How Can I explain the Problem of Evil?: A Biblical and Rational Defense of God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility

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Introduction: Framing the Problem of Evil

The so-called “problem of evil” is often articulated as a philosophical or theological dilemma: if God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good, why does evil exist? Skeptics claim this presents a contradiction within the theistic framework, arguing that the existence of evil disproves either God’s power, knowledge, or goodness. However, this argument fundamentally misunderstands the nature of God, the nature of man, the origin of evil, and the divine purpose behind allowing human free will. The Bible offers a coherent and intellectually satisfying answer that is both rationally grounded and theologically consistent with a high view of Scripture and the absolute perfection of God’s character.

From a historical-grammatical interpretation of Scripture, the origin and continuation of evil can be clearly understood without appealing to allegory, typology, or speculative philosophical systems. Instead, we turn directly to the inspired, inerrant Word of God to find both the beginning and the end of evil in the created world, tracing its development through literal biblical chronology and examining its implications for mankind and God’s sovereign rule.

The Origin of Evil: A Willful Departure from Truth

Evil did not originate in God, nor is it the result of any defect in His creative work. Deuteronomy 32:4 clearly affirms: “The Rock—his work is perfect, all his ways are justice. A faithful God, without injustice, he is righteous and upright.” Therefore, we must reject any notion that God is the author or cause of evil.

Jesus Christ declared concerning Satan: “He was a murderer from the beginning and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44). Here, we see that Satan’s fall originated internally—within himself. Originally created as a perfect angelic being (Ezekiel 28:14-15), he became morally corrupt through pride and a desire for worship that belongs only to Jehovah (Isaiah 14:13-14). His rebellion was not due to any external coercion or ontological deficiency. It was the result of his own deliberate choice to abandon the truth.

Genesis 3:1-6 records Satan’s first act of deception against humanity. Appearing in the form of a serpent, he subtly questioned God’s command and motives. In doing so, he initiated the first human sin—not by force, but by enticement and suggestion. Eve, deceived by the serpent, and Adam, fully aware of the disobedience, chose to transgress God’s direct command (Genesis 2:17; 3:6). Consequently, death and suffering entered the world: “By the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you will return” (Genesis 3:19).

Thus, evil entered the human realm through the misuse of the free will granted by God, not through any inherent flaw in creation.

Human Free Will and Moral Responsibility

God’s creation was not defective. Genesis 1:31 declares: “God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.” Angels and humans were created morally perfect, yet with the capacity for choice. Free will is not a flaw—it is the foundation of love and obedience. Without the ability to choose, true devotion and moral integrity are impossible. God desires worship “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24), which necessitates freedom.

James 1:13-15 reiterates that God does not tempt anyone to sin: “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.” Rather, “each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own desire. Then desire, after it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death.” Evil, therefore, arises not from the Creator but from created beings who misuse their God-given freedom.

This capacity for choice was a necessary condition for moral beings. The possibility of disobedience was not a defect, but a corollary of the ability to obey. Angels and humans were given the choice to remain loyal or rebel, and the existence of evil stems from the fact that some chose the latter.

The Rebellion Against Divine Sovereignty

When Satan persuaded Eve to disobey God, he was not merely enticing her to break a rule—he was initiating a full-scale rebellion against God’s sovereignty. Genesis 3 shows the first assertion of human autonomy against divine authority. Adam’s sin was not an accident; it was a deliberate act of rebellion. Romans 5:12 affirms: “Through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.”

This act marked the beginning of mankind’s estrangement from God and aligned humanity under Satan’s influence. As Jesus said, “the ruler of the world is coming” (John 14:30), and 1 John 5:19 declares, “the whole world lies in the power of the wicked one.” Satan’s rulership is not legitimate, but it is real in terms of influence and control over the present world system, which operates in defiance of God.

Why Has God Allowed Evil and Suffering?

This is the crux of the issue. If God is all-powerful, why has He allowed evil to continue? The answer lies in the question of moral governance. God is demonstrating, beyond all argument, the futility of autonomous human rule apart from divine direction. Ecclesiastes 8:9 says, “Man has dominated man to his harm.” Jeremiah 10:23 states: “I know, O Jehovah, that man’s way is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.”

God has allowed rebellion to continue for a limited time—approximately 6,000 years of human history—so that all intelligent creatures can observe and understand the consequences of rejecting divine rule. Romans 9:17 speaks of Pharaoh, saying, “For this very purpose I raised you up, that I might show in you my power, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” God uses human history as a demonstration—exposing that all human attempts at governance without divine guidance lead to failure, corruption, injustice, and chaos.

Furthermore, God is not passive. He has been actively working through His redemptive plan—culminating in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ—to reclaim a people for Himself and to prepare for the full establishment of His Kingdom rule on earth (Daniel 2:44; Revelation 21:3-4).

God’s Patience Is an Act of Mercy

Far from being indifferent, God’s patience is purposeful. 2 Peter 3:9 explains: “Jehovah is not slow to fulfill his promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to come to repentance.” God is giving humanity time to choose whom they will serve.

Satan claimed that no one would serve God out of genuine love. In the case of Job, Satan asserted that Job only served God because of blessings and protection (Job 1:9-11). God’s permission to test Job proved Satan wrong. The same is true for all faithful believers who continue to serve God despite suffering and adversity. Every act of obedience and faithfulness disproves Satan’s accusation.

Proverbs 27:11 says, “Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who reproaches me.” Our loyalty to God in the midst of suffering brings Him glory and rebukes the adversary.

The Role of Human Rulers and the Failure of Autonomy

Throughout history, from Nimrod’s kingdom (Genesis 10:8-10) to the great empires of Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome, human governments have continually failed to produce righteousness, peace, and justice. This pattern continues into modern times. No political system—monarchy, democracy, communism, socialism, or otherwise—has eliminated war, poverty, or injustice.

Daniel 2:44 makes clear that human rulership will not last: “In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed.” This divine kingdom will crush all earthly governments and establish eternal righteousness. Isaiah 11:9 anticipates this time: “They will not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters cover the sea.”

How to Choose God as Ruler

Jesus made clear in John 17:14 that his followers are not of the world, just as he is not of the world. He refused to participate in the politics of his day (John 6:15), and his followers are called to imitate him. To choose God as our ruler means to reject participation in political systems that are under Satan’s influence (1 John 5:19), and to pursue true worship in accordance with the Scriptures (John 4:23-24).

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 makes it plain that those who practice unrighteousness will not inherit God’s kingdom. Believers must live distinctly—separated from the moral corruption of this world. 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, “Bad company corrupts good morals.” Associating with those who love God, obey His Word, and support His sovereignty is essential.

The Guarantee of Deliverance

God’s love is not in question. John 3:16 declares: “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone believing in him should not perish but have eternal life.” This promise includes not only forgiveness of sins but ultimate deliverance from evil and death. Revelation 21:4 offers a sure future: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor crying nor pain be anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

The end of evil is certain. Its origin is explained. Its allowance is purposeful. Its defeat is imminent. Until then, God’s people are called to live in faith, obedience, and loyalty—testifying to the truth of His Word and the certainty of His justice.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).