Why does God allow horrible things to happen?

Monday June 07, 2004 11:32:24 AM -0400

 

 

 

Since God knew the facts, why doesn't God intervene and stop horrible things from happening?

I wrestled with this one for a few days. I can’t guarantee a great answer, so here goes:

God allows horrible and evil things to happen in this world. It is the long-term effect of sin in the world. Sin leads to more sin, and finally to horrible deeds that are too grotesque to think about.

God is perfect. A perfect God is not only perfect in love, he is also perfect in justice. God can stand no wrong whatsoever. Our problem is we get mad at God because he doesn’t judge people or solve issues on our timetable. The judgment often comes after the sinner is dead.

Suppose every time a murder was about to happen, God intervened and stopped the murder. Supposed every time somebody was about to lie, or spread a false accusation, then an angel came down and put a hand over our mouth. If that were the case, we wouldn’t be complaining about God not intervening, we would be complaining about God intervening too much. A God of perfect-love has to allow free will to exist, even when it means the death of innocent people. The God-of-Justice will then judge that person for eternity.

Jesus himself commented on this: "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him" (Luke 12:4-5, NIV)

The great lesson to learn is that God is sovereign. God allows kings to rise to power. Some are good and some are evil. All of them eventually fall, and God is still on the throne. We can’t explain all evils and all mysteries, but we walk by faith as opposed to our senses that the God of Justice as well as the same God of Love exists.

 

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