Greetings Ron,
Quote
Moreover, Zoe knows that he is responsible. All men do. He also knows that God is sovereign.

AMEN. Well said. A good summary of Paul in Romans 1 & 2, IMHO. For instance,
Rom 1:
19For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse... [Yes, in contex Paul is speaking to unbeliveers, but such truths would apply to all men, considering we were all sinners...it would seem such knowledge still applies know as believers.]

Zoe,
Here is a good passage that asserts both truths quite clearly.
1 Peter 2:4-9
4As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For it stands in Scripture: "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,a cornerstone chosen and precious,and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame."
7So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,"[1] 8and"A stone of stumbling,and a rock of offense."They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.( See also Romans 9:30-33, which is a very similar passage)

I pray that Zoe would listen to the many excellent replies that you, Pilgrim, and others have offered.


in Christ,
Carlos

"Let all that mind...the peace and comfort of their own souls, wholly apply themselves to the study of Jesus Christ, and him crucified"(Flavel)