If God is good, why is there evil in this world?

If God is good, why is there evil in this world?

The question of why there is evil in the world if God is good is a complex theological issue that has been debated for centuries. This question touches on the problem of evil, which arises from the apparent contradiction between the existence of an all-powerful, all-knowing, and wholly good God and the presence of evil and suffering in the world. One of the most prominent biblically based explanations comes from the Christian perspective and is rooted in free will, the Fall of humanity, and God's ultimate plan for redemption.

1. Free Will: God created human beings with free will, allowing them to make their own choices and decisions, both good and evil. This is evident in the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2-3). By giving humans free will, God allowed them to form genuine relationships with Him and each other based on love and trust. Unfortunately, however, this also opened the door for humans to choose sin and evil, leading to suffering in the world.

2. The Fall: According to the Bible, sin entered the world when Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Genesis 3). This event, known as "The Fall," brought corruption and brokenness into God's perfect creation, introducing pain, suffering, and death. Consequently, the world we live in today is marred by the consequences of human sin, resulting in various forms of evil.

3. God's Plan for Redemption: The Bible teaches that God has the plan to redeem and restore His creation, which includes the ultimate defeat of evil. This plan is centered on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who came to atone for humanity's sins (John 3:16, Romans 5:8). Through faith in Jesus, believers can experience forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life in a world without suffering and evil (Revelation 21:1-4).

In conclusion, evil in the world is a consequence of human free will and sin resulting from the Fall. Although God is good and did not create evil, He allows it to exist due to human choices. The Bible teaches that God has a plan for redemption, centered on Jesus Christ, that will ultimately overcome evil and restore creation to its intended state.