God Created Man Perfect
The Lord created our world perfect and without a trace of sin. Birth defects, imperfections, and death entered this world as a result of man’s disobedience to the Maker (Genesis 3). Man is responsible for his choices because he has the freedom of will. It is not fair to blame the Lord for the condition man is in.
But the Lord in His infinite mercy planned to save mankind from eternal death. He offered His Son Jesus Christ to die and redeem man from the penalty of his sin. “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” (John 3:16). Christ the innocent died so man can be restored again to the state of perfection he once had. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
Why Does the Lord Allow Birth Defects?
Birth defects are the direct result of the natural course of sin in this world. In other instances, they may occur due to the parent’s violation of the Creator’s health laws. People cannot expect the Lord’s blessing apart from a sincere purpose to abandon practices which may cause health problems.
In any case, the person or family need to always come to the Lord for help. In the book of John we read, “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” (John 9:1-3).
Jesus did not explain the cause of man’s affliction, but told the Jews what would be the result. For those who love Him, the Lord works all things, including the hardships sent by the enemy, for good (Romans 8:28). In the providence of God, the afflictions, troubles, and trials of the enemy are overruled for our good.
Trust in the Lord
The story Job talks about the problem of not knowing why God permits bad things to happen to His children. The Lord permitted the devil to harm Job and his family. But in spite of all that, Job said, “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised” (Job 1:21). And he added, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15). Job said these words because he knew the loving character of his Redeemer (Job 19:25). And he learned to have full faith in Him (Proverbs 3:5).
The truth is that our heavenly Father proved His love at the cross so no one may ever doubt His love. If God permits a painful thing, it is not to destroy us but to refine and sanctify us (Romans 8:17). The hardships of this life produce in God’s children a more humble and patient heart.
The Lord promised that His children in the eternal kingdom will no longer have any birth defects, sickness, death or any other trace of sin (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). The plagues that Satan has held over all men ever since the fall of Adam, will be forever gone from the redeemed at the second coming of Christ. About that future, kingdom the Bible tells us, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
