RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2021-06-02	Why Is There So Much Evil?
		We understand that evil is that which is morally wrong or sinful. It can also be defined as the absence of good. Since God is good and thus the measure of goodness, evil is essentially that which goes against His nature and ways. Evil exists because the world is full of creatures who rebelled and continue to rebel against God. The first creature to rebel against God, and thus is the author of evil, is Satan. And other angels joined in as well (Is.14:12-14; Ek.28:12-18). Humanity followed suit when Eve fell to Satan's deception, and Adam partook willingly in her sin (Ge.3). Soon after this Fall evil began to grow rapidly. Their first born son murdered his brother then lied about it (Ge.4). About a thousand years later, because the human heart was only evil continually, God destroyed the earth with a worldwide Flood (Ge.6-9). After the Flood humanity again began to defy God rather than “fill the earth” so they built a tower unto themselves refusing to scatter. God knew their sinfulness would only increase so He confused their language and scattered them (Ge.11:5-9). In doing so, God limited evil. Later God set in motion His plan to rescue humanity from evil. He called Abraham, from whom he would set aside a people for Himself— The Jews. Jesus came from this family line to rescue the world from evil (Ge.12:1-3; Ga.3:16, 26-29; Jn.1:1-5, 14). Centuries after Abraham, God rescued His people, Israel, from slavery in Egypt. He then gave the Law to curve evil. The law demonstrated God’s holiness and made clear humans’ inability to live up to God’s standards (Ro.3:23; 5:20-21). The Old Testament system of sacrifices foreshadowed what Jesus would accomplish on the cross (He.10). Though evil has been rampant throughout history, God has always provided a way of forgiveness and rescue—salvation is always by God’s grace received through faith (Ep.2:1-10). The Bible provides examples of rampant evil and its destructiveness, but also of God’s abundant grace and mercy. If evil is so destructive and God has provided a means of rescue, why is there still so much evil in the world today? 1. Man still has a sinful nature. 2. God is patient (2Pe.3:9-10). In the meantime, Satan still has influence in the world, and our own human hearts still turn against God (2Co.4:4). 2Co 4:4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. In fact evil will increase (2Tm.3:1-5). Paul said, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.” Then he outlined a list of evils to come. Those who have put their faith in Christ have been rescued from the penalty of sin (Ro.7-8). We still go against God and thus contribute to the problem of evil in the world. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, God also enables us to put our evil deeds to death and live in His ways (Ph.2:12-13; Cl.3:1-14). Evil will persist until Christ returns, but we can rest assured that God allows no more evil than will ultimately play into His good and perfect purposes. Though God never authors or applauds evil, He is able to use it to His good ends (Ro.8:28; Ja.1:2-4; 1Pe.1:6-9). Though the evil in our world can seem overwhelming, it has by no means overcome the goodness of God. Believers in Jesus live in this world as ambassadors and lights (2Co.5:20-21; Mt.5:13-16). We are tasked with sharing the good news about Jesus with the world (Mt.28:18-20). We are to demonstrate His character through actively loving others (Jn.13:34-35; 1Jn.4:7-12). We are not to repay anyone evil for evil (Ro.12:17). We “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Ro.12:21). Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

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