Why does God allow evil? It’s a question that storms the heart, dares the intellect, and demands an answer. It’s not just philosophical, it’s personal. Every headline, every grave, every injustice screams it: Where is God?
Let’s be clear: evil exists. But that doesn’t mean God is absent. In fact, the presence of evil demands we take a serious look at God’s justice, His love, and His ultimate plan. This isn’t a time for soft words. It’s time to speak boldly. God has spoken. Now let’s listen.
Understanding Evil: The Root of the Question
You can’t ask “Why does God allow evil?” without admitting two truths: evil is real, and God is sovereign. The Bible does not paint evil as a social accident or mental illness. Evil is rebellion. It began with Lucifer, the light-bearer who fell from heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15). Then came Adam and Eve’s defiance in Eden. Sin entered. Death followed.
Romans 5:12 (KJV): “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”
Evil is not God’s creation, it’s man’s corruption. Blaming God for evil is like blaming a surgeon for the cancer he’s removing.
Free Will: The Dangerous Gift That Makes Love Possible
Why did God give us the ability to choose evil? Because He wanted real love, not robotic loyalty. Love demands freedom. And freedom includes risk.
Deuteronomy 30:19 (KJV): “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”
God gave us the freedom to choose ..and we chose rebellion. But without that freedom, love would be counterfeit. God chose authenticity, not automation.
Why Doesn’t God Stop Evil Right Now?
Here’s the blunt truth: if God wiped out evil tonight, none of us would wake up tomorrow. Evil is not just out there, it’s in us. In our thoughts. Our hearts. Our words.
Romans 3:23 (KJV): “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
God delays judgment not because He is indifferent, but because He is patient. He is waiting ..giving us time to repent.
2 Peter 3:9 (KJV): “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise… but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
God’s delay is mercy in action. But it won’t last forever.
Evil Doesn’t Win: Final Justice Is Coming
God will not allow evil to go unpunished. Every sin will face judgment. Every wrong will be made right. Evil is on borrowed time.
Revelation 20:12 (KJV): “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God… and the dead were judged… according to their works.”
The cross guarantees it. The resurrection assures it. Judgment Day is not myth, it’s your future.
Face to Face With Skeptics: The Honest Conversation
Skeptic: If your God is good, why doesn’t He stop evil?
Christian: Would you survive if He did?
Skeptic: What are you saying?
Christian: I’m saying evil isn’t just genocide and terrorism. It’s pride, envy, unforgiveness, and rebellion. It’s not just in corrupt governments or criminal gangs. It’s in our own hearts, mine and yours.
Skeptic: That’s a bit extreme.
Christian: Not according to God. Scripture says, “For all have sinned.” That includes everyone. Evil isn’t just an external force, it’s an internal reality. If God were to stop all evil right now, He would have to judge every human instantly. That includes you.
Romans 3:23 (KJV): “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
But here’s the mercy of God: He hasn’t ended evil yet because He is still offering you grace.
Romans 6:23 (KJV): “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
God delays judgment not because He’s powerless, but because He’s patient. He is offering you a way out before justice is served. That’s not weakness. That’s love.
2 Peter 3:9 (KJV): “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise… but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Skeptic: But what kind of God lets suffering continue for so long?
Christian: A God who cares enough to rescue even one more soul. If stopping evil meant shutting the door on someone you loved, wouldn’t you beg for one more day? That’s what God is doing ..delaying final judgment so hearts can turn. You see chaos. He sees souls.
Skeptic: Then where is the hope?
Christian: It’s at the cross. Jesus took on evil. Suffered. Died. Rose again. Evil doesn’t get the final word, Christ does.
Skeptic: And if I ignore that?
Christian: Then evil ends in you. But if you believe, evil ends at the cross.
Why Evil Exists: 6 Biblical Reasons
1. Evil Reveals Our Need for God
Pain wakes us up. Tragedy strips our illusions. It drives us to our knees.
Psalm 119:71 (KJV): “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.”
2. Evil Exposes the Depth of Sin
Sin is not a mistake, it’s a poison. Evil shows us how desperately we need a Saviour.
Jeremiah 17:9 (KJV): “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”
3. Evil Is a Canvas for God’s Justice and Mercy
God’s glory shines brightest in dark places. The cross is the ultimate answer to evil.
Romans 5:8 (KJV): “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
4. Evil Will Be Judged in Full
No evil escapes God’s eye. His justice is coming, total and final.
Ecclesiastes 12:14 (KJV): “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”
5. Evil Tests and Refines the Righteous
God doesn’t waste suffering. He uses it to sharpen faith.
James 1:3 (KJV): “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”
1 Peter 1:7 (KJV): “That the trial of your faith… might be found unto praise and honour and glory.”
6. Evil Makes the Gospel Necessary and Beautiful
No evil means no need for redemption. The gospel only makes sense in a fallen world.
Titus 3:3-5 (KJV): “We ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient… but according to his mercy he saved us.”
How Should Christians Respond to Evil?
- With Bold Faith: Evil may roar, but God reigns.
- With Fierce Prayer: Cry out. Intercede. Wrestle like Jacob. Pray like Elijah.
- With Relentless Action: Speak truth. Do justice. Love boldly.
- With Unshakable Hope: Evil will end. Christ will reign. Eternity is coming.
Why Does God Allow Evil? The Final Word
Why does God allow evil? Because He’s writing a bigger story. One where justice triumphs, mercy rescues, and Christ is King. He allows evil not because He’s indifferent ..but because He’s giving sinners time to come home.
But the clock is ticking. Evil will end. Are you ready?
Let evil drive you, not to despair, but to the cross.
References and Sources
- The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
- “The Problem of Pain” by C.S. Lewis
- “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis
- “Why Does God Allow Evil?” by Clay Jones
- Blue Letter Bible Lexicon and Commentary
- Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem
