If God is omnipotent, why does He not stop evil?

The question of why an omnipotent God does not stop evil is one of the most profound and challenging issues in theology. This dilemma, often referred to as the problem of evil, has been examined by theologians, philosophers, and scholars for centuries. In this article, we will explore this question from a Christian perspective, using the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible to support our discussion.

The Nature of God’s Omnipotence

The term omnipotent is derived from the Latin words ‘omni’ meaning “all” and ‘potent’ meaning “power.” God’s omnipotence is a foundational attribute in Christian theology, signifying that He possesses unlimited power and authority. The Bible affirms this in numerous passages. For example, Jeremiah 32:17 states, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.” Similarly, Revelation 19:6 declares, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!”

Just as with the attributes of omniscience and omnipresence, if God is infinite, He must also be omnipotent. God has complete power over all things. Job acknowledges this when he states, “I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You” (Job 42:2).

The Existence of Evil

The existence of evil is undeniable in our world, manifesting through natural disasters, moral failings, and personal suffering. The Bible acknowledges the presence of evil and suffering. For instance, Psalm 34:19 states, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

Free Will and Human Responsibility

One primary explanation for the existence of evil is the concept of free will. According to the Bible, God created humans with free will-the ability to choose between good and evil. This freedom is essential for genuine love and relationship with God. Genesis 2:16-17 illustrates this when God commands Adam, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

The exercise of free will led to the first act of disobedience in the Garden of Eden, introducing sin into the world. Genesis 3 details the fall of man, where Adam and Eve chose to disobey God, resulting in the curse of sin and death affecting all of creation. Romans 5:12 explains, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.”

While God can do everything, He cannot force humans to accept Him. Humans are free to choose good or evil. He states, “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19). Despite God being all-powerful, He permitted evil to take place because of the freedom of choice He granted to His creatures.

The Role of Jesus Christ

Man’s freedom of choice came at a significant cost to God-the death of His only begotten Son to redeem mankind. John 3:16 encapsulates this, stating, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Although Jesus was omnipotent, healing the sick (Matthew 4:24), feeding thousands (Mark 6:30-44), calming the storm (Mark 4:37-41), raising the dead (John 11:38-44; Mark 5:35-43), and overcoming death (1 Corinthians 15:22; Hebrews 2:14), He willingly offered Himself to die. The Son of God could have called twelve legions of angels to rescue Him from His enemies (Matthew 26:53), yet He chose to die on our behalf (Philippians 2:1-11) to save us and restore us back to the original state of perfection for which we were created.

Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross were acts of redemption. Isaiah 53:5 prophesies this, saying, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” Through His sacrifice, believers are offered forgiveness and the promise of eternal life, free from suffering and evil.

God’s Ultimate Plan and Justice

The Bible assures believers that God has an ultimate plan and will one day eradicate all evil. Revelation 21:4 provides a glimpse of this future, stating, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” The Bible also declares, “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works” (Matthew 16:27). Sin will rise no more (Nahum 1:9).

In the meantime, God’s justice is evident throughout Scripture. Psalm 73 reflects on the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous but concludes with the assurance of God’s ultimate justice. Verses 16-19 read, “When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me-until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.”

The Purpose of Suffering and Evil

While the existence of evil and suffering can seem incompatible with an omnipotent, benevolent God, the Bible offers insights into their purposes. Suffering can lead to personal growth, character development, and a deeper reliance on God. Romans 5:3-4 states, “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Moreover, suffering can serve as a means for God to demonstrate His power and glory. In John 9:1-3, Jesus encounters a man blind from birth. His disciples ask, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus responds, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.”

The Mystery of God’s Ways

Despite these explanations, there remains a mystery in the ways of God that human minds cannot fully comprehend. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

This acknowledgment of mystery calls for trust and faith in God’s goodness and sovereignty, even when faced with inexplicable evil and suffering. The problem of evil does not negate God’s omnipotence but rather invites deeper reflection on the nature of man’s free will, the purpose of suffering, and God’s ultimate plan. The Bible offers a comprehensive framework that acknowledges the reality of evil while affirming God’s power, justice, and love. Believers are called to trust in God’s wisdom and to find hope in the promise of a future where evil is no more, achieved through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.