The Bible deals with evil in many different ways. One of the most common occurrences of evil in the Old Testament is the wicked nations that oppress God’s people. The Scriptures clearly remind New Testament saints that their struggle is not against flesh and blood (humankind), but against rulers, authorities, and powers of this dark world, and against spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). God knows all about evil and is very prepared to deal with it. Joseph reminds us when he explained to his brothers, “You intended evil against me, but God intended it for good” (Gen. 50:20). It may be difficult to understand, but God’s foreknowledge allows Him to know the end from the beginning and uses certain people who are predisposed to evil and hard-heartedness to accomplish his purposes. God asks Satan to consider Job in his attacks on people and gave clear restrictions and guidelines. All of his acts, though without intent, ultimately leads to God’s glory. Consider the following passages that reflect on God’s purpose to take temptation and trials as stepping stones to elevate us to a higher plane.
• “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2–3).
• “But He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Cor. 12:9).
• “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1 Pet. 4:12–13). • “Strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God, they said” (Acts 14:22).
• “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Rom. 5:3–4).
• “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4).
• “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown” (Rev. 2:10).
The message of these scriptures demonstrates that pain, suffering, and difficult life circumstances should be considered joy. He wants His people to be faithful, joyous, and persevere through trials, that test our faith, grant wisdom and discernment, and strengthen hope. If we look back over our personal history, it can be seen that we grew in wisdom and faith in the midst of trials, pain, and suffering.
God does not continually learn. He knows everything at once. He knew before He created the world that He would send His Son Jesus Christ to save us from our sins. Peter wrote, “He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake” (1 Pet. 1:20). Romans 11:13 reads, “O the depths of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God.” There is no reason to limit God’s dealings with human redemption fulfilled in Christ. If he is all-knowing, even to the extreme of knowing the number of hairs on our head (Matt. 10:30), then He knows each of us better than we know ourselves and is not surprised or shocked by our choices. In addition, He knows Satan and all of his works, too.
We know that He sends strong delusions to those who do not love the truth. We know that God gives people up or gives them over to the choices they make. For example, anger and wrath bring out evil that is freely chosen. Jesus substantiates this in Matthew 18:34-35. It reads, “And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.” The torturers is translated in some versions, as “tormentors” or “jailers,” and can be viewed as demons.
“Demon” is an English transliteration of the Greek term (daimon) that refers to numerous disembodied spirit beings that were under the sway of Satan in the past Jewish age. They sought to embody humans, especially. Although, any physical expression was their earnest desire. Their purpose is to deceive or cause another to believe what is not true. Another example is found in 1 Samuel 15–16: “Saul’s attendants said to him, ‘See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. Let our Lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes on you, and you will feel better.”
Many believers and non-believers alike ask the question: “If God is all good and all powerful, then why does He allow evil to exist?” The answers given is a regurgitation of illogical responses that are inconsistent with the Bible. Ps. 111:7-8, 10 teaches us that God is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy. They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity. … Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!”