If God is very loving, as stated by the Holy Scriptures;1 John 4:8 and Almighty[2], why does he allow evil to prosper, and good to seemingly falter? Why do we see the innocent and defenseless, becoming victims of evildoers?
Some people ask honest questions: ” ‘What does God know?’ they ask. ‘Does the Most High even know what’s happening?’ Look at these wicked people—enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. So, I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is!”[3] Indeed, it is a difficult task to understand; yet it is not impossible to comprehend the origin of suffering, pain, death, grief and evil.
A quick answer: Suffering, pain, grief, and death came into our world because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, in the garden of Eden. They disobeyed God, and by so doing, they “opened Pandora’s box”, so-to-speak. You find this story in Genesis chapter 3. However, this chapter also introduces the archenemy of God and mankind. A clever intruder that broke the peace and happiness of the Garden of Eden. He disguised himself to deceive Eve, insinuating distrust in God, and ultimate go contrary to his explicit command.
Satan began his rebellion against God in Heaven, after seeking to usurp God’s throne. He was created as a perfect angel (Lucifer) but somehow, mysteriously, he became the Devil or Satan. He deceived one third of the angels of Heaven who joined him in his mutiny. God and his loyal angels cast out Satan from heaven to our planet Earth, which impacted the natural world and all of mankind. He has been buzzy ever since creating chaos in this world. But God made provision that if this situation ever happened, he would be prepared to confront it. He had a plan by which he would save the fallen human race (John 3:16; Romans 5) and do away with evil. God will ultimately restore his Edenic Garden to its original perfect state.
For more info on this summary see below:
- An enemy has done this.
- Why was the Devil’s existence allowed?
- How is our world affected by sin?
- Evil has an end.
