Kuasa Absolut Allah di Tengah Penderitaan: Teodise sebagai Proses Formatif dalam Pemuridan Kristen dan Implikasinya bagi HKBP

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between the absolute power of God, suffering, and the process of Christian discipleship. Beginning with the classical tension of theodicy, the study rejects two reductions: viewing suffering as a mechanical punishment and construing divine omnipotence as a determinism that negates human responsibility. Employing a qualitative method through literature study and an examination of HKBP theological documents, the article takes the Book of Job and 2 Corinthians 4:7–18 as its biblical foundations and brings them into dialogue with the thought of Jürgen Moltmann, Karl Barth, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The study finds that God’s absolute power is manifested not primarily in the immediate removal of suffering, but in God’s presence, providence, and formative work, which lead believers toward perseverance, conformity to Christ, and eschatological hope. Suffering is neither glorified nor justified as good in itself; nevertheless, it may become a context of discipleship when interpreted in the light of Christ’s cross and resurrection. For HKBP, these findings call for a model of discipleship that integrates confession of faith, koinonia, marturia, diakonia, pastoral care, and preaching, so that the congregation not only understands doctrine but is also able to interpret suffering and embody hope in concrete ways.