A
week ago, there was a horrendous display of violence, carnage, and evil in Las
Vegas. A gunman opened fire on a group
of people in what was supposed to be an event of fun and distraction. In the end, hundreds were injured and 58
people were murdered. My heart was
broken and filled with deep sadness when I heard this terrible news. I know something about unexpected loss. The lives of 58 families are forever changed. They now have to endure that terrible phrase
of a “new normal” of life without their loved one. I know they are struggling with grief,
sadness, and heartache.
After
such chaos and bloodshed, many are probably also questioning the goodness of
God. Got questions.org posted a good
article about this subject matter. In
fact, recently it was their question of the week. For the rest of the blog, I just want to cite
this entire article. I enjoyed reading
these words, and I hope it will be a blessing for you as well. Of course, you can find this content at got
questions.org. The title of the article
is “How can I believe in the goodness of God when there is so much evil in the
world?” Here is what is said to answer:
“The
evil in the world did not come from God.
If Adam and Eve had only obeyed God, then they may have lived on earth
forever, walking with God, tending the garden, working together – what might
God’s “Plan A” have been? After they
sinned, the created ones were just not on the same page with God anymore. God cannot tolerate sin and has no sin within
Himself, so mankind hid from God in guilt and fear. One could perhaps blame Adam and Eve for the
evil in the world, as they blamed each other and the serpent; however “all have
sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). It is safe to say that, had we been in the
garden instead of Adam and Eve, we would have sinned in the same way.
God
is good in that He has a plan to redeem fallen mankind. The salvation Jesus provides attests to His
goodness and love (Romans 5:8). The
effect of the Fall is universal, but so also is the offer of divine grace (John
3:16). The Bible clearly indicates the
devastating effects of sin upon man and the hopelessness of man in solving his
own sin problem. The proper
understanding of the doctrine of sin is essential to understanding God’s remedy
for it.
God
is good in that He has sent His Son “to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John
3:8). Jesus called Satan “the ruler of
this world” (John 12:31), which means Satan has been allowed a certain amount
of authority over this earth. The blame
for the evil in this world should be placed squarely upon Satan. Much is written about the devil – he comes
only to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10).
He is a fierce enemy (1 Peter 5:8).
He is a liar and a murderer (John 8:44).
By contrast, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep
(John 10:11). He is the Lamb of God,
sacrificed for us (Revelation 5:6). He
is the truth and the life (John 14:6).
Jesus is the “seed of the woman” to crush the serpent’s head (Genesis
3:15). Jesus is Goodness incarnate.
God
is good in that He is implementing a plan to rid the universe of evil once and
for all. He is the God of justice, and
He will one day make all things right (Psalm 89:14; Revelation 21:5). Sin and evil will be dealt with in perfect
judgment (Revelation 20:13). Because of
Christ, we have the promise of Romans 16:20, “The God of peace will soon crush
Satan under your feet.”
God
is good in that He provides for His children (Matthew 6:33). He gives life to all and upholds all things
by His wisdom and power (Hebrews 1:3).
He is patient with sinners, desiring them to come to repentance and to
find eternal life (2 Peter 3:9). God
gives us eternal life and abundant life now, free from the death penalty of sin
(Romans 6:23). He is “rich in mercy”
because of “His great love for us” (Ephesians 2:4).
Just
picture the Sinless One who created everything, willfully hanging on a cross
and spilling His blood for the sin of those who put their faith in Him. Who can charge Him with injustice (Romans
9:14)? Jesus proves God’s love. “Love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and
knows God. Whoever does not love does
not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:7-8).”
I
was reminded of a line from a Rebecca St. James song: “Everybody asks, ‘is God
good?’ I believe He is. In fact, I know He is.” Amen to that!
Kevin
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