Why Does Jesus Allow Evil?

Throughout history, questions about the presence of evil and suffering in the world have challenged believers and skeptics alike. One of the most profound inquiries is: why does Jesus, who is believed to be the embodiment of love and goodness, allow evil to persist? Understanding this question requires a thoughtful exploration of theological concepts, biblical teachings, and the nature of free will. In this blog, we will delve into why Jesus permits evil and how this fits into the divine plan of salvation and human experience.

Why Does Jesus Allow Evil?

The Free Will Defense

One of the foundational reasons many theologians cite for God's allowance of evil is the concept of free will. God granted humans the freedom to choose between good and evil because genuine love and moral goodness must be voluntary. Without free will, love would be robotic and insincere, and moral decisions meaningless.

• Freedom to Choose: God created humans with the capacity to make real choices, including the choice to turn away from Him.
• Love Requires Choice: Love that is compelled or predetermined lacks authenticity. True love involves free, voluntary commitment.
• Consequences of Free Will: Since humans can choose evil, suffering and evil naturally result from wrongful choices.

This perspective suggests that evil is not created by God but is a consequence of humans misusing their free will. Jesus, through His sacrifice, offers redemption and restoration to those who choose to turn back to God, emphasizing love's importance over deterministic control.

The Nature of a Fallen World

Another reason for the presence of evil relates to the fallen state of the world after the original sin in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sin and death entered creation, fundamentally altering its nature.

• Original Sin: Humanity inherited a fallen nature, making evil and suffering inevitable aspects of life.
• Cosmic Consequences: The entire creation is described as "groaning" in Romans 8:22, indicating that suffering affects all of creation.
• Redemption Plan: Jesus's mission includes restoring creation, but this process involves navigating the brokenness introduced by sin.

In this view, evil persists as a consequence of the initial disobedience, but God's plan is to ultimately restore all things through Christ.

Spiritual Growth and Testing

Many Christians believe that experiencing evil and suffering plays a vital role in spiritual development. Trials can refine faith, produce perseverance, and deepen character.

• Refining Faith: Difficulties often lead believers to rely more fully on God's strength rather than their own.
• Building Character: James 1:2-4 speaks of the testing of faith producing perseverance and maturity.
• Choosing Good Over Evil: Facing evil provides a context for moral choices, reinforcing the importance of righteousness.

Through this perspective, Jesus allows evil as part of His divine strategy to cultivate resilient, mature believers who reflect Christ's character in a fallen world.

The Greater Good and Divine Sovereignty

Some theologians argue that God's allowance of evil is necessary for a greater good that may not be immediately apparent. God's sovereignty encompasses all events, including those that involve suffering.

• God's Wisdom: Isaiah 55:8-9 emphasizes that God's ways are higher than ours, and His plans are perfect.
• Redemptive Opportunities: Evil can lead to situations where God's power is displayed through miracles and divine intervention.
• Free Will and God's Sovereignty: While humans have free will, God's sovereignty ensures that His ultimate plan for good prevails.

This view encourages trust in God's plan, believing that even evil serves a purpose within His overarching divine sovereignty, ultimately leading to a fulfilled and redeemed creation.

Reflections and Relevant Bible Verses

Contemplating why Jesus allows evil can be complex, but Scripture offers insights that help believers find hope and understanding. The Bible presents a narrative where God's love and justice work together to bring about ultimate good.

• Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
• Genesis 50:20: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
• John 16:33: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
• 2 Corinthians 12:9: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

These verses remind believers that God's presence remains through suffering, and His divine plan encompasses both justice and mercy. Jesus's sacrifice exemplifies His willingness to bear evil and suffering for the sake of redemption, offering hope to all who face hardship.

Conclusion: Trusting in God's Perfect Plan

The question of why Jesus allows evil is deeply rooted in the complex interplay of free will, a fallen world, spiritual growth, and divine sovereignty. While evil and suffering are undeniable realities, Scripture assures us that God's love and justice are ultimately victorious. Jesus's sacrifice demonstrates His willingness to enter into human suffering, providing a pathway to redemption and eternal life. As believers, trusting in God's perfect plan encourages hope amidst adversity, knowing that He works all things together for good. Ultimately, faith invites us to look beyond present sufferings to the eternal glory that awaits, where evil will be eradicated and God's perfect justice will reign.