Romans 13 teaches that God established governmental authority. If God was the author of evil, then He would be evil. Did God create evil? Otherwise, Jesus calls us to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). The question raises the issue of why God let any of this happen. An all-powerful God could destroy evil. Why did God allow sin at all? If there is a God of justice in heaven, why d… surely must rank as one of those most frequently asked by people all over our tear-drenched planet.To address this critical and very valid question here follows an excerpt from my article 'Thirteen … The Bible does not explicitly explain why God allows evil rulers to come to power, but it does offer many principles that explain both the efforts and the limitations of rulers such as the Hitlers and Husseins of this world. The story of the flood is found in Genesis 6-9, but it really begins a bit earlier. Moreover, the biblical characters show us that a stoic detachment from evil is not the right response. So, why did God allow evil Saul to assume Israel’s throne? Evil is a corruption of God’s creation brought about by man’s decision to follow their own desires rather than obey God. Good News From God! So never again scratch your head and wonder aloud why it is that evil has been allowed to … God and Evil If God is such a nice guy, why is there so much misery and suffering in the world? What we fail to realize is that we are also part of the equation. … The wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him” (Ezekiel 18:20). Why does God allow people like him to die while evil people still live on the earth? Evil is the privation of a good. But that would not give humanity any significance. Copyright © 2021 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. Evil began on earth when Satan told the first lie. The only way God could die was if death existed. These are fundamental questions people wrestle with. Therefore the possibility either way for sin and death had to exist for God to show His love. Our choices reveal whether we want God as our Ruler. In explaining why God permits evil to occur, it is important to go beyond the fact that God created each of us with free will. God created and sustains the world. But it is by no means clear that an invocation of free will gets around the problem of evil. But why did he permit evil and not prevent it? The Bible shows, however, that these are the result of the curse we live under due to human sin – see Genesis 3 and Romans 8. Why would a powerful and loving God allow suffering, evil and death? Here are sixteen Bible passages that help us understand why God allows the presence of evil and suffering in the world: God has a purpose in everything he allows. The Bible does not explicitly explain why God allows evil rulers to come to power, but it does offer many principles that explain both the efforts and the limitations of rulers such as the Hitlers and Husseins of this world. "Why did God allow Evil to exist?") Why Does God Allow Evil and Suffering? Evil governments are God’s ministers as long they are not excessively evil (Zechariah 1:15). The problem of evil in the world can be traced back to the time in Genesis 3. [Related: If Everything God Makes is Good, Where did Evil Come From?] Evil Why does God allow evil? Read your Bible carefully, please. News: Commentary. As discussed earlier, a loving God can allow an evil state of affairs to exist if, in allowing it to occur, it brings about an even better state of affairs. Sad. Fact: People of great faith have questioned why God allows evil.For instance, the prophet Habakkuk asked God: “Why do you allow violence, lawlessness, crime, and cruelty to spread everywhere?” (Habakkuk 1:3, Contemporary English Version) Rather than rebuke Habakkuk, God had the questions he asked recorded in the Bible for all to read. How could a good God allow so much evil? INTRODUCTION. Often people ask, where was God when this evil act took place or, why did God allow this horrific situation to happen? Answer from Stephanie Anderson, EPM staff: I’m so sorry to hear about your son and what happened. If God did not allow for the possibility of sin and death, there was no way to show His love. We all wrestle with the difficult age-old questions, Why do the wicked prosper? They accepted that God did not create evil, but still asked why God allowed evil to persist? Since I used the first statement as evidence for the second, it diffuses any argument against God from the so-called ‘problem of evil’ (see Why would a loving God allow death and suffering?). Recently, through reading a book, I came to understand a little about God’s will … First, God testing Job was to verify his reverence and obedience to God. Traditionally, there are three main categories of evil: metaphysical, moral, and physical or natural. Why would a good God allow the Holocaust, genocide, racism, terrorism, etc? God could have made people in such a way that they would be robots who would react when God made them do so. But why do they assume there are things such as “good” or “evil” when they believe the world and everything in it is the result of a mechanistic accident and humans are simply accidents, without a Creator or a transcendent end? It's so hard when we have questions like these and things seem to make absolutely no sense from a human perspective. We'll quote her prediction at length, up to the point just prior to where she heard the alarm of fire, and saw fireproof buildings burning like pitch. PRIVACY POLICY, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/1102012190/univ/art/1102012190_univ_sqr_xl.jpg, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/a/fg/E/wpub/fg_E_lg.jpg. 16:4) God’s wrath is righteous. A Good God? Some physical evil may be the result of t he original sin of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:6, Romans 5:12-14). These attributes tell us the following about God: (1) God is capable of preventing evil, and (2) … Human rulers have failed to eliminate war, crime, injustice, or disease.—Read Jeremiah 10:23; Romans 9:17. Probably one of the greatest challenges faced by Christianity and Christians is the reality of evil and suffering. These are important questions and while we cannot solve them all neatly in one short article, we can address evil and suffering and begin to offer some possible solutions to the seeming dilemma. There is only one reason for Christians to disobey government. February 3, 2015. For a limited time, Jehovah has allowed rebellion against his sovereignty. Only people who choose to be ruled by God will inhabit the earth.—Isaiah 11:9; Read Daniel 2:44. Some atheists argue God cannot exist because God would not allow evil things to happen to good people. For this woman, the loss of her child was an unequalled and tragic evil. Life Without Suffering—A Trustworthy Promise. We indicate our choice by the way we live.—Read Job 1:8-12; Proverbs 27:11. You were praying and counting on Gods promises, but things did not turn out the way you had expected. ... And this, I submit, explains why God created a world in which evil was possible. All … Assuming that we have free will, evil (unrighteousness) is a byproduct of our free will whenever we choose to do something contrary to the nature of God. However, Adam and Eve used their free will to disobey God’s command. If God is so good and loving, why does He allow evil? Boat. If love is the goal, it could not be otherwise. However, we do know that God is all-wise and all-knowing and that He has reasons for allowing things to happen that are beyond our comprehension. "Why did God give man freedom to commit evil acts?" 2. Various answers have been given but permanently settling the issue is impossible (this side of heaven) because so many of our answers raise further questions. September 11: Why Did God Allow It? God has allowed evil to exist but He has answered the problem of evil once for all through His Son, Jesus. Satan was originally a perfect angel, but “he did not stand fast in the truth.” (John 8:44) He developed a desire for worship that rightly belongs only to God. The Bible promises that all disasters and tragedies will soon be gone forever. The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. The curious, as well as the critics of Christianity, ask this question. Atheists reason, "Surely, an all-knowing God of love would not allow evil to exist in His world." Why does God allow such (quote) “evil men and women” (see verses above) to assume positions of power / exercise, take control? He cares so much that he was prepared to come to earth in the person of his son, Jesus, and be put to death so that all this evil could be dealt with. Any attempts to answer such questions can seem trite or even be unhelpful. They may even succeed in forcing others to act and say loving things to them. TERMS OF USE The only way death could exist is if someone sinned. If we have freedom then we can choose wrongly. Why did God allow Joe Biden to win the election? The problem of evil has long been a stumbling block. The Roots of Evil. Satan was originally a perfect angel, but “he did not stand fast in the truth.” (John 8:44) He developed a desire for worship that rightly belongs only to God. Will we obey his wise and loving laws? In this tragic story we see an incredible insight as to why God allows evil to exist. ADDITIONAL REFERENCE SOURCES. “They are upset that God didn’t stop it from happening.” We can begin by acknowledging, as does the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the difficulty of the question, “Why does evil exist?”, and agreeing that “no quick answer will suffice” (No. In this tragic story we see an incredible insight as to why God allows evil to exist. (Ecclesiastes 7:29; 8:9) After 6,000 years of human history, the evidence is clear. "Why did a personal, loving God create a world in which evil exists?" Satan lied to the first woman, Eve, and persuaded her to obey him instead of God. Idiotic reiligious fools like you are the reason this world is in the mess it is. Geisler, Norman. Love takes risks. Ellen White's prediction elaborated on some of the problems behind skyscrapers such as those in New York City, problems that she was shown would eventually bring about their destruction. (John 4:23) We can reject Satan as our ruler by keeping out of politics and war, as Jesus did.—Read John 17:14. He is a God of … Satan was originally a perfect angel, but “he did not stand fast in the truth.” He developed a desire for worship that rightly belongs only to GodSatan lied to the first woman, Eve, and persuaded her to obey him instead of God. God did not have to create evil, but rather only allow for the absence of good. It seems as if God did not even hear your prayers. Because God is good, He does not allow there to be excess evil. Thus, Satan has become “the ruler of the world.”—Read John 14:30; 1 John 5:19. God’s love for mankind guarantees that evil and suffering will end. Learn what God says about the reasons for suffering. Share The majority of mankind have joined Satan in rejecting God as their Ruler. A common question posed towards Christians is, “If There is an all-loving, all-knowing God, why does he allow evil and suffering to exist?” Read more to learn how we can reconcile the hardships and sufferings in life with the goodness of God. Share Those who demonstrate that they believe this will enjoy life on earth forever.—Read John 3:16. They tear their clothing, offer up lamentations to God… God is grieved by the sinfulness of man and the hardness of his heart (Genesis 6:6; Mark 3:5). God knew that Job had fear and reverence for Him and stayed away from evil, so why did God allow Satan to tempt Job and subject him to such great suffering? Why does God let bad things happen? So we sense that we are left with a contradiction; God must not be all-good, or He must not be all-powerful. God allowed evil and suffering in the world to bring His Son to the cross so that we might have the opportunity to obtain eternal life. Published: 23 December 2017 (GMT+10) ... Why trust God despite evil? Adam joined Eve in disobeying God. But we know God's character. (1 Peter 4:3, 4) So we face a choice. You see, when God first created the human race, He made them completely free. Satan, therefore, came in the form of a creature, not only far inferior to God… Why does God allow people like him to die while evil people still live on the earth? For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, … What is God’s will in this matter? Evil is not destroyed. Why did God allow evil in the world? These evil doers, therefore, should be held responsible for their deeds. Often this is more than we think we can bear. Why Does God Allow Evil? God did not create evil, but He does allow evil. 10:13), He did not allow Satan to approach them in the likeness of God, or at any other place other than the one forbidden tree. … Audio download options Or “If an all loving God does exist, why would he allow people to be poor, children to be born with birth defects, war, violence, hunger, etc?” As a Christian, I’ve personally been challenged by these types of questions in my Christian life. Why did God flood the world? God works within the fallen world to effect change, and He uses fallen people to accomplish His will. In this, God has not stepped away from fallen creation but has stepped into it by becoming Jesus. and Why do the righteous suffer? B. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people” (Genesis 50:20 NLT). If God had not allowed for the possibility of evil, both mankind and angels would be serving God out of obligation, not choice. God has allowed men to rule for long enough to demonstrate that they cannot resolve mankind’s problems. God allow evil to happen to his son Jesus to save us because he loves us And that evil must have happen in order for us to be saved, without the blood on that cross we would not be saved. 1. Typically the argument runs as: "Since our world is full of evil and a good, all-powerful God would never allow for evil, God therefore cannot exist." And this is not something that leaves God unmoved. | Publication download options That is when they command us to violate God’s laws (Acts 4:19-20; 5:27-29). God is not responsible for what evil men do; they alone are responsible, and they are accountable to God for their evil actions. ... Oh I forgot, tRumptards think he is the second coming, even though EVERY SINGLE THING HE DOES IS EVIL INCARNATE. Evil isn’t evidence against God; it’s evidence for a premise in an argument for God. Some religions teach that evil is unreal, but the Bible never minimizes the truth of misery and pain. In contrast to human rulership, God’s rule benefits those who accept it. God allows evil, yes. by John Sebastian. You can! All of God’s works are perfect. God allowed Adam to eat of the forbidden tree, but He did not approve of the action. After all who are you to question God. Why does God allow evil? God decided to make people in such a way that they could choose whether or not to obey Him. But the guy who scoffs at God is doing great. What I will do … Although the Bible informs us how and why evil came about, it does not tell us why God allowed it to happen. We know that God is good and that He is all-powerful. Ultimately, I think the problem of evil is not about God but humanity. Satan claimed that no one would serve Jehovah out of unselfish love. The Problem of Evil A series of special focus articles, at Leadership U. At times even great thinkers are baffled by the seeming contradiction between the existence of a loving God and the fact of evil. God’s patience allows all of us to show whether we favor rule by God or rule by man. Evil came as a result of the selfishness of man.The Bible says that God is a God of love and He desired to create a person and eventually a race that would love Him. God has promised to remove all causes of suffering. Back to A-Z Index About These Resources. So the question then becomes "why do we have free will?" When Satan suggested that Eve disobey God, he was starting a rebellion against God’s sovereignty, or position as Most High. We ourselves do not know what good is naturally, for we are not basically good. As an example, my oldest son had leukemia when he was 4 years old. Good News From God! Evil is an imperfection, lack or void in God's creation. (Prov. A common question posed towards Christians is “Why would an all loving, all knowing God allow evil/suffering to exist”? Only that which can be redeemed and which can lead to good is allowed. God did not make a devil. So, why did God allow evil Saul to assume Israel’s throne? Couldn’t God have created a world without evil? The response to the foregoing is summed up in God's nature and His desire for mankind. Would you like to read this article in %%? ADDITIONAL REFERENCE SOURCES. 1. (Deuteronomy 32:4, 5) God created us with the freedom to choose between doing good and doing evil. Good News From God! This is a flawed premise since it implies that we are in a position to say what is good and what is not good about God. Why does God allow evil rulers like Hitler and Saddam to have power. While in the hospital he was often awakened to have blood taken, chemotherapy and methotrexate administered, etc. God is not responsible for what evil men do; they alone are responsible, and they are accountable to God for their evil actions. However, we do know that God is all-wise and all-knowing and that He has reasons for allowing things to happen that are beyond our comprehension. Through psychological or physical torture, they may succeed in forcing them to curse their own children to deny their faith. How then can we judge God? We begin reading in 1 Samuel chapter 8: “[1] And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Powerful people may be able to force others to do just about anything. Myth: It’s wrong to ask why God allowed the Holocaust. That freedom gives us a way to express love for God.—Read James 1:13-15; 1 John 5:3. … The wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him” (Ezekiel 18:20). The first is obvious to us. Kola Abimbola examines an ancient problem. Understanding that God had allowed this to happen so that he could be a man of power in Egypt, Joseph said, “God turned to good what you [my brothers] meant for evil. Why Did God Allow Evil? Recently, through reading a book, I came to understand a little about God’s will … 2 months ago. In a few words, “The God of the Bible loves free will that much.” To the Scriptures we go! God did not create evil and neither is He to blame for the evil in the universe. 3 5. In the same way, God’s allowing the Holocaust in no way suggests His approval of it. In a few words, “The God of the Bible loves free will that much.” To the Scriptures we go! It cuts right to the centre of all the evil, pain and suffering we see in our world. In any case, even Reformed theology often says that God “allows” evil in order to indicate that the way in which the Lord stands behind evil is different than the way that He stands behind good. Dr. Charles Stanley offers a biblical answer to this question. We can’t forget that this story is part of a larger literary unit from Genesis 1 to 11. The Bible warns, “The soul who sins is the one who will die. Will we associate with people who love God? Is it possible to force people to love? The humans and angels whom God created were capable of obeying God perfectly. But He also restrains it. If God is all-powerful and all-loving, then why does He allow evil and suffering in the world? Freedom to love must happen in the context of a freedom of choice. (Isaiah 48:17, 18) Soon, Jehovah will bring all human government to an end. God is morally perfect. God created humans with the capacity to make decisions. God may use physical evil for a higher purpose: to test us and prepare us for glory (1 Peter 1:6-7, 5:10, 2 Corinthians 12:7-9), or to make us more compassionate (2 Corinthians 1:3-6). Many think God is to blame for all the suffering in the world. They accepted that God did not create evil, but still asked why God allowed evil to persist? There is a line of questioning that goes like this: A good God would destroy evil. The Problem of Evil. God has allowed men to rule for long enough to demonstrate that they cannot resolve mankind’s problems Evil began on earth when Satan told the first lie. Every time a personal tragedy, plague or natural disaster occurs, many have the real and understandable questions: why did God allow this? When we reject such practices, some friends and relatives may ridicule or oppose us. If you want answers to these challenging questions then look no further than this book. Before providing some thoughts on your question directly, it’s important to point out that we can know three things, regardless of how we might solve your question: Evil exists. Yet we also know that evil exists. Watch the video Why Does God Allow Suffering? This choice made the possibility of evil become very real. 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