The problem of evil is one of the most enduring philosophical and theological questions. If God is perfectly good and all-powerful, why does evil exist? The Bible does not give a single, definitive answer to this question, but offers many insights that Christians have reflected on to help make sense of evil and suffering.
God gave humans free will, and humans chose to sin
The Bible teaches that God created humans with free will – the ability to make meaningful choices (Genesis 1-2). With this free will came the possibility of sin and evil. Adam and Eve were given a choice in the Garden of Eden and chose to rebel against God (Genesis 3). This first sin corrupted human nature and brought evil into the world. All people since have had a propensity toward sin due to this original sin (Psalm 51:5, Romans 5:12). So a key origin of evil according to the Bible is human free will and human sinfulness.
Evil and suffering entered the world through human sin
The Bible indicates that evil and suffering were not originally part of God’s good creation (Genesis 1). Suffering, disease, natural disasters, and death came into the world only after Adam and Eve’s disobedience (Genesis 3, Romans 5:12, Romans 8:20-22). While God is not the author of evil, He allowed these consequences of sin to affect the world. He respects human free will so much that He allows the evil and suffering brought by human choices. But He immediately put into motion His plan to ultimately defeat sin and undo all its effects through Jesus Christ.
God uses suffering to bring about good purposes
Though God does not cause evil or suffering, the Bible teaches that He is still sovereign over it and can use it to accomplish good purposes. For example, God used Joseph’s suffering in Egypt to eventually save his family and many others from famine (Genesis 45:5-8). And God used the evil of Jesus’ crucifixion to make salvation available to the world (Acts 4:27-28). Many Bible verses affirm that God is at work even in the midst of suffering, working all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 4:17).
Suffering refines and humbles God’s people
The Bible often connects trials and afflictions with building godly character. Suffering teaches patience and perseverance. It humbles the proud and strengthens weak faith (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7). Examples include Moses (Numbers 12:3), David (Psalm 119:67,71), and Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Though unpleasant, suffering motivates Christians to rely on God and not themselves. It draws them closer to Him and conforms them to the image of Christ.
Christ redeems suffering and defeats evil
The pinnacle of God’s solution to evil is the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. On the cross, Jesus bore the evil of the world and suffered in our place (Isaiah 53:4-6, 1 Peter 2:24). His resurrection defeated death and the power of sin forever (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). All who put faith in Christ are forgiven and redeemed from evil’s power. Though suffering continues for now, Christians hope in the total triumph over sin and pain at Christ’s return (Revelation 21:4). In Christ, evil and suffering do not have the final word.
God will eradicate all evil in the end
The Bible assures that God will one day wipe out all evil, suffering, and death forever (Revelation 21:1-5). His plan to judge sin and usher in a perfect eternity has been on the move since humanity’s first sins. All who reject Christ’s redemption will face judgment, while believers will enjoy an eternity without sin, suffering, or pain in God’s presence (Revelation 20:11-15, Revelation 21:7-8). Justice will prevail. So while the Bible does not give simplistic answers, it does promise that God will resolve all evil and make all things right in the end.
Evil calls for faith and hope in God’s promises
Rather than a philosophical explanation of evil, the Bible focuses on relationship with a good God who keeps His promises. Christians are called to trust in God’s goodness and His vow to set all things right even when circumstances are bleak (Romans 8:18-25). Evil calls for faith in God’s character and hope in His coming salvation. Christians gain strength by looking to Christ who suffered unjustly but now reigns as Lord.
God judges evil through providential and redemptive methods
The Bible portrays God as actively countering evil in two key ways: His providence and His redemption. Through providence, God restrains evil and imposes judgment through natural consequences, governments, disaster, military defeat, etc. (Psalm 75:7, Romans 13:1-5). Through redemption, He transforms sinners’ hearts to do good, bringing salvation from sin (Luke 5:32, 1 Peter 3:9). God opposes evil both through external restraint and internal transformation.
Christians are called to combat evil with good
Since God opposes evil with good, His people are called to emulate Him. Christians combat evil by turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), praying for enemies (Matthew 5:44), doing good to all (Galatians 6:10), and living holy lives (Ephesians 5:11). The Bible says evil is not overcome by more evil, but with good (Romans 12:21). Christians also expose deeds of darkness (Ephesians 5:11), rescue victims of evil through compassion, and seek justice that restores. But they overcome evil with Christlike love.
Prayer enables Christians to endure suffering
Prayer is a key biblical weapon for enduring suffering caused by evil. Through prayer Christians obtain grace and strength to withstand hardship (Philippians 4:6-7, Hebrews 4:16). It provides peace and guards against bitterness and despair. Prayer allows intimate connection with God in pain – pouring out tears and pain to Him who understands. Examples include Jesus in Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-42) and Paul pleading for his thorn in the flesh to be removed (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Believers are instructed to pray through suffering.
Christians live with hope of the Resurrection and Christ’s return
Physical death is the ultimate outcome of evil, but Christians have hope beyond the grave. They live with hope of the resurrection – made possible by Christ who was raised from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:12-23). Believers also await Christ’s return when He will abolish evil forever (Revelation 21:4). Living in light of eternity helps Christians endure temporal suffering (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Their pain will pale in comparison to the coming glory.
Christians are called to be agents of justice and reconciliation
Followers of Christ combat evil through pursuing justice – especially for the vulnerable and oppressed. They defend the defenseless (Proverbs 31:8-9) and act as peacemakers – restoring relationships damaged by sin and division (Matthew 5:9). Christians also point to Christ who reconciles sinners to God, bringing forgiveness and cleansing from evil (2 Corinthians 5:16-21). He is the ultimate healer of brokenness caused by evil.
Believers find meaning in suffering by uniting it with Christ
For the Christian, suffering is given deeper meaning because of Christ. Since He suffered, believers know that God can identify with their pain (Hebrews 4:15-16). Their hardship gains purpose when united with Christ’s suffering (Colossians 1:24, Philippians 3:10-11). Suffering is seen not as punishment or abandonment, but a means of further union with Jesus. It is given redemptive potential – producing character, drawing people to God, and expanding the sufferer’s capacity for compassion and care for others in pain.
In summary, the Bible does not give a single explanation for why evil exists. But it provides many insights and promises that God uses suffering for good purposes now and will eradicate it forever in the future. Evil calls for faith and hope in God’s redemptive power. The sufferings of this world cannot separate Christians from God’s love and saving work through Jesus Christ (Romans 8:18-39). Through clinging to God’s goodness and grace, they gain strength to overcome evil with love.