Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - Fear and Worry: The Problem of Evil
The "problem of evil" arises from the apparent logical impossibility of an all-powerful, all-good God co-existing with the existence of evil. Traditional options often question God's power or goodness, or deny evil. However, a biblical theodicy, which is a defense of God as He relates to evil, proposes a "fourth reason": God has a morally sufficient reason for the existence of evil, even if not explicitly revealed to humanity. From God's perspective, there is no problem, only from ours.
Evil itself is understood as "nothing" or "not a thing," but rather an action or a deprivation of good, though its devastating effects are undeniably real. It entered the world through human sin after the Fall, and humans are to blame, not God. Evil is categorized into natural evil (e.g., disease, natural disasters), moral evil (from human hearts, e.g., murder), and supernatural evil (invisible forces like demons).
A core concept is God's sovereignty—His all-powerful control and right to do whatever He wants—and His providence—the active outworking of His sovereignty, His intimate involvement in every detail from eternity to the smallest molecule. The sources emphasize that God ordains or causes events, including what is translated as "calamity" or "disaster" (rah in Hebrew), rather than merely "allowing" them. "Allowance" language is seen as problematic because it implies an independent force outside God's plan, which is inconsistent with His omnipotence.
Biblical narratives like Joseph's story (God "meant it for good" in the same event his brothers meant for evil) and especially the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (delivered up "according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God") demonstrate God's active ordination of even the most horrific evil acts for His glory and good purposes. This profound understanding brings peace and joy, enabling believers to navigate suffering without fear or panic, trusting that God is in control of all things and working them for their good—specifically to conform them to the image of Christ.
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