The Famous Question:

Why does God Allow Suffering and Evil?

 

God allows suffering for a variety of reasons, often interconnected. These reasons include the consequences of free will and sin, the development of character, and the display of God's glory through redemption. Suffering can also be a tool for drawing closer to God, learning humility, and experiencing His comfort and grace. 

 

  • Free Will and Sin:
        God created humans with free will, which includes the capacity for both good and evil. Sin, a consequence of free will, often leads to suffering, not             just for the individual but also for others. 
 
  • Character Development:
       Suffering can be a catalyst for spiritual growth, leading to qualities like perseverance, endurance, and compassion. It can also expose areas where             one needs to grow and depend more fully on God. 
 
  • God's Glory:
    God's glory is revealed in various ways, including through His redemptive work in a broken world. Suffering, particularly in the context of sin and redemption, allows for the demonstration of God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness. 
     
  • Testing and Sanctification:
    Some Christians believe that suffering can be a test of faith, revealing the depth of one's trust in God. It can also be a part of the process of sanctification, making believers more like Christ. 
     
  • God's Presence and Comfort:
    Though God doesn't cause suffering, He is present with believers during trials, offering comfort and strength. He can also use suffering to deepen relationships and foster empathy for others. 
     
  • An Eternal Perspective:
    Ultimately, Christians believe that suffering is temporary and that God will ultimately bring about a new heaven and a new earth where suffering will be no more. 
     
It's important to note that while we believe God allows suffering, we also emphasize His love, power, and wisdom in orchestrating His purposes even through difficult circumstances. The Bible offers both explanations and examples of God's interaction with suffering, and believers often wrestle with these complex issues in their faith journeys. 

Did God Create Evil or Sin?

 

God did not create evil or sin. While God created the universe and all that is in it, including free will, sin is understood as a result of humanity's misuse of that free will. It's the choice to turn away from God's will, not something God directly created, according to multiple religious resources. 

 

  • God's creation:
        God created a world with good things, including the capacity for choice (free will). 
 
  • Free will and the potential for sin:
        Free will, while a good gift, allows for the possibility of choosing to disobey God. 
 
  • Sin as a choice:
        Sin is the result of that choice to disobey, to act against God's will, not a created entity itself. 
 
  • God's role:
    God is not the author of sin; He did not create it to exist, but He did create the conditions (free will) where it became possible. 
     
  • Adam and Eve:
    The biblical narrative of Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden is often cited as the entry point of sin into the human experience. 
     
  • Consequences:
    The consequences of sin, including a sinful nature passed down through generations, are a result of humanity's choices, not God's direct creation of evil. 

 

Remember Genesis 1:31... "And God saw everything that he had made , and, behold, it was very good." This means that God saw no sin or evil at this time, hence calling it "very good".  He would not have created evil and sin and classified it as "very good".

Why does God allow Satan to Rule over Earth?

 

The Bible suggests God permits Satan's influence, not that Satan rules in the sense of ultimate authority. God allows Satan's existence and activities because they serve a greater purpose within His overall plan, ultimately glorifying Him and demonstrating His attributes. This includes allowing free will, which includes the potential for rebellion, and using suffering and temptation to reveal God's character and power. 
 

 

  • Free Will and Choice:
       God grants free will to both humans and angels, allowing them to choose to follow Him or not. This freedom, while potentially leading to evil, is                   necessary for love and genuine relationship. Satan's rebellion and subsequent influence are consequences of this freedom. 
 
  • God's Glory:
    Biblical passages like Romans 11:36 suggest that everything ultimately exists to glorify God. Even Satan's actions, within God's control, contribute to this larger purpose. This could involve demonstrating God's mercy, justice, wisdom, and power in overcoming evil. 
     
  • Testing and Refining:
    God uses challenges and temptations, including those instigated by Satan, to test and refine believers. This process can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. 
     
  • Redemption and Restoration:
    God's plan includes the eventual defeat of Satan and the restoration of all things. This victory is achieved through Jesus Christ, who offers redemption to those who follow Him. 
     
  • Not Absolute Rule:
    While Satan may influence the world system, he is not in ultimate control. God is sovereign and ultimately orchestrates events. Satan's influence is limited, and God uses even his actions for His purposes.