Smoodock's Blog

Ever since I was a little boy, when my parents first told me about God, heaven and hell, I wondered, if God loves everyone, and if he’s all powerful, why would anyone ever be condemned forever for the things he did? If God loves mankind, and is almighty, surely, he could find a way to keep folks from getting to the point where forgiveness is no longer possible! So, what can be said about this? Is God a real savior, or is he simply the judge who is bound by his own laws of creation to condemn some and acquit others?[1]

Surely an omnipotent and omniscient God is able to convict men of their sins (John 8:9; 16:8; 1Corinthians 14:23-25). Surely, such a God is able to draw any man, all men, to Christ for salvation (John 6:44-45; 12:32). We are assured in the text that God desires salvation for everyone (1Timothy 2:3-6), and he works out everything in life to the end that his desires are fulfilled (Ephesians 1:11). In other words, the Lord, our God, wants all to be saved, and he works out all life events to fulfill that purpose. He is able to save the fiercest of men (Mark 5:1-4,15, 18), as well as the most self-righteous (Acts 9:1-6). There is nothing too difficult for him (Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:27).

If this is logical and true, how can things be so evil, as we find them today? Why aren’t more people repenting and coming to Christ? Why do things seem so hopeless, as far as righteousness and peace are concerned? Consider the words of the ancient Greek philosopher, Epicurus who argued against the existence of a god who is omniscient, omnipotent and benevolent:

• 1. Is God willing to prevent evil but is not able? Then he is not omnipotent.
  2. Is God able to prevent evil but is not willing? Then he is malevolent.
  3. Is God both able and willing to prevent evil? Then, whence comes evil?
  4. Is God neither able nor willing? Then, why call him God?

Concerning the first proposition, God wants to prevent evil, but he can’t. Things are out of control, and he lacks the know how or the power to prevent evil. One would have to agree that this god, isn’t omnipotent. However, the Bible introduces us to God who is both all powerful and all knowing? The problem of evil isn’t a problem for him.

Indeed, the second proposition speaks of a malevolent god, who has no love for man. Yet, the God of the Bible shows us he does love mankind. He does so by sending his only Son into the world to save us through is death and resurrection. He expresses his commitment to mankind but choosing to bring man through evil, instead of destroying evil by destroying mankind.

According to the third proposition, God is both willing and able to prevent evil. This is the God of our Bible. However, the philosopher or skeptic concludes this is ridiculous, because there is so much evil in the world! The problem here is that the conclusion lacks foresight. God exists, and he cares. He is all-powerful and is in complete control of everything that is happening. How so? God created a dangerous environment right from the beginning, and he commanded mankind to subdue it Genesis 1:28. Indeed, the fact that mankind rebelled brought evil into the world, but God’s purpose isn’t thwarted by evil. Evil is a problem for man, not God. Mankind caused the evil and God, as man’s parent, brings him through it, causing mankind to be instructed by his own errors (Jeremiah 2:19; cp. 30:11).

God is sovereign. He is neither surprised with our evil, nor does it hinder his purposes. God is almighty and does not have to dance when we play the pipe (Matthew 11:17). The fact that there is evil in the world doesn’t mean that God isn’t in control. Our circumstance is like that of the apostles, when Jesus slept on the boat. The storm came up on the Sea of Galilee (Luke 8:22-26), but that didn’t hinder God’s purpose. We may be really concerned with all the storms of life, but God isn’t. He is, however, always in full control of everything. Of course, this isn’t understood without faith (Luke 8:25)? May the God of all comfort open our eyes to see his almighty power that shows itself in full control of this world.

The fourth proposition says we serve a weak God. Like the first proposition, this god is not the God of the Bible. It is not my purpose in this study to prove God is real. I have proved this to myself by walking with him for so many years. He has extinguished any questions I may have had with regard to his existence, his love, his power and his knowledge concerning me as an individual or creation as a whole.

_________________________________________________

[1] This study represents a rewrite from the original. The main theme hasn’t changed, but how I arrive at my conclusion has in an effort to be clearer and with better proofs. This change became effective during December of 2024.