Don Stewart :: What Does the Bible Say about the Problem of Evil?

The Bible has a number of things to say about the problem of evil. They include the following.

1. We Live In A Fallen World

The Bible recognizes that evil does exist. We live in a world that has fallen into sin.

2. God Is Not Responsible For Evil

Evil came as a result from the choice of humanity - not God. By giving humans choice there was the possibility to choose evil.

3. God Allows Evil To Exist By His Permission

Although we do not understand why He permits evil in every instance, we know that it only exists because He allows it. Evil cannot overrule

4. God Can Overrule Evil For Good

We find that God overrules wickedness for the good. In the account of Joseph in the Book of Genesis, we are told that his brothers sold him into slavery - thinking they would never see him again. By God's grace, Joseph became a ruler of all Egypt.

Evil, by definition, is not logical. It is random. Therefore we should not expect it to operate in a righteous way.

6. When People Break God's Laws, It Will Have Consequences

Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow (Galatians 6:7).

We cannot break the law of God without suffering the consequences.

7. God's Is Involved In Solving The Problem Of Evil

God is directly involved in the problem of evil. Jesus, God's Son, came to die to deal with the problem of evil. He died on Calvary's cross to free humanity from pain and suffering, sin and death. Someday there will be a world when all these things will be non-existent. Scripture says.

And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth (Luke 18:7,8).

8. There Is An Age To Come When Evil Will Be Done Away With

Evil will not win in the end.

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." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true" (Revelation 21:4,5).

Summary

The Bible has a number of things to say about the problem of evil. We do live in a fallen world where evil exists. However, evil did not come about God's design - he is not responsible for it. Evil only exists by his permission. The Bible says that God is able to overrule evil for good. It must be understood that evil does not work in a logical or rational way - it touches everyone both good and bad. A person cannot commit evil acts without paying some penalty - breaking God's laws has its consequences. God is involved in solving the problem of evil He sent his Son to die on Calvary's cross. There will come a day when evil will not longer exist.