The presence of evil is everywhere. Its pervasive influence often strikes without warning from the horrendous Holocaust of World War II and the Rwandan genocide of the 90s to a relentless onslaught of modern day crimes such as hijackings, rape, murder, drugs, pornography, family abuse, greed and corruption.
The list goes on and on. Daily newspapers thrive on the sensationalism of evil, a fearful reflection of a civilization that appears to have gone horribly wrong, despite all of its sophisticated technology.
Where did evil come from?
What about the catastrophic natural disasters that we have all witnessed over the past few years; volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, droughts and hurricanes that have left a trail of destruction and heartbreaking loss of lives, ironically described in legal terms as Acts of God.
If God created this world and brought humankind into existence, why does he permit evil? Even more perplexing is the question, Why would a loving God allow my dad, mom, daughter, son or dear friend to die at the unscrupulous hands of a criminal or become a victim of cataclysmic events? Where was God when the earthquake struck in Haiti?
H G Wells is quoted as saying God seems to be an ever absent help in time of trouble. What a sad indictment on our beloved Creator! Perhaps we need to address these somewhat enigmatic issues by asking the question, where did all this evil come from in the first place? Is God the author of evil? While we may never have all the answers, lets briefly explore a few passages of scripture and in so doing endeavour to gain some insight into this disturbing reality that surrounds us.
Why doesnt God prevent evil?
The Bible tells us God saw all that He had made and it was very good. (Genesis 1:31). Yes, Gods original creation was good! Furthermore, the very nature of God is wrapped up in love. We read in the first book of John chapter 4:8 God is love. He loves us even when we are unlovable and fight back. His amazing grace has already forgiven all our sins, past, present and future. Still, why doesnt God intervene and prevent evil before it unleashes a terrifying path of pain and suffering in our lives?
Perhaps, God is busy with something far greater than meets the eye. The apostle Paul had something to say about creation and evil.
Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way, death came to all men, because all sinned (Romans 5:12) Paul is referring to what has become known as the fall of man, which in turn, has had a far reaching impact on all of creation. for the creation has been subjected to frustration not by its own choice, but by the will of the One who subjected it in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time (Romans 18-22). After Adam sinned, God cursed the ground (Genesis 3:17). This implies a creation that was very different prior to the time when sin entered the world.
Adams earth shattering choice, ushered evil into the world of humanity and its powerful influence has affected humankind ever since. The creation itself is suffering the consequences. It is important to be aware of the circumstances surrounding Adams choice. Adam and Eve allowed themselves to be swayed by the serpent, being Satan, a powerful angelic being, who with a host of angels rebelled against God and in so doing brought evil into the cosmos. Here we find that Satan turned on God through pride, thus becoming the author of evil.
Heading for a sure destination
God has promised in his Word that He will, in His own time, deal with evil, and death will be swallowed up in victory, but in the meantime, we are on an earthly pilgrimage. The earth, like a ship in a storm, is heading for a sure destination. Christ will return to restore all things and establish His Kingdom as sure as the rising sun. However, in the meantime many on board will follow in Adams footsteps and choose a life contrary to what God offers.
So why did God create humans with the capacity to choose between good and evil? After all, He could have programmed love into our hearts. Ironically, this would do away with the concept of free will, probably affecting the nature of our character and unique persona as individual human beings. In essence, at the heart of choice lies our understanding of free moral agency, for without it, we cannot develop Godly character. The triune God, being Father, Son and Holy Spirit does not want a long term eternal relationship with pre-programmed robotic beings, but with a living person who chooses to love Him and other fellow human beings who chooses to live the opposite way to evil. He wants us to respond to the grace of Jesus because we want to and not simply out of command or duty.
The consequences of evil has brought untold suffering to humankind. Israel too, had to choose between life and death. They were given the commandments and other laws added later, but allowed themselves to be allured onto the slippery slope of sin and its miserable consequences. Yes, we live in a fallen, temporary sinful world.
However, God gives us the assurance in his Word that He does intervene in our lives, especially at certain defining moments, and is an ever present help during times of suffering and pain. He will never leave or forsake us. Yet, if He were to intervene immediately at every turn, and literally at each moment we are about to sin, where would be our capacity to choose between good and evil?
This is the beauty of the grace of Jesus Christ, who through his incarnation suffered the evil onslaught of his perpetrators and opened the door of forgiveness, reconciliation and a new life in Christ.
In certain respects, God took a risk with humankind, knowing that free moral agency in itself, allows for the capacity to choose between good and evil. This created the potential and reality of bringing evil into the world, as a result of wrong choices. However, the essence of Christs message lies in our transformation, an inner work of the Holy Spirit, which will enable us to rise above evil and love as God loves with authenticity, even our enemies.
Eternal perspective
As God allows rain to fall on the just and the unjust, he allows us to suffer pain along with the world. In this we learn the dire consequences of sin and that a life apart from God is meaningless. Thus, when the storm rages on the high seas and the earth ship navigates towards its destination, both the just and the unjust suffer hardship. Romans 8:19 tells us that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Here God helps us to view the anguish we may be currently experiencing with an eternal perspective, looking to our glorious future destiny in His Kingdom.
We have a responsibility, looking to Jesus and the Holy Spirit for guidance, to exercise Gods gift of free will with wisdom, strength and understanding, especially when trials and tough choices confront us. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul said, You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather serve one another in love.
Is your way of life bringing you closer to God or taking you further away from Him? Are your choices having a positive or negative impact on those around you? Are these not some of the real questions we should be asking? Indeed, God has made the transforming presence of the Holy Spirit available to us, providing the insight and wisdom to make right choices that will enable us to grow and mature in Christ-like character.