JD: So then David, whether we are talking about natural disasters or the horrible suffering caused by wars, terrorist, and even genocidal maniacs I’m told millions who have suffered and died through the centuries would have the same question. Could not God have created a world without evil and without suffering?
DJ: The fact is he did do just that. When he created we read in Genesis in the creation account after the six days of creation God looked at all that he had created and it was very good. That was God’s judgment in his assessment of what he had just done and therefore evil and suffering could not have been a part of original creation.
There’s a difference between God being the author of evil
and making the possibility for evil to exist and he did that through the
creation of free will. He did not create either the angels or men to be
automatons or robots but rather he made angels and men free moral agents. Pagan
was the highest of angels and we understand that as a free moral agent that
cried welled up in his heart and he decided that he would send himself above the
most high God.
JD: How should we respond in our hearts and in our minds and
what should we do in the face of evil and suffering that’s all around us?
DJ: I would say this, life is short, hell is hot, and eternity is
a long time. We know that our lives are but a vapor and so we need to
understand the gospel. We need to hear, understand, and believe the gospel of
Jesus Christ by trusting in him for our salvation. We will receive both
forgiven sin and eternal life.
Another thing is I would say that we shouldn’t be anxious or
fearful and understand that we have loving God who is in control and works all
things together for the good of those who love God.
And then I would say we need to pray for those involved the
families affected, law enforcement, and other first responders, health care
workers, and also government leaders as they deal with these situations. And
then I would say in some ways for the pastors in churches in these areas to
meet the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of these people.
JD: Great word David, great word. And it’s a discussion that I just
felt we had to have and I’m glad you suggested we take this direction in our
conversation this week.
David thank you so much we’ll have another conversation next
week.
DJ: Thanks so much Jimmy, great to be with you.
JD: David James with a Biblical view of why bad things happen to
good people.
We report this information because it is setting the stage
for Bible prophecy to be fulfilled.
God is sovereign and his plan is the best for all of us
today. We must trust him in all things.
