Why does God allow bad things to happen?

The question of why a loving and omnipotent God allows bad things to happen is one of the most profound and difficult theological inquiries. This issue, often referred to as “the problem of evil,” has been a topic of debate and contemplation for centuries. Understanding this problem requires a deep dive into the nature of God, the purpose of human existence, and the realities of a fallen world. This study aims to explore various aspects of why God allows bad things to happen, using the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible to provide scriptural support.

The Nature of God

To begin addressing why bad things happen, it’s essential to understand the nature of God. The Bible describes God as loving, just, omnipotent, and omniscient.

1. God is Loving:
   • “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8, NKJV). This verse emphasizes that love is not just an attribute of God; it is His very essence.
2. God is Just:
   • “For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery for burnt offering; I will direct their work in truth, and will make with them an everlasting covenant” (Isaiah 61:8, NKJV). God’s justice is perfect and integral to His character.
3. God is Omnipotent:
   • “For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37, NKJV). This demonstrates that God’s power has no limits.
4. God is Omniscient:
   • “Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite” (Psalm 147:5, NKJV). God’s knowledge and understanding encompass all things.

The Reality of a Fallen World

The Bible explains that the world we live in is fallen and marred by sin. This is a fundamental reason why bad things happen.

1. The Fall of Man:
   • “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12, NKJV). This verse points to Adam’s disobedience as the origin of sin and death in the world.
2. The Consequences of Sin:
   • “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23, NKJV). Sin leads to death and suffering, but God offers redemption through Jesus Christ.
3. The Curse on Creation:
   • “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” (Genesis 3:17-19, NKJV). The fall not only affected humanity but also the entire creation.

Human Free Will

God created humans with free will, which is essential for genuine love and moral responsibility.

1. Free Will as a Gift:
   • “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, NKJV). God gives humans the freedom to choose their path.
2. The Responsibility of Choice:
   • “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7, NKJV). Humans are responsible for their choices and must face the consequences.
3. Love Requires Free Will:
   • “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment” (Mark 12:30, NKJV). True love must be given freely and cannot be coerced.

God’s Greater Plan and Sovereignty

God’s ways and plans are higher than human understanding. Sometimes, what appears as a bad thing can be part of a greater plan that humans cannot fully comprehend.

1. God’s Sovereignty:
   • “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” (Isaiah 55:8-9, NKJV). God’s perspective is infinitely greater than ours.
2. Purpose in Suffering:
   • “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” (Romans 8:28, NKJV). God can bring good out of suffering and adversity.
3. Joseph’s Story:
   • “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive” (Genesis 50:20, NKJV). Joseph’s life exemplifies how God can use suffering for a greater good.

The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Growth

Suffering can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God.

1. Refinement Through Trials:
   • “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7, NKJV). Trials can purify and strengthen faith.
2. Strength in Weakness:
   • “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV). Suffering can reveal God’s strength in our weakness.
3. Perseverance and Character:
   • “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4, NKJV). Suffering builds perseverance, character, and hope.

The Hope of Eternal Life

The Bible promises that the current suffering and bad things in this world are temporary and will be replaced by eternal joy and perfection in the life to come.

1. Eternal Perspective:
   • “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18, NKJV). Future glory far outweighs present suffering.
2. A New Heaven and a New Earth:
   • “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” (Revelation 21:4, NKJV). God promises a future without suffering.
3. The Assurance of Salvation:
   • “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:11-12, NKJV). Believers have the assurance of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

The question of why God allows bad things to happen is multifaceted. The Bible provides various insights into this issue, emphasizing the nature of God, the reality of a fallen world, human free will, God’s greater plan, the role of suffering in spiritual growth, and the hope of eternal life. Understanding these biblical principles helps to shed light on why a loving and omnipotent God might permit suffering and evil. While some aspects may remain beyond human comprehension, believers are called to trust in God’s wisdom, goodness, and ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.

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In His service,
BibleAsk Team