Can Z'chut Avot Ever "Run-Out"?

How does Z'chut Avot (merit of our fore-fathers) work? Why should their actions thousands of years ago, still be effective, say if over the more than 100 generations, we may have done many more sins that eventually out-weigh even their many merits? And if so, does that mean that there possibly may not be a ge'ula (redemption), if we really don't deserve it? Especially today, when most Jews (especially outside of Israel), aren't that observant, this topic is particularly pertinent. As usual, Rav Kook zt"l has an innovative approach to the topic. (Rav Kook, Ayn Aya Shabbat v, 31)

The Different Levels On Which G-d Runs the World & Transmits to Us

Ein Aya, Shabbat 2, 241

Anyone who believes that G-d runs the world knows that he does so via various ways & on many different levels. Rav Kook deals with these many venues how He transmits messages to us & analyzes the extent of the direct & indirect levels, including dreams (mine & those around me) sickness (mine & those around me), accidents, challenges etc. The question of "why bad things happen to good people" is based upon the mistaken & even childish thought that life is supposed to be smooth, as opposed to Judaism which sees life as challenges, some pleasant & others not, which are sent us as G-d's way of helping us grow, be independent & Godly. Many aspects of life have nothing to do with "reward & punishment", but are "wake-up calls" to analyze ourselves.

Bad Turns to Good Through Perspective

Ein Aya Shabat Chapter B Paragraph 55 (p1)

Rav Kook's optimism explains that what seems "bad" is just the "developing good", and takes issue with neo-paganism, Schoppenhauer and the school of pessimism.

Complete G-dliness Doesn't Weaken But Enhances Natural Drives

Ein Aya Shabat Chapter B Paragraph 50

Marital relations are an expression of the desirous G-dly love and is not only for procreation.

A Natural Process is Preferable to Miracles

Ein Aya Shabat Chapter B Paragraph 42-43

Don't be disappointed that the present redemption is coming through natural means for this is better for "where we are" spiritually.

If the Main World is in Heaven- Why is There Such a Strong Instinct to Survive?

Ein Aya Shabat Chapter B Paragraph 35

We should be pre-occupied with fixing this world, and not with Heaven.

Yes- It "Would Spoil Some Vast Eternal Plan if I were a Wealthy Man"

Ein Aya Shabat Chapter B Paragraph 27 (p1)

In G-d"s complex world, there is a collective need for Economical Upper, Middle and Lower Class for many reasons.

One Light Harmonizing the Necessary Variant Colors

Ein Aya Shabat Chapter B Paragraph 24

Harmony is one of the keys to understanding G-d's world, where the differences aren't contradicting but embellishing, and exprss true unity (=G-d).

The Interrelationship Between Reward and Punishment of the Jew and His Nation

Ein Aya Shabat Chapter A Paragraph 64

Reward and punishment of the individual and nation in Israel and has pre-occupied many Jewish philosophers and Rav Kook suggests an innovative solution.