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Introduction: Understanding the Question

The problem of evil has long been a central issue in Christian apologetics, particularly for those defending the faith from a Protestant, conservative Evangelical perspective. The presence of evil in the world raises questions about the nature of God’s sovereignty, goodness, and the compatibility of these attributes with the existence of suffering and wrongdoing. In addressing this question, we must adhere to a biblical framework rooted in the historical-grammatical interpretation of Scripture, rejecting the flawed methodologies of higher criticism and subjective reasoning. The Bible, as the inspired and inerrant Word of God, provides sufficient answers to this issue when approached with a careful and reverent exegesis.

The Nature of God: Sovereign, Holy, and Just

Scripture affirms that Jehovah is both sovereign and good, possessing absolute authority over all creation. Passages such as Isaiah 46:9–10 declare, “I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.'” This text emphasizes that God’s sovereign will encompasses all events, past, present, and future. His authority is rooted in His eternal nature and omniscience, ensuring that no aspect of existence lies outside His control.

Moreover, Jehovah’s holiness and justice underscore His goodness. Psalm 145:17 states, “Jehovah is righteous in all his ways and holy in all his works.” His actions are never arbitrary but reflect His perfect moral character. While humans often fail to comprehend His purposes, passages such as Romans 11:33 remind us, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!”

The Origin of Evil: Human Agency and the Fall

The Bible explicitly teaches that evil entered the world through human rebellion, not as a creation of God. Genesis 1:31 records, “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.” At creation, all things were in harmony, reflecting God’s perfect will. However, Genesis 3 details humanity’s fall, wherein Adam and Eve, exercising their God-given free will, disobeyed Jehovah’s command. This act of rebellion brought sin and its consequences, including death and suffering, into the world (Romans 5:12).

Jehovah, being holy, cannot be the author of evil (James 1:13). Instead, He permits human agency within the bounds of His sovereign plan. This distinction is vital: while God allows evil to occur, He neither initiates nor delights in it. Instead, He works through human choices to accomplish His purposes, as illustrated in Joseph’s declaration to his brothers in Genesis 50:20: “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

The Purpose of Evil: Divine Sovereignty and Human Good

Jehovah’s sovereignty ensures that even the existence of evil serves His ultimate purposes, which include the redemption and sanctification of His people. Romans 8:28 provides assurance: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” This verse does not trivialize the reality of suffering but affirms that God’s providential care extends to every circumstance.

The Bible frequently illustrates this principle. The suffering of Job, for example, demonstrates that human understanding is limited while God’s purposes remain perfect. Job 42:2 acknowledges, “I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.” Through Job’s trials, Jehovah’s sovereignty and justice were ultimately revealed, deepening Job’s faith and understanding.

Similarly, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ represents the most profound example of God using evil for good. Acts 2:23 states, “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.” The sinful actions of humanity fulfilled God’s redemptive plan, providing salvation through the atoning sacrifice of His Son.

Human Responsibility and the Call to Obedience

While Jehovah remains sovereign, Scripture also affirms human responsibility. Ezekiel 18:30 declares, “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith Jehovah God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.” Humans are accountable for their choices and must respond to God’s call with faith, repentance, and obedience.

This dual truth of divine sovereignty and human responsibility is evident throughout Scripture. Philippians 2:12–13 exhorts believers to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” While salvation is ultimately a work of God, individuals are called to actively pursue righteousness, guided by the Spirit-inspired Word of God.

The Future Resolution of Evil

The Bible assures believers that the problem of evil is temporary and will be fully resolved in Jehovah’s timing. Revelation 21:4 promises, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” The ultimate hope for Christians lies in the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness will dwell and evil will be eradicated forever (2 Peter 3:13).

This eschatological perspective encourages believers to endure life’s difficulties with faith and hope, trusting in Jehovah’s plan. Romans 8:18 affirms, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” The promise of future restoration underscores the goodness and faithfulness of God, even amid present suffering.

Conclusion: A Call to Faith and Trust

In addressing the existence of evil, Christians must maintain a firm reliance on the inerrant Word of God, recognizing Jehovah’s sovereignty, holiness, and justice. While human understanding is limited, Scripture provides sufficient revelation to trust in God’s purposes and to live faithfully in obedience to His will. Through the lens of biblical truth, the coexistence of evil and a good God is not a contradiction but a testament to His wisdom and power in accomplishing His eternal plan.

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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).