Today we will talk about why does God allow evil. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. The issue of evil can be puzzling, especially when we ponder about a loving and gracious God. How can evil exist in a world governed by a deity who is both all-powerful and all-loving? This seemingly contradictory reality prompts many questions and challenges our faith. Throughout history, scholars, theologians, and everyday believers have sought to understand this divine mystery. In this discussion, we will reflect on the meanings of good and evil, the perspectives from Hebrew and Greek scriptures, and the historical views that have shaped our understanding of these concepts. As we read through various scripture passages, we aim to illuminate the complexity of why God permits evil in our lives and the world around us.
Why Does God Allow Evil
The Nature of Evil
To understand why God allows evil, we must first clarify what we mean by “evil.” In the Hebrew Bible, the word for evil is “ra” (רַע), which can refer to moral wrongdoing, calamity, or misfortune. In the New Testament, the Greek term used is “poneros” (πονηρός), which typically implies a sense of wickedness or malevolence. Evil manifests in many forms, such as suffering, injustice, and ethical lapses. As believers, we recognize evil as a consequence of humanity’s free will—an essential aspect of God’s creation. God, in His sovereignty, grants us the ability to choose, even if this means the potential for us to choose wrongly.
The existence of evil challenges our understanding of God’s character. How can an all-good God permit anything contrary to His nature? The Bible offers insight into God’s purpose amidst evil. In Genesis 1:31, God created the world and deemed everything “very good.” However, that goodness did not eliminate the possibility of evil; it allowed for the freedom to choose between good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17). This initial choice set the stage for humanity’s struggle with sin and suffering. As Romans 5:12 tells us, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” Ultimately, the foundation of evil finds its roots in human disobedience.
The Role of Free Will
At the heart of God’s allowance for evil is the concept of free will. God designed humans with the ability to choose, inherently leading to the possibility of choosing evil. This freedom is not arbitrary; it reflects God’s desire for a genuine loving relationship with His creation. If our choices were determined or coerced, our love for God would be non-existent—a mere simulation of love. Thus, God’s allowance of free will serves as the groundwork for authentic relationships. In Deuteronomy 30:19, God declares, “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”
When we consider the biblical narrative, we see that our choices can lead to profound consequences. Adam and Eve’s choice to disobey God brought sin into the world (Genesis 3), allowing evil to flourish. This illustrates that our decisions echo through generations, affecting not just ourselves but others as well. Yet, God does not abandon us in our suffering or in the aftermath of evil. In Exodus 3:7-8, God tells Moses, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.” This shows that while God allows free will and the resulting evil, He remains present in our struggles.
God’s Purpose in Allowing Evil
Another dimension to consider is God’s overarching purpose in allowing evil. Although we may grapple with our suffering, we must remember that God can bring good out of even the direst situations. Romans 8:28 reassures us in saying, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” In other words, God can transform our trials into opportunities for growth, helping us to develop a deeper relationship with Him.
Moreover, God allows evil to showcase His compassion and mercy. Through suffering, we are invited into a space of dependency on God. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul writes, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” Our weaknesses and trials become a conduit through which God’s grace shines even brighter. Additionally, the presence of evil underscores the need for redemption. The existence of evil directs our attention to Jesus Christ, who came to conquer sin and offer salvation. In that light, God often uses suffering as a way to prepare us for a greater purpose
God’s Sovereignty Over Evil
Another essential aspect to consider is God’s sovereignty, which assures us that despite the presence of evil, God is still in control. Isaiah 45:7 states, “I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.” This powerful declaration emphasizes that nothing escapes God’s dominion—including evil. While it may appear that evil is rampant, its existence does not indicate God’s absence or inability to act. Instead, it highlights God’s ultimate authority over all creation.
Although evil is a reality, the Bible assures us that God will ultimately bring justice. Revelation 21:4 provides hope with the promise, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” This foreshadows a future where God eradicates evil and suffering altogether. God’s sovereignty gives us hope and reassures us that our current suffering has a purpose and an end.
The Mystery of God’s Plan
God’s allowance of evil also ties into the mystery of His plan. We may never fully comprehend the reasons behind God’s decisions, but we can trust His wisdom. As Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. This verse encapsulates the vastness of God’s understanding compared to ours. There are instances when we might feel skeptical or frustrated about our circumstances, but trust (Acts 16:25-26) tells us that God can work through hardships to accomplish His plans. It’s essential to hold onto faith and trust central to the relationship we have with God.
Job is often an exemplary figure representing suffering in the Bible. Despite immense loss and trials, Job remained steadfast in his faith (Job 1:21-22). His journey illustrates that even in times of distress, we can lean into our relationship with God, trusting that His plans are ultimately good, even if we do not perceive it at the moment. Moreover, the conclusion of Job’s story reveals that God restored Job’s fortunes (Job 42:10), reminding us that hope is found even amid heartache.
Lastly, we’ll examine how the New Testament portrays the struggle with evil. In the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, He confronted the realities of evil, darkness, and suffering head-on. Through His miracles, teachings, and ultimately His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus exemplified God’s power over evil. In John 16:33, Jesus assures us, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” This statement reveals the triumph of goodness over evil and gives us courage to face our struggles, knowing that Jesus has already won the victory.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, understanding why God allows evil necessitates exploring various elements, including free will, divine purpose, and His sovereignty. We recognize that evil exists as a consequence of humanity’s choices, but we can also see how God uses it to foster growth, dependency, and ultimately, redemption. While grappling with the intricacies of evil may persist, we can rest assured in God’s faithfulness, knowing that He works all things for the good of those who love Him. Through trials, we experience His grace and mercy, ultimately leading us to the hope found in Jesus Christ. As we walk through life, may we trust in God’s plans, acknowledging that He is with us in both joyful and challenging times.
Let us remember that, though suffering is real, so is God’s love, grace, and ultimate justice. We may not have all the answers, but we can hold onto our faith—the key that opens up a door of hope amidst the darkness of evil.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4