WHY IS THERE EVIL IN THE WORLD?

Introduction No longer are we living in a society that we can assume belief in the Bible as the word of God. For many we have to begin with existence of God Many will resist this and demand answer

Introduction One argument often made deals with God’s part in the existence of evil “If God exists, and He is all powerful and He is good, why is there so much evil in the world?”

Introduction Epicurus (3rd century BC Greek philosopher) surmised: If God is willing to prevent evil, but unable: He is not omnipotent If he is able but unwilling: He is malevolent (evil-minded) IF he is both able and willing, why is there evil? IF he neither able nor willing, why call him God?

Introduction Such arguments make assumptions without all the facts! They are based upon the premise that the goodness of God is not possible if He permits evil (to some degree) Is this premise true? Our goal is to examine God and evil and give some understanding to this subject.

Evil is Real What is evil? That which is morally wrong or bad, wicked. “Discord or disturbance in the order of the universe.” There is natural evil and moral evil (McClintock and Strong)

Evil is Real Evil is best described as the absence of good (as darkness is the absence of light) In creation, what God made was good - Genesis 1:31

Evil is Real The origin of evil First introduced to this world by Satan (Genesis 3:1-7) Man CHOSE to accept it. The result is a sin cursed world (Romans 5:12-19) – we inherit the CONSEQUENCES of his sin!

Evil is Real Did God create evil? I don’t know But it is not a necessity, nor conclusive, considering that evil is the absence of God and God is good! (cf. 1 John 1:5)

Evil is Real Did God create evil? What about Isaiah 45:5-7? “I make peace and create calamity” (NKJV) “I make peace and create evil” (KJV, ASV) The word can mean evil in its moral sense, or disaster. The context of Isaiah 44-45 is God’s sovereign rule over nations! He speaks of punishments and deliverance

Evil is Real Evil is real! To deny this is foolishness. But to whom is the reality of evil a greater challenge?

Evil is Real To whom is the reality of evil a greater challenge? Why is there a sense of morality? Where did it come from? If there is NOT a source greater than us, then whatever standard we impose or accept is arbitrary.

Evil is Real To whom is the reality of evil a greater challenge? Even atheists argue, “Do no harm to others” (which is what the New Testament teaches), BUT why do they get to impose their definition of harm and good? In addition to the standard of the atheist being arbitrary, there is no real accountability or consequences either!

Evil is Real To whom is the reality of evil a greater challenge? Christians have a standard from God, that goes beyond the natural realm! There is accountability also The point: You cannot adequately explain evil or how to deal with it without God!

Why does God allow evil? God does not commit evil, nor does He tempt us James 1:13, 1 John 1:5 We do not question the omnipotence or goodness of God! He could have prevented evil in many ways, but He didn’t! With reason!

Why does God allow evil? Be careful in questioning God! Isaiah 55:8-9 Romans 11:33-36 Job 38:1-3, 40:1-5 We may not know or fully understand many things, but that doesn’t mean there is no explanation! Romans 8:28

Why does God allow evil? Man CHOOSES to sin! John 3:19, man loved darkness rather than light. James 1:14-15, man sins when he gives into temptation!

Why does God allow evil? Man is a free moral agent! If there were no evil, man could not choose! God wanted someone who would serve Him because He WANTED to, not being compelled to! Cf. 1 John 4:19, 1 Peter 1:6-9

Why does God allow evil? Man is a free moral agent! That is why Adam and Eve had a choice (Gen. 2:16-17) Joshua 24:15, 1 Kings 18:21, Romans 6:16, Matthews 7:13- 14 Being free moral agents, we determine our destiny based upon our choices!

God DOES prevent some evil He has given us a conscience – Romans 13:15, 1 Timothy 1:5, Hebrews 10:22 He has given us the gospel – Romans 1:16-17

God DOES prevent some evil He sent Jesus to die for our sins! In this He understands and loves us Romans 5:8, Hebrews 4:15, 2:17 He could have left us without any hope and let the consequences of evil take its full course

God DOES prevent some evil Instead, he sent Jesus into an evil world to live, suffer and die, at the hands of evil. Jesus experienced evil for us! 1 Peter 2:21-24

God DOES prevent some evil He has promised to help us Matthew 11:28-30, 1 Corinthians 10:13 Who knows if and when He has intervened?

Let us understand… The existence of evil does NOT limit the power of God, NOR does it mean that He is uncaring! Understanding evil and how to overcome it, causes us to better appreciate God.

Are we fighting against it? Romans 12:21 Since Evil does exist! Are we fighting against it? Romans 12:21