One major issue I see is how we often project our **fears and insecurities** onto others and even onto God.
For example, some people reject God by saying, **"God is controlling,"** or, **"I can't believe in Jesus because religion is just a man-made tool for control."** Ironically, this perspective is often held by individuals who themselves struggle with **control issues** or have experienced human authorities abusing power. However, the Bible reveals that **God is not a dictator but a loving Father who desires willing submission, not forced obedience** (Matthew 11:28-30, John 8:36). True freedom comes through Christ, not apart from Him (2 Corinthians 3:17).
Submitting fully to Christ, who is often symbolized as the **Bridegroom** (Ephesians 5:22-27, Revelation 19:7-9), means **relinquishing our desire for control and trusting in His perfect will**. Just as a faithful bride waits for her husband, believers wait for **the return of Christ**, when He will judge righteously (Matthew 25:31-34) and clothe His people in eternal life (2 Corinthians 5:2-4, Revelation 3:5). Those who trust in God will not be ashamed but will be **satisfied and covered in His glory** on that day (Isaiah 61:10, Romans 10:11).
Nowhere in the teachings of the **prophets or apostles**—who were entrusted with proclaiming the truth and the correct interpretation of Scripture—do we see God depicted as **controlling**. Instead, He allows **mankind the freedom to choose** their path (Deuteronomy 30:19, Joshua 24:15, Romans 1:24-26). Yet, as **the Creator of the world**, He has the rightful authority to reveal **His purpose for creation**, and He did so through **Jesus Christ** (John 1:1-4, Colossians 1:16-17).
God’s revealed plan is that **humanity should inherit eternal life through Christ** (John 3:16, 1 John 5:11-12) and dwell with Him **forever on the renewed earth** (Revelation 21:1-4, Romans 8:19-21). Through Jesus, God offers not **control, but redemption and restoration**, calling all people to freely choose Him and receive the **gift of eternal life** (Titus 3:4-7, 2 Peter 3:9).
