In the biblical context, the concept of "innocence in evil" can be understood as the state of being untainted or uncorrupted by sin and wrongdoing. This notion is often explored through the lens of human nature, the fall, and the redemptive work of Christ. The Bible presents innocence as an ideal state, one that humanity lost through the original sin but can aspire to regain through faith and obedience to God.

Creation and the Fall

In the beginning, God created humanity in a state of innocence. Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden, living in perfect harmony with God and creation. They were innocent, knowing no sin, until the serpent tempted them to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 3:6 recounts, "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."

The fall of man introduced sin into the world, corrupting the innocence that Adam and Eve once possessed. Romans 5:12 explains, "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." This passage highlights the loss of innocence and the pervasive nature of sin that affects all of humanity.

Innocence and Children

The Bible often uses children as symbols of innocence. Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of childlike innocence and faith. In Matthew 18:3 , Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." This statement underscores the value of purity and humility, qualities often associated with children, as essential for entering God's kingdom.

Furthermore, in Matthew 19:14 , Jesus declared, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Here, Jesus affirms the innocence of children and their place in the kingdom of heaven, suggesting that innocence is a state to be cherished and protected.

Innocence and Wisdom

The Bible also addresses the relationship between innocence and wisdom. In Romans 16:19 , Paul writes, "Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil." This verse encourages believers to cultivate wisdom in righteousness while maintaining innocence concerning evil. It suggests that true wisdom involves discerning and avoiding evil, thus preserving one's purity.

Redemption and Restoration

Through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, believers are offered a path to restore their innocence before God. 2 Corinthians 5:17 proclaims, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This transformation signifies a return to a state of innocence, made possible through the forgiveness of sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Peter also speaks to this restoration in 1 Peter 1:18-19 : "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot." The imagery of Christ as a spotless lamb emphasizes the purity and innocence that believers are called to emulate.

Living in Innocence

Believers are exhorted to live in a manner that reflects their restored innocence. Philippians 2:15 encourages Christians to be "blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world." This call to purity and blamelessness is a reminder of the believer's identity in Christ and the witness they are to bear in a fallen world.

In summary, the biblical concept of innocence in evil encompasses the original state of humanity, the loss of innocence through sin, and the possibility of restoration through Christ. It calls believers to live in purity, wisdom, and obedience, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel.