The “problem of good” refers to the theological question of why there is good in the world if God is all-powerful. This question arises in response to the problem of evil, which questions why evil exists if God is good and all-powerful. The problem of good seeks to understand how good can exist in light of God’s omnipotence and omnibenevolence.
According to the Bible, God created the world and called it “good” (Genesis 1:31). However, when Adam and Eve sinned, evil entered the world. So there is both good and evil in the present world. The continued existence of good in the face of evil seems problematic if God is truly all-powerful.
There are several biblical responses to the problem of good:
- God’s goodness is the ultimate source of all good. James 1:17 states, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” Goodness comes from God’s nature.
- The Fall impacted, but did not remove, the goodness of God’s creation. Despite sin and evil, the world still reflects God’s good design (1 Timothy 4:4).
- God uses good to accomplish His redemptive purposes. Romans 8:28 promises, “God works all things together for good for those who love him.”
- God gives good gifts because He is merciful and kind. Humans benefit from “the kindness of God” (Luke 6:35; Titus 3:4).
- Christians are called to do good works as a response to God’s goodness. Ephesians 2:10 states that Christians are “created in Christ Jesus for good works.”
- The existence of good will be perfected in the new creation. Revelation 21 describes a future with no evil, only the good existence God intended.
In summary, the Bible teaches God is the source of all goodness and created a good world. Despite humanity’s fall into sin, God preserves goodness as an expression of His faithful love and kindness, and will one day perfect goodness in the new creation. The problem of good ultimately points back to the goodness of God.
God is the Source and Definition of Goodness
The Bible identifies God as good, perfect, righteous, just, loving, merciful and kind (Psalm 25:8; Matthew 5:48; Psalm 145:17; Deuteronomy 32:4; 1 John 4:8; Psalm 136). Goodness originates from God’s divine nature. In fact, Jesus stated, “No one is good except God alone” (Luke 18:19). Any goodness in humanity or creation derives from God’s intrinsic goodness. As the source of goodness, God also defines what goodness is. Moral absolutes of right and wrong align with God’s righteous character.
The goodness of God is evident in creation. After each day of creation, God pronounced it “good” (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25). The culmination of creation was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Though marred by sin, the world still exhibits goodness as it reveals God’s glory (Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:20). As Augustine stated, “What is called good among men is an imitation of the divine goodness.” All that is truly good in the world points back to God.
The Fall Diminished but Did Not Destroy Goodness
When Adam and Eve sinned, goodness was tarnished, but not eliminated. Evil entered the world, yet goodness persisted. The continued existence of goodness seems problematic if God is all-powerful. Why would a good and all-powerful God allow goodness to be diminished? A biblical perspective reveals a few key truths.
First, moral good depends on freedom. For humans to freely choose goodness, they must have the ability to choose evil. Greg Bahnsen explains, “For there to be genuine moral good, there has to be not only moral nature … but also moral freedom.” God was not pleased with evil’s entry into the world, yet He allowed it to grant humans free will.
Second, though diminished, creation still reflects God’s good design. The material world nourishes, sustains and provides for humans, reflecting God’s ongoing provision (Matthew 5:45; Psalm 104:10-23). Humans also continue to reflect the image of God, albeit imperfectly (Genesis 9:6; James 3:9-10). Morality, conscience, creativity and relationships all stem from humans bearing God’s image.
Third, God uses goodness to display His mercy. “God’s kindness leads you toward repentance” (Romans 2:4). Blessings are meant to draw people to God. He actively preserves goodness to provide opportunities to choose right. The problem of good highlights God’s patience and grace.
God Uses Good for Redemptive Purposes
Far from being a theological problem, the existence of good amidst evil is part of God’s redemptive plan. God uses good to accomplish His purposes in the world.
For one, good provides a contrast to evil. Without goodness, evil could not be recognized. C.S. Lewis explained, “Good, as it ripens, becomes continually more different not only from evil but from other good.” Moral development depends on discerning good from evil.
Additionally, goodness restrains evil. Martin Luther stated, “The world is evil, and if God did not preserve it, everything would come to ruin.” Though restrained, evil Unfortunately, evil remains at work in the world. The existence of good is a testimony to God’s mercy in limiting evil’s full effects.
God also works through goodness to guide people to salvation. Acts 14:17 testifies that God reveals Himself by providing good gifts of food and joy. God’s intent is that “they should seek the Lord” (Acts 17:27). When humans experience divine blessings, it awakens a desire for God.
Furthermore, God uses goodness to shape believers into Christlikeness. As Romans 8:28 declares, “God works all things together for good for those who love him.” This includes using blessings to develop virtues. James 1:17 states that good gifts from God provide opportunities for spiritual growth.
God also works through people to spread goodness in the world. Believers are “created in Christ Jesus for good works” and designed to “do good” (Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 6:10). The existence of goodness through God’s people displays His redemptive purposes.
Ultimate Goodness will be Perfected in the New Creation
The problem of good finds ultimate resolution in biblical teaching about the new creation. Revelation 21 paints a future with no more evil, pain or suffering – only the perfect goodness God intended.
Sin’s curse will be completely reversed. Where the first creation was marred—though not eliminated of good—the new creation will be entirely absent of evil. God’s redemptive plan culminates in eradicating evil once for all.
The goodness of the new creation also far surpasses the original. It is a “new heaven” and “new earth” (Revelation 21:1). C.S. Lewis described it as a “higher and better” world than Eden. This goodness flows directly from God’s throne and the Lamb (Revelation 22:1,3).
The problem of good finds resolution in God completing His renewal of the heavens and earth. Revelation testifies to God’s supremacy in establishing perfect goodness for eternity. The problem of good ultimately enhances trust in God’s victory over evil.
The problem of good highlights important biblical truths about God’s nature and His redemptive plan. Though complicated to understand, the existence of goodness amidst evil affirms God’s sovereignty, goodness, patience and faithfulness. Goodness springs from who God is and will culminate in the new creation.