Why does God allow evil?

Your question is one that people have asked for years and years.  When people see evil in the world that appears to be unchecked by God, they sometimes question his power and/or his love.  Their thinking goes something like this:  “If God is powerful like he says, then why doesn’t he do something about evil in the world?  And if God really cares about people, then why doesn’t he step in and prevent or at least control evil in the world?”

For starters, God is all-powerful (Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37).  God is all-loving (John 3:16; 1 John 4:8-10).  The Bible teaches that God can prevent evil from entering our lives (Psalm 91:9-10).  He can allow evil—brought about by the devil, other people or own doing—to enter our lives.  In those instances God can deliver us from evil (Psalm 50:15; Matthew 6:13), and he promises that he will work for our good “in all things” (Romans 8:28), even the troubles we experience in life.

Questions about God and why he does or does not do something about evil need to be addressed in light of passages like these:  “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!  ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord?  Or who has been his counselor?’  ‘Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?’  For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:33-36)  “’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’” declares the LORD.  ‘“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” (Isaiah 55:8-9).  God always acts wisely, and his wisdom far surpasses our understanding.  God’s ways may be mysterious to us, but his ways are always right.

The comfort and confidence that Christians have is that of the apostle Paul:  “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”  (2 Timothy 4:18)  That eternal security is due to the saving work of Jesus Christ, who himself experienced sufferings at the hands of sinful people (Acts 2:23).

The day is coming when the evil one will be put out of commission entirely (Revelation 20:10).  On the last day Christians, with their bodies and souls, will be forever free from evil.  Little wonder that we pray, “Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).