Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionEvil in the world is a pervasive theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the fallen state of humanity and the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil. The presence of evil is acknowledged from the earliest chapters of Genesis and continues through to the eschatological visions in Revelation. This entry explores the origins, manifestations, and ultimate destiny of evil as presented in the Scriptures. Origins of Evil The Bible attributes the origin of evil to the rebellion of Satan and the subsequent fall of humanity. In Genesis 3, the serpent, identified as Satan in Revelation 12:9, tempts Eve to disobey God, leading to the fall of man: "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. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it" (Genesis 3:6). This act of disobedience introduced sin and death into the world, as stated in Romans 5:12: "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned." Manifestations of Evil Evil manifests in various forms, including moral evil, natural evil, and spiritual evil. Moral evil is evident in human actions that contravene God's commandments, such as murder, theft, and deceit. The account of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 illustrates moral evil, where Cain's jealousy leads to the first murder: "Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Why are you angry, and why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it'" (Genesis 4:6-7). Natural evil refers to suffering and calamities not directly caused by human actions, such as diseases and natural disasters. These are often seen as consequences of the fallen world. Romans 8:20-22 speaks to this: "For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God." Spiritual evil involves the influence of demonic forces and the ongoing battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. Ephesians 6:12 highlights this struggle: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." The Role of Human Free Will Human free will plays a significant role in the presence of evil. God created humans with the ability to choose, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19: "I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live." The misuse of this freedom leads to sin and evil, yet it is also through free will that individuals can choose to follow God and resist evil. God's Sovereignty and Evil Despite the presence of evil, the Bible affirms God's sovereignty and ultimate control over all things. Isaiah 45:7 declares, "I form light and create darkness; I bring prosperity and create calamity. I, the LORD, do all these things." God's sovereignty ensures that evil is neither outside His control nor beyond His redemptive purposes. Romans 8:28 reassures believers: "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." The Defeat of Evil The Bible promises the ultimate defeat of evil through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Colossians 2:15 states, "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." The final victory over evil is depicted in Revelation 20:10: "And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." Conclusion While evil is a present reality in the world, the Bible provides hope through the promise of redemption and the assurance of God's ultimate victory over all forms of evil. Believers are called to resist evil, trust in God's sovereignty, and look forward to the day when evil will be no more. Topical Bible Verses Romans 5:12Why, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed on all men, for that all have sinned: Topicalbible.org Greek 1142. daimon -- a demon ... presence of demons in the world.]. Word Origin perhaps from daio (to distribute destinies) Definition a demon NASB Word Usage demons (1). demon, evil spirit. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1142.htm - 7k Library But Now Corruption, Sin, Death, and Every Evil of the World... The World is Very Evil The Destruction of Evil by the Immission of virtue Rejected ... The Remains of Death and the Evil Things of the World Turn to Good ... December 31. "I Pray not that Thou Shouldst Take them Out of the ... Jesus in the World. "Not that Thou Wouldst Take them Out of the World, but Keep them ... Criticisms of the Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force on ... The World Our Enemy. He Restoreth My Soul. Resources What is the biblical solution to the problem of evil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between natural evil and moral evil? | GotQuestions.org How can I overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21)? | GotQuestions.org Evil: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Evil for Good: David, to Uriah Evil for Good: General Scriptures Concerning Evil for Good: Israelites, to Moses Evil for Good: Joseph Accuses his Brothers of Rendering Evil for Good: Nabal Returns, to David Evil for Good: Saul Returns, to David Evil: Appearance of, to be Avoided Evil: Paul, in Refusing to Eat What had been offered to Idols Related Terms Evil-speakings (3 Occurrences) |
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