Introduction
Some People have always been confused by the existence of evil in the world. They wonder why a loving and all-powerful God allows bad things to happen. In this article, we will look at what the Bible says about when God will stop evil. By reading different verses from the Bible, we can learn more about this difficult question. Understanding what the Bible says can give us ideas and help us think about why evil exists. We hope that by exploring this topic, we can bring some clarity and show how God has a plan to defeat evil in the end.
God’s Sovereignty
The Bible unequivocally establishes God’s sovereignty over all creation.
Isaiah 46:9-10 declares, “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done.”
This passage highlights the transcendence of God, who exists outside the limitations of time and possesses absolute authority over the unfolding of history.
God’s sovereignty implies that He has ultimate control and power over all things. Nothing happens without His knowledge or permission. He is not subject to the whims of creation but rather governs it according to His divine will. The scope of His sovereignty extends to every aspect of existence, including the affairs of nations, the rise and fall of kingdoms, and the intricate details of individual lives.
This divine attribute brings comfort and assurance to us believers, as we trust in a God who is not overwhelmed by the chaos and evil of the world. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity and uncertainty, God remains in control. His plans and purposes will ultimately prevail, and nothing can thwart His sovereign will.
Understanding God’s sovereignty encourages us the believers to surrender our lives to Him, acknowledging His authority and submitting to His guidance. It invites humility, recognizing that human understanding is limited while God’s wisdom is unfathomable. Embracing His sovereignty leads to a deep sense of awe and reverence, as believers marvel at the majesty and wisdom of a God who stands above all creation.
The Problem of Evil
People have always wondered why there is evil in the world if God is loving and powerful. The Bible helps us understand this problem by talking about free will.
God is very wise, and He gave humans the ability to make choices. This means we can choose to do good or bad things. In the Bible, we read about people who used their free will to do evil. For example, Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, and Judas betrayed Jesus. These stories show that our choices have consequences.
God wants us to have a real relationship with Him, not to be like robots. Love and obedience mean more when we freely choose them. But having free will also means that we can choose to do evil things. God doesn’t cause evil, but He allows it because of our free will.
The fact that evil exists doesn’t mean that God is not good or powerful. It shows how much God loves and respects our freedom. He wants us to have real choices, even if they can lead to evil.
The Bible also teaches that God doesn’t ignore evil. He works to bring good out of the bad things we do. In the book of Romans, it says that God works for the good of those who love Him, even in difficult times. God can bring redemption, healing, and change, even in the midst of evil.
In the end, the Bible tells us that there will be a time when evil will be completely gone. In the new heaven and new earth, there will be no more tears, death, or pain. God will wipe away all the bad things, and His justice will prevail.
God’s Timing
God’s timing is a concept that is often misunderstood and questioned by individuals facing difficulties and challenges in life. It is natural for human beings to desire immediate solutions and relief from their problems. However, the Bible offers us an insight into God’s perspective on timing and reveals His purpose behind apparent delays.
2 Peter 3:9,
The passage reassures us the believers that God’s perceived slowness in fulfilling His promises is not a sign of His negligence or indifference. Instead, it is a manifestation of His patience and compassion towards humanity. The verse emphasizes that God desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance. In other words, God’s timing is intricately connected to His heart’s desire for the salvation and redemption of every individual.
From a human perspective, waiting for God’s intervention can be challenging and frustrating. We may wonder why God allows evil to persist or why He doesn’t intervene immediately in times of crisis.
However, God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His understanding surpasses our understanding (Isaiah 55:9).
He operates on an eternal timeline, considering not just the present moment but also the future and the ultimate fulfillment of His purposes.
God’s timing is not arbitrary or haphazard; it is purposeful and perfect. He orchestrates events and circumstances in our lives according to His divine plan. Sometimes, God’s delays serve as opportunities for growth, refinement, and preparation. God allow us to develop patience, perseverance, and faith in the midst of uncertainty. God also provide occasions for us to seek His face, draw closer to Him, and align our hearts with His will.
Moreover, God’s timing often involves the participation and cooperation of multiple individuals. He works through people, circumstances, and even nations to accomplish His purposes. He takes into account the free will of individuals and the complex interplay of factors in human history. His timing is not only about the fulfillment of His promises but also about the transformation and redemption of hearts.
God’s timing is an expression of His love and grace. It demonstrates His mercy in giving people time and space to turn away from evil and embrace His salvation. It reveals His long-suffering nature, providing ample opportunities for repentance and reconciliation. God’s timing is an invitation for us to trust Him, to surrender our plans and desires to His sovereign will, and to rest in the assurance that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
Read also: Why does God allow evil
The Day of Judgment
The Day of Judgment is an important belief in the Bible. It teaches that there will come a time when God will judge every person based on what they have done in their lives.
Revelation 20:12-13; it talks about this event. It says that the dead, both important and ordinary people, will stand before God’s throne. At that time, books will be opened, including the book of life. The dead will be judged based on what is written in these books and what they have done during their lives. This shows that God will make sure that everyone receives justice and is held responsible for their actions.
The Day of Judgment is a significant event because it brings a sense of fairness and accountability. It means that no one can escape the consequences of their choices and behavior. God, who is just and righteous, will ensure that every person is treated fairly and according to what they deserve. For those who have done good things and followed God’s ways, the Day of Judgment will be a time of reward and joy. They will be granted eternal life and receive the blessings that God has prepared for them.
However, for those who have done evil and rejected God’s ways, it will be a time of judgment and punishment. They will be held accountable for their wrongdoings and will face the consequences of their actions.
The Day of Judgment serves as a reminder for us to live our lives in a way that pleases God and aligns with His commandments. It encourages us to make wise choices and to consider the impact of our actions on others. It also reminds us that God sees everything we do and that there will be a time when we will have to answer for our deeds.
While the idea of the Day of Judgment may seem intimidating, it ultimately reflects God’s justice and His desire for righteousness. It is an assurance that evil will not go unpunished and that goodness will be rewarded. It also provides an opportunity for repentance and redemption, as God is merciful and offers forgiveness to those who turn to Him.
The New Heaven and New Earth
The Bible gives us hope for a wonderful future where all evil will be gone.
Revelation 22:4 says; God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain because all the bad things will be gone.
This verse shows us a beautiful picture of a time when everything will be perfect again, just like it was meant to be. The idea of a new heaven and new earth is a promise of God’s restoration. It means that He will make everything new and free from the effects of sin and evil. In this new reality, there will be no more suffering or sorrow. It will be a place of joy, peace, and complete happiness.
This promise gives us hope, especially in times of difficulty and pain. It reminds us that the troubles we face in this world are temporary and that a better future awaits us. We can find comfort in knowing that God will bring an end to all the things that make us sad or hurt.
The new heaven and new earth also imply a renewed relationship between God and humanity. It signifies a restored connection and fellowship between God and His people. In this perfect state, we will experience the fullness of God’s love and presence without any barriers or separation.
Additionally, the new heaven and new earth represent a fresh start, a clean slate. It means that the mistakes, sins, and brokenness of the past will be erased. We will have a chance to begin anew, free from the burdens and consequences of our past actions. It is an opportunity for redemption and a life filled with righteousness and holiness.
This promise of a new heaven and new earth encourages us to persevere and remain faithful in our journey of faith. It reminds us that the struggles and challenges of this world are not the end of the story. There is a future where everything will be made right, and God’s goodness will prevail.
Read also: how to spiritually survive the end time
Conclusion
The Bible assures us that while evil exists in the world today, God is not indifferent to it. He is patient, desiring that all people turn away from evil and find redemption. Ultimately, God will bring an end to evil and establish a new heaven and earth, where righteousness and justice will prevail. Until that day comes, it is our responsibility as believers to confront evil, pursue righteousness, and be agents of love and compassion in the world.
As we grapple with the existence of evil, let us find solace in the promises of God, trusting in His perfect timing and ultimate plan to overcome evil with good.
