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Pain and sickness are pervasive aspects of the human experience that raise profound questions about their origin and purpose. Understanding who is responsible for these afflictions is crucial for comprehending the broader narrative of suffering in the world. The Bible provides a multifaceted explanation that encompasses the fall of humanity, the influence of Satan, and the role of God in allowing and redeeming suffering. This article will explore biblical insights into the origins and responsibility for pain and sickness.
The Fall of Humanity
The Origin of Pain and Sickness
The Bible teaches that pain and sickness entered the world as a consequence of sin. This is first evident in the story of Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden.
Genesis 2:16-17 (NKJV) states:
“And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘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.'”
Despite this command, Adam and Eve chose to disobey God, leading to their expulsion from the Garden and the introduction of sin and its consequences into the world.
Genesis 3:16-19 (NKJV) describes the curse resulting from their disobedience:
“To the woman He said: ‘I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.’ Then to Adam He said, ‘Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, “You shall not eat of it”: Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.'”
The curses pronounced upon Adam and Eve reveal that pain and toil are direct results of human sin. The introduction of death and decay affects not only humanity but also the entire creation, which is now subject to futility and corruption.
Human Responsibility
The Bible indicates that human free will and the choice to sin are primary factors in the introduction of suffering. By choosing to disobey God, humanity brought pain and sickness into the world.
Romans 5:12 (NKJV) 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.”
This passage highlights that Adam’s sin had universal repercussions, spreading death and suffering to all his descendants. Human sin continues to contribute to the presence of pain and sickness in the world.
The Influence of Satan
The Role of Satan
The Bible also identifies Satan, the adversary, as a significant source of pain and sickness. Satan’s rebellion against God and his ongoing opposition to God’s purposes play a critical role in the presence of evil and suffering.
John 10:10 (NKJV) reveals:
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
In this verse, Jesus contrasts His mission of giving abundant life with Satan’s destructive intent. Satan’s activities are aimed at causing harm and suffering, opposing God’s plan for human flourishing.
Biblical Examples
Several biblical accounts demonstrate Satan’s involvement in causing pain and sickness. One prominent example is the story of Job, a righteous man who suffers immense loss and physical affliction due to Satan’s actions.
Job 1:6-12 (NKJV) narrates:
“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, ‘From where do you come?’ So Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.’ Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?’ So Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!’ And the Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.’ So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.”
Satan’s role in Job’s suffering is explicit, as he is permitted to test Job’s faith through significant loss and illness.
Job 2:4-7 (NKJV) continues:
“So Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face!’ And the Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.’ So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.”
Job’s physical affliction is directly attributed to Satan’s actions, highlighting his role in causing sickness and suffering.
God’s Will and Purpose
God’s Allowance of Suffering
While human sin and Satan’s actions are the only contributors to pain and sickness, the Bible affirms that God uses all events, including suffering for the benefit of His children. God allows suffering for reasons that are often beyond human understanding but ultimately serve His greater purposes.
Romans 8:28 (NKJV) declares:
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
This verse shows that God works all things for the eternal good of His children.
Suffering as Discipline
Sometimes, God allows suffering as a form of discipline, intended to correct and refine His people.
Hebrews 12:5-11 (NKJV) explains:
“And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: ‘My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.’ If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
God’s discipline through suffering is meant to produce righteousness and holiness in His children.
Suffering for God’s Glory
At times, suffering occurs so that God’s works might be displayed and His glory revealed.
John 9:1-3 (NKJV) recounts:
“Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.'”
This passage indicates that the man’s blindness was not due to personal sin but was an opportunity for God’s power to be demonstrated through Jesus’ healing.
Redemption and Hope
Jesus’ Victory Over Suffering
The ultimate answer to pain and sickness is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus came to overcome sin, suffering, and death through His life, death, and resurrection.
Isaiah 53:4-5 (NKJV) prophesies:
“Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 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.”
Jesus’ suffering and sacrificial death provide healing and redemption for humanity.
The Promise of a New Creation
The Bible promises a future where pain and sickness will be eradicated, and God’s people will experience eternal life without suffering.
Revelation 21:4 (NKJV) declares:
“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.”
This vision of the new creation provides hope and assurance that suffering is temporary and will ultimately be abolished in God’s restored kingdom.
Conclusion
Pain and sickness in the world result from a combination of human sin and Satan’s influence. The Bible offers a comprehensive view that acknowledges these factors while emphasizing God’s ultimate control and redemptive plan. Through Jesus Christ, believers have hope for healing, restoration, and eternal life free from suffering. Understanding these biblical perspectives helps believers navigate the complexities of pain and sickness with faith and trust in God’s overarching plan.