What does the Bible say about good and evil?

Overview of Good and Evil in Scripture

Scripture presents a consistent teaching on good and evil, revealing a moral framework that undergirds the entire biblical narrative. From Genesis to Revelation, good is portrayed as originating in the perfect nature of the Creator, while evil arises from rebellion against that goodness. In understanding the Bible’s presentation of good and evil, it is helpful to explore the origin, definition, consequences, and ultimate resolution of these two realities.

I. The Nature and Origin of Good

Goodness in Scripture is inseparable from the character of God. In the opening pages of the Bible, creation is described as good:

“God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31).

1. Rooted in God’s Nature

– God’s goodness is absolute and unchanging (see Psalm 34:8: “Taste and see that the LORD is good…”).

– He cannot act contrary to His inherent goodness, and every good and perfect gift is from Him (James 1:17).

2. Human Reflection of Good

– Humans, created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27), were initially meant to embody and reflect this goodness on earth.

– The mandate to rule and steward creation indicates that people were designed to perpetuate good in the world (Genesis 1:28).

II. The Emergence of Evil

While the early chapters of Genesis depict God’s good creation, they also document the entry of evil into human experience.

1. Rebellion and the Fall

– In Genesis 3, the serpent tempts Adam and Eve to distrust God’s word and eat from the forbidden tree. They yield to temptation, bringing sin into the world.

– “When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it…” (Genesis 3:6).

– This act of disobedience ushers in moral and spiritual corruption, fracturing humanity’s relationship with God.

2. Definition of Evil

– Evil is consistently shown as an affront to God’s goodness—a transgression of His righteous standard.

– According to Scripture, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), meaning evil is not only external but also resides in the hearts of all people aside from God’s redemptive work.

3. Consequences of Evil

– Separation from God: Humanity’s original intimacy with God becomes marred by sin (Isaiah 59:2).

– Suffering and Death: Genesis 3:19 describes the introduction of mortality: “For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”

– Illustrations throughout Scripture (e.g., the Flood of Noah, the exile of Israel) demonstrate how evil leads to judgment and devastation.

III. The Moral Law and Discernment of Good and Evil

The Bible provides moral guidelines that expose evil and teach what is good.

1. The Ten Commandments

– In Exodus 20, God gives His people commandments that form a moral compass: prohibitions against theft, murder, idolatry, etc.

– These commandments underscore the distinction between righteousness and sin, aiming to preserve good and restrain evil in society.

2. Prophetic Warnings and Wisdom Literature

– Old Testament prophets continually confronted Israel when they descended into evil practices (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah).

– Wisdom books like Proverbs provide timeless principles for living in goodness: “Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14).

3. Fulfillment in Christ

– Jesus did not abolish the moral law but fulfilled it (Matthew 5:17–18).

– His teaching clarified the deeper intent of the law: a heart turned from evil toward God, as seen in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7).

IV. Redemption and the Defeat of Evil

Although evil pervades human experience, the Bible proclaims a solution and victory over it.

1. Christ’s Atoning Work

– Jesus, who lived a sinless life (1 Peter 2:22), died to break the power of evil. Through His sacrifice, individuals may be reconciled to God and freed from sin’s penalty.

– He rose again, triumphing over death (Matthew 28; Romans 6:9: “…death no longer has dominion over Him.”).

2. The Ongoing Work of the Holy Spirit

– Believers receive the Holy Spirit, who transforms hearts and empowers individuals to overcome corrupt desires (Galatians 5:16: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”).

– This transformation is a continual process, marked by growth in righteousness and a rejection of evil (Romans 12:2).

3. The Church’s Role

– The Bible depicts the gathered community of believers as salt and light, actively restraining evil and manifesting good in a fallen world (Matthew 5:13–16).

– Believers are called to proclaim the gospel message, offering the remedy for sin and testifying to the resurrection of Christ (Luke 24:46–48).

V. The Ultimate Triumph Over Evil

Biblical prophecy affirms that evil’s dominion is temporary. The final victory of good is guaranteed.

1. Final Judgment

– Revelation describes a day when all will stand before God’s throne (Revelation 20:11–15).

– Evil is judged, and death and Hades are cast into the lake of fire, indicating the decisive end of evil’s reign.

2. New Heaven and New Earth

– The Bible’s vision of the eternal state is a realm free from evil, suffering, and death (Revelation 21:4).

– Restored creation fulfills the original intent for humanity’s relationship with God, a place where “the dwelling place of God is with man…” (Revelation 21:3).

3. Hope for the Present

– While final consummation is future, believers live with the present hope found in God’s promises, ready to “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

– This hope anchors ethical choices and cultivates perseverance in a world still experiencing the residual effects of the Fall.

VI. Practical Implications for Understanding Good and Evil

The biblical teaching on good and evil offers a moral framework for daily life.

1. Personal Conduct

– Believers are urged to resist evil and cling to what is good (Romans 12:9).

– Compassion, honesty, humility, and purity of heart are lifted up as marks of those heading in the direction of God’s goodness.

2. Community and Society

– Biblical principles guide believers to confront injustice and care for the vulnerable, reflecting God’s heart for righteousness and compassion (Micah 6:8).

– True transformation of society, from a biblical standpoint, comes through changed hearts aligned with God’s will.

3. Eternal Perspective

– Acknowledging that evil exists but will not prevail brings courage and steadfastness.

– As Jesus taught, “In this world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33).

VII. Concluding Thoughts

In summary, the Bible’s teaching on good and evil is anchored in the perfect goodness of the Creator and humanity’s tragic choice to rebel. Evil corrupts and destroys, yet Scripture proclaims the redemptive plan of God through Jesus Christ, who defeated sin and death through the cross and resurrection. Believers in every generation bear witness to the power of the Holy Spirit’s work, testifying to God’s ongoing grace that overcomes evil with good.

From the earliest manuscript evidence, like the Dead Sea Scrolls confirming the transmission of faithful texts in key Old Testament passages, to the historical documentation of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, the consistent biblical witness stands: evil does not have the final word. The triune God invites humanity to live in relationship with Him, reflecting His goodness in a morally broken world and ultimately rejoicing in the promise of a renewed creation where righteousness dwells forever.