The existence of evil and suffering in the world is a challenging issue that many struggle with, both believers and nonbelievers alike. The Bible provides insight into this difficult question. While we may not fully understand all the reasons behind it, Scripture points to several key truths.
First, the Bible teaches that evil and suffering entered the world through human sin and rebellion against God (Genesis 3). When Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command, sin corrupted all of creation. This brought physical and moral evil into a world that God originally created “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Ever since humanity’s fall into sin, the world has been plagued by evil, cruelty, and suffering.
Second, the Bible explains that evil persists because all people sin and fall short of God’s perfect standard (Romans 3:23). We were created to live in perfect relationship with God and one another, but our own selfish hearts lead us into wickedness. Jesus said that evil acts come “from within, out of the heart of man” (Mark 7:21). Our sinful choices contribute to the brokenness in the world.
Third, Satan and his demonic forces have great power and influence to promote evil in the present world (2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 6:12). The Bible depicts Satan as a liar, murderer, and thief whose purpose is to “steal, kill and destroy” (John 10:10). Demonic powers oppose God’s will and work to inflict suffering on human beings.
Fourth, God has given human beings free will, the ability to make meaningful choices (Deuteronomy 30:19). Having free will opens the possibility of moral evil because people can choose to rebel against God’s standards. While free will allows for great human good, it also enables human-caused evil.
Fifth, we live in a fallen creation that groans under sin’s curse (Romans 8:20-22). Things like natural disasters, disease, birth defects, and physical degeneration are the outworking of the disorder and brokenness in a creation affected by the consequences of the fall. A world under the curse of sin will by definition involve evil and suffering.
Sixth, God uses the existence of evil to accomplish His purposes. For example, the evil intentions of Joseph’s brothers ultimately led to saving lives during a famine (Genesis 45:5-8). Also, the greatest evil ever committed, the crucifixion of Christ, produced the greatest good through the redemption of sinners.
Seventh, God gives Satan and demons certain latitude to cause havoc and evil, but they can never act beyond the boundaries that God has established (Job 1:12, Luke 22:31). The Bible says that God remains sovereign over the forces of evil.
Eighth, God permits evil and suffering to test the hearts of human beings and to bring judgment on the wicked (Jeremiah 6:27-30, Revelation 16:9). Suffering can expose our true spiritual condition and lead us to repentance. It can also be a just punishment for those who perpetrate evil.
Ninth, suffering has an important redemptive purpose for believers in Christ (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4). God uses trials and tribulations to strengthen our faith, develop godly character, and enable us to comfort others who suffer.
Tenth, suffering reminds us that this world is not our ultimate home. It points our attention to the fact that a perfect world without evil awaits all who trust in Jesus (Revelation 21:4, Romans 8:18). Suffering in this fallen age should awaken our longing for eternity.
Eleventh, God permits evil and suffering to pour out His mercy and grace by ministering to those who are hurting (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). As Christians care for the suffering, it displays God’s deep love and compassion for His creation.
Twelfth, God has promised that He will one day eliminate all evil, suffering and death for eternity (Revelation 21:4). The coming righteous kingdom of God will completely undo the consequences of the fall and institute a perfect new heavens and new earth. The Bible presents God’s defeat of evil and suffering as an absolute certainty.
Thirteenth, Jesus Christ defeated evil through His sinless life, substitutionary death on the cross and victorious resurrection from the dead (Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14). His sacrificial death absorbed the penalty of our sins and reconciled us to God. While evil persists now, Jesus has gained the definitive victory.
Fourteenth, God uses evil and suffering to call people to repentance and draw them into relationship with Himself (Luke 13:1-5, Acts 14:22). Though heartbreaking, suffering softens hearts to receive the only eternal solution to evil – salvation through Jesus Christ.
Fifteenth, believers in Christ have the Holy Spirit living within them to empower them to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21, Ephesians 3:16). Followers of Jesus are called to combat evil and suffering by living out godly virtues and bringing the light of Christ to the darkness.
In summary, the Bible makes sense of the evil and suffering in the world as part of the larger story of God’s work to redeem fallen humanity and defeat the powers of evil through Jesus Christ. Rather than denying the reality of evil, Scripture deals honestly with the painful brokenness in the world and points us to the only solution – Jesus. While evil persists for now, it will be permanently vanquished when Christ returns to establish His perfect kingdom on earth.
The existence of suffering should move us to cling tightly to Jesus Christ, the Suffering Servant who defeated evil through His death and resurrection. As believers, our ultimate hope lies in the world to come – a world without sin, pain, tears or death that awaits all who put their trust in Jesus (Revelation 21:4). Though we groan in a world filled with suffering and evil (Romans 8:23), we eagerly await the day when God will fully restore His creation and permanently wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4).