Evil: The Reason It Exists
Life outside of Christ is existance without purpose
Understanding Evil Through the Lens of God’s Truth
Evil Within Us
In the 2009 horror film Carriers, survivors flee a deadly pandemic, only to discover that the very disease they fear is already inside them. Similarly, the evil we fear in the world is already rooted in our own hearts (Jeremiah 17:9). Humanity tragically refuses to see or admit it, and this blindness shapes the course of our lives.
What Evil Is
Evil is often described as that which is morally wrong, sinful, or wicked—a manifestation of profound immorality expressed through human actions. Biblically, however, evil is defined as anything that stands in opposition to the holy nature of God (Psalm 51:4). This naturally raises the age-old question: why does evil exist?
The Debate About God and Evil
For the atheist, the presence of evil is often viewed as evidence against God, reasoning that if a loving God were truly real, He would not allow such widespread suffering to continue. The central question then becomes: If God exists, why is there evil? Yet the Christian response reframes the question: If God does not exist, why does evil exist at all? Both perspectives point to the same truth—evil is rooted in humanity.
Some argue that religion itself sparks evil, pointing to wars, oppression, and atrocities committed in God’s name. While it is true that terrible acts have been carried out under the banner of religion, this is no more proof that God causes evil than blaming a gun for pulling its own trigger. Evil manifests across all sectors of society—religious and irreligious, political and social alike (Romans 3:10-12).
For the Christian, the existence of evil is, paradoxically, proof of God.
Humanity’s Search and Its Consequences
The world is filled with over eight billion people, all searching for truth, love, meaning, and purpose—yet answers often seem out of reach. In this pursuit, many become narcissistic, self-seeking, greedy, lustful, covetous, and desperate. In their attempts to satisfy these voids, people end up using, abusing, hurting, and even killing others, spreading much evil in the process (Galatians 5:19-21).
God alone is the root, definition, and foundation of light, truth, goodness, and love (1 John 1:5). He is our Creator, and we are His creation (Genesis 1:27). Had we surrendered, submitted, and abided in Him, we would live under His Spirit, experiencing His goodness. Like a loving Father, He provides for His children, uniting us in truth, love, and peace (John 15:1-5).
Free Will, the Fall, and the Enemy
But humanity rejected its Creator, insisting on free will and the right to rule our own lives. In doing so, we distanced ourselves from God—and in His absence, evil took root. Without His Spirit to guide, shape, and teach us, we are like orphans stumbling in the dark. This reminds us of the story Lord of the Flies: without the presence of a higher authority, the children spiraled into chaos and madness. Humanity has done the same apart from God (Proverbs 14:12).
Yet Scripture shows us that there is more at work than just human choice. Behind the scenes is an enemy: Satan. Jesus called him “the father of lies” (John 8:44), the one who deceived Eve in the garden (Genesis 3:1-6) and who still prowls about like a roaring lion seeking to devour (1 Peter 5:8). While humanity bears responsibility for sin, Satan manipulates, tempts, and fuels rebellion against God, further entrenching evil in the world (Ephesians 6:12).
Many claim, “I don’t need God to be good, or to find truth, meaning, and purpose.” But even if someone could live “good enough” apart from God, there is a deeper problem: over eight billion others do not share the same definition of good. That is where division, conflict, and ultimately evil arise. For peace to exist without God, every person would have to agree perfectly on what is good—a condition history proves impossible (Isaiah 59:8).
If you insist that your standard of goodness is enough without God, then everyone else must agree with you. But that makes you the ultimate authority—the god of your own system. And if one of us claims that role, we are all in serious trouble (Romans 1:22-23).
Why God Allows Evil
The truth is, humanity itself is the source of evil, whether we admit it or not. So why doesn’t God simply come down and end it all? First, every one of us would have to be judged, because evil runs through all of us (Ecclesiastes 7:20). Second, that would leave only two options: either removal or forced submission. But God desires love freely given, not obedience through force (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).
This is why He allows us to live amid division and chaos: so that we may come to the end of ourselves and recognize that we cannot overcome evil apart from Him. Even creation itself, subjected to futility by the Fall, groans as in childbirth, longing for the day of redemption (Romans 8:20-22). The only true way to end evil is to be one with Him (1 Corinthians 15:57). One day, God will put a final end to evil (Revelation 21:4). But for now, He is patient and longsuffering, giving us the opportunity to open our eyes and see that without Him there can be no peace—only evil. If we refuse this truth, God has no choice but to let us remain in the evil we have chosen for all eternity (2 Thessalonians 1:9).
Evil Without God
Without God, the world remains in darkness and sin, which leads to death, just as He warned (Romans 6:23). To live apart from Him is to live according to the flesh, producing its works: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, heresies, envy, murder, drunkenness, revelries, and more—the very evils we witness every day (Galatians 5:19-21).
The evil we see in the world is, in truth, evidence of God, because it reveals that humanity cannot thrive apart from Him. Evil takes two forms. There is moral evil—the sinful actions of humans, such as greed, hatred, and violence. And there is natural evil—the suffering caused by disasters, disease, and the brokenness of the world itself. Both reveal the consequences of humanity rejecting God, our Creator and sustainer (Romans 6:23). Both are also magnified by the work of Satan, “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31), who exploits human sin and the fallen creation to bring destruction.
The Solution in God
God is the vine and we are the branches; He is the source of life, the way to salvation, and the Author of all creation (John 15:1-5; Colossians 1:16-17). In Him alone is the true life of man.
Evil is both a mirror and a warning. It shows the darkness in our hearts. It reveals the futility of trying to live apart from God. And it points to hope. God is patient. God is long-suffering. He waits to guide us into light, into life, into peace (1 John 1:5, John 10:10).
At the cross, God demonstrated His love by judging sin while providing salvation through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:8; Colossians 2:15). One day, all evil will end (Revelation 21:4). Until then, its presence calls us to recognize our need for Him. To surrender. To abide in His Spirit. To let Him transform our hearts. Only then can evil be truly defeated. Until we abide in Him, evil will endure. But in Christ, life, light, and true peace reign forever.
This world will always be marked by evil, division, and fragile systems patched together like duct tape. At best, we glimpse God’s grace breaking through the darkness (John 1:5). But one day, that will change. A day is coming when there will be no more pain, no more tears, no more division—only perfect peace, as all are united under God (Revelation 21:4).
Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). If you doubt it—if you think this world can achieve peace apart from Him—then prove God wrong.
