God and Evil II

From GotQuestions.org

Theodicy is a branch of philosophy dealing with the issue of evil in light of the existence of God. If God is just and holy and good, then how do evil and misery exist? That’s the question theodicy wrestles with. History’s most famous statement of the “problem of evil” comes from the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus: 
Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?  Then he is not omnipotent.
Is he able, but not willing?  Then he is malevolent.
Is he both able and willing?  Then whence cometh evil?
Is he neither able nor willing?  Then why call him God?

Of course, most people have no experience with philosophers. They do, however, watch movies, and a slightly modified version of this idea came from the character of Lex Luthor in a recent action film:

“If God is all powerful, he cannot be all good. And if he’s all good, then he cannot be all powerful.”
– Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

From John Piper –

“Why does God permit so much suffering and evil, if in fact he’s in control?” Now the Bible gives numerous answers…but let me mention two of them, two answers just briefly.

One of God’s purposes for suffering is to show all of us the horror of sin. Suffering entered the world when mankind fell into sin (Genesis 3). Suffering is a trumpet blast to all humanity that, just like pain is an outrage to the human body, so sin is an outrage against God’s character and glory. The horrors of physical suffering are an echo of the horrors of humanity’s belittling of God by our disobedience and unbelief.

But maybe what’s most important for you, as a newer Christian, is to focus your attention on the death of Jesus. I assume that, not long ago, because of what you said, God opened your eyes to see the death of Jesus on the cross for your sins as a compelling and true and beautiful reality, and you believed. You are saved today from guilt and from wrath and hell and meaninglessness because Jesus suffered on the cross in your place.

Now put the death of Jesus together with God’s sovereignty. That’s what Acts 4:27-28 does. The early church prayed in those verses like this:  Truly in this city [Jerusalem] there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.

Some truths about God and the evil found in the world:

Psalm 115:3, But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.

John 10:18, No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.

Deuteronomy 32:4, He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He

Psalm 34:8, Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;

Romans 5:8, But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 8:32, He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all

So, God is sovereign over all (including death – an evil), perfect, just, right in all He does, good, and has shown His love by personally dying for enemies, rebels, and sinners.