is there's no way to make sure He holds up His end of the bargain. Send as many summonses as you like, He won't appear in court.

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    Lucildollposted 12 years ago

    God has no problem with you making deals,
    
    He is big on making covenants, in fact He invites you to come and reason with Him. He has no need to make a deal He does not need to get out of a jam.
    
    He is not at fault with us He exist without us but weather or not we believe in His existennce we are totally dependent on Him to live. He will meet anyone just where they are but you will have to come to terms with him.

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    Bella Ninaposted 12 years ago

    Why should God negotiate?  He's God. He has no need to make a deal with us.  I believe that instead, he bestows grace and mercy upon us.  I think that's the closest that we get to making a deal with God.

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    from planet earthposted 12 years ago

    Potentially any answer could be true. There is no way to prove or disprove the foundation of any statement.

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    MojoDawgposted 12 years ago

    Yes for sure, GOD is a deal maker, but not on the level you may think. People who acknowledge GOD as supreme enter into a covenant with him. GOD is true to keep his promises, even though we are not, he forgives and saves and heals and is true to his end of the deal. Test HIM and Seeeeeeeee..........
    GOD even gave you the choice of disbelief...believe and liveeeeee........

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       Harishprasadposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       MajoDwag, right or wrong, black and white, fair or unfair, deal or no deal, false or truth and so on remain with humans and exhaust with humans, God is beyond all that. So my view is that all gestures to remember Him are valid and true without doubt.

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    Civil War Bobposted 12 years ago

    Here's one Born Again Christian's answer: NOPE.  The God of the Bible indicates there is only one request He MUST answer: "All who call on the Name of the Lord shall be saved."  He encourages Christians to "Ask, Seek, and Knock" and to "come boldly into the throne room of grace" but the asking has to be "according to His will" and not designed to "consume it on our lust" (which is the Let's Make A Deal scenario you've introduced).  So, to find what His will is, we read the Bible which claims to be "God breathed" and ask away.  I've kept prayer journals for 31 years and have 205,612 specific answers documented as of today.  Good question!!

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    alahiker28posted 11 years ago

    There's no point in making a deal with God if you are a believer than subscribes to pre-destination.  If you believe in free will, I would think you can barter with God, just as well as you could barter with the devil.  But herein lies the danger:  how do you know the deal will actually go through?  I believe in God but he's never been audible to me.  Exit reason - stage right.  Enter "faith" - stage left.  And some would claim that leads you right back where you started.

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    SidKempposted 11 years ago

    I have found this, and found it didn't work for me. I can't speak for others, but God seems to want me to rely on Him alone, and not to rely on anything He might give me. So, when I make a deal, I don't get what I want.
    
    But when I give up completely, and surrender myself to God, everything I ever wanted or imagined - and more joy beyond that - all come my way.
    
    I think that is what is meant by, "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Mattthew 6:33)

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    Vegas Eliasposted 11 years ago

    If one goes by the Old Testament one can find several deals done my ancient prophets with God for the benefit of mankind. Most of these I believe to be imaginary and concocted just to control the unruly masses of those times. In the New Testament Jesus is said to have don a deal with God to save humanity from sin. This is  acceptable to me because there are several properties of healing in what Jesus did. The death of Jesus has a soothing and healing effect of the guilty psyche of sinners.
    To be very straight in my answer I feel yes we can make a deal with God because I am a staunch believer in the existence of God and I also believe that God does not give anything for nothing. The natural laws of physics also prove this. We don't get anything for nothing. All physical laws relating to time, force, energy etc are deals of God whose rules are set by him so that anyone playing with these laws has to pay the price.

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    wandererhposted 11 years ago

    I remember that I was at a Christian meeting a few years back and a guy came up and said that he made a deal with God.  At the time he made the deal, he was having some problems and was a non believer.  He told God that if his problems were solved (apparently his problems were not the kind that can be easily solved), he will know that God exists and believe in him.  As I understand, his problems were solved and he became a believer.

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