Evil and Suffering... Why?

Transcription

1 Evil and Suffering... Why? Evil and Suffering... Why? Is God Fair? By June Hunt If honest, we have all said in our hearts, Why? It s just not fair! Why would You allow...? The why s in life are bewildering on this side of heaven. However, when we enter our home in heaven, we will see how our sorrows made us sympathetic toward others how our tears made us tender how our dilemmas made us dependent on the Lord. A student snaps his neck when thrown through the windshield of the car. Paralyzed from the neck down, he is destined to spend the next four decades facing a lifetime of challenges. At times life does not seem fair! In fact, most people have muttered, Why? Why would God allow something so cruel? Nowhere in Scripture is the fairness of God more poignantly addressed than in the Book of Job. In spite of his severe losses, Job posed a profound question a question for all of us to consider in times of tragedy. Job 2:10 DEFINITIONS In the space of about five minutes, Job and his wife had lost all their family every one of their sons and daughters and all their wealth and all their business ventures. How would you respond if you came to the stark realization that you had just lost everything of value in this world? Would you view God as fair? Like Job s wife, you might be tempted to say... Job 2:9 A. What Is Fair? The English word fair means the state of being impartial, honest, free from favoritism or fraud. 1 People who are free from favoritism are called fair minded. People who are free from fraud give others their fair share. The Greek word kalos means beautiful in appearance or style or intrinsically good, therefore fair. 2 Over time, a transition has occurred in the primary meaning of fair. Originally: free from blemish... beautiful Later: free from moral stain... honest Today: free from bias... impartial Why is God partial toward some people?

2 The Bible says God does not show partiality. It may appear from our limited knowledge or understanding that God is partial. However, His ways are not our ways. He loves and cares for all His children equally. Deut 10:17 Rom 2:11 B. What Is Just? The English word just is a legal term that means either being in right standing or having right conduct according to human or divine standards. 3 From the Latin word justus, which means upright. 4 juris = law jurisprudence = the science of law The justice system sets the legal standard. The Justice of the Peace performs civil duties such as marriage ceremonies. The Greek word dikaios is the same root word for just, justification, right and righteous. 5 Just and right are often used interchangeably throughout the Bible. right standing Hab 2:4 right conduct Mic 6:8 Right standing and right conduct are always measured against a standard. When two people marry, they are in right standing within the legal system. When the police arrest a man, his conduct is allegedly illegal. Is God always just and right? Yes. Always. Righteousness is a part of God s basic nature. Ps 145:17 W. E. Vine explains the term just in relation to God:... it designates the perfect agreement between His nature and His acts (in which He is the standard for all men.) 6 C. What Does Theodicy Mean? Theodicy is a theological term used in apologetics for justifying the ways in which God works. The Greek word theos means God, and the Greek word dike means justice. 7 Theodicy is a logical defense of the fairness of God concerning the presence of evil in the world. 8 The use of logical reasoning defends God in the face of accusations for the existence

3 of evil. If God is all-good and all-powerful, why does He allow evil? Three components are contained in answering this classic question. 9 #1 God is all-good. #2 God is all-powerful. #3 The presence of evil exists in the world. If any one component is missing, then you don t have a problem. #1 If God is not all-good, the problem vanishes. God is a cosmic demon who causes evil. #2 If God is not all-powerful, the problem disappears. God is too weak and powerless to stop evil. #3 If no evil exists in the world, the problem evaporates. Evil (sin and suffering) is mere illusion. When all three components are present... #1 God is good. Deut 32:4 #2 God is all-powerful. Isa 46:10-11 #3 Evil and its effects (sin and suffering) are present in the world. Isa 53:6 God sometimes allows and sometimes causes suffering in order to bring about a godly result. Deut 32:39 In His sovereignty, God allows evil and suffering through... the free will of every human being beginning at the Fall Gen 3:6-7 natural order (earthquakes, etc.) 1 Kings 19:11 In His sovereignty, God allows evil and suffering in order to build character Rom 5:3-5 produce good Rom 8:28 expose sin

4 Ps 119:67 CHARACTERISTICS No book of the Bible is more closely identified with suffering than the Book of Job. This righteous man, Job, for whom the book is named, passes through the four stages of grief. To experience grief is to suffer through the turmoil of some type of loss, such as loss of a loved one, a job, finances, health or possessions. Behind the issue of profound loss lies the question, Is God really fair? 11 A. Denial The full emotional impact has not set in. Job 1:20-22 The First Stage of Grief (Read Job 1-2.) A strong effort to maintain composure and control is paramount. Job 2:9-10 B. Depression: Anger Turned Inward The Second Stage of Grief (Read Job 3.) This stage did not fall sequentially in the Book of Job, similar to the way it may happen today. cursing of the day of birth Job 3:1-10 wishing to have been born dead Job 3:11-19 questioning the purpose of life Job 3:20-26 C. Anger Turned Outward The Third Stage of Grief (Read Job 19.) feelings of anger toward people tormented and crushed Job 19:2 reproached and repeatedly attacked Job 19:3 humiliated Job 19:5 unjustly treated Job 19:7 alienated and estranged relationships Job 19:13-17 scorned and ridiculed Job 19:18 rejected Job 19:19

5 physically depleted Job 19:20 feelings of anger toward God wronged by God Job 19:7 out of touch with God Job 19:7 clear understanding blocked by God Job 19:8 stripped of honor Job 19:9 torn down and uprooted Job 19:10 burning anger from God Job 19:11 besieged by God Job 19:12 struck by God Job 19:21 D. Acceptance: Facing Reality without Resentment (Objectivity) The Last Stage of Grief (Read Job 27 and Job 42.) moving from feelings to facts Job 19:25 focusing on his future with God Job 19:26 maintaining his integrity before Job 27:5 keeping a clear conscience Job 27:6 CAUSES FOR FEELING GOD IS UNFAIR Job s perspective of life was thoroughly saturated with physical, mental and emotional pain. He could not peer behind the scenes. Feeling robbed of joy, he saw death as the better option. Did Job see God as fair? A. Surface Causes Like Job, you may experience... Damage to your reputation His wife and friends maligned him. Death of your loved one(s) His many children died tragically. Deceitfulness of companions His friends feigned friendship. Destruction of your property His property was destroyed.

6 Deterioration of your physical body His body was consumed. Disappearance of your possessions His belongings were carried off. Disappointment of your dreams His future was ruined. Dissipation of your finances His financial empire collapsed. Dissolution of your partnership His business/workers died. Divorce by your mate His wife deserted him emotionally. B. Root Cause Wrong Belief: It s not fair for God to allow good people to suffer. Right Belief: God may allow suffering to fall upon certain people, but He does so only for a greater good in this life and in eternity. Rom 8:28 What is the ultimate purpose behind suffering? God s purpose is to conform us to the image of Christ in all we do and say. Rom 8:29 STEPS TO SOLUTIONS After Job passed through the first three stages of grief, he then entered the fourth stage known as acceptance. He saw beyond his circumstances and grasped a new vision and insight into the fairness of God. In Job 42:5-6, he states, My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes. Sometime later, Job enters a stage of grief known as resolution. (Read Job 42:7-17.) Instead of questioning the fairness of God by asking why good people suffer, he spent the rest of his life attesting to the reasons behind why good people worship. A. Key Verse to Memorize Deut 32:4 B. Key Passage to Read and Reread Ps 103 C. Key Questions and Answers Question:

7 If God were totally just, wouldn t my life be much better? Answer: Question: If God were totally just, giving you what you deserved, you would be without hope. Ezek 18:4 Why do people have to go through suffering in this life? Answer: Through the spiritual death of Adam and Eve, all people have inherited a sin nature. As a result, we are spiritually dead in God s eyes, standing in need of spiritual life. Suffering is the by-product of both our sin and our sin nature. Ps 51:5 Question: If life is full of suffering and then you die, what is the purpose of living at all? It seems so unfair! Answer: Question: Fortunately, God is not only just, He is also merciful and displays immense patience in order to give us abundant time and opportunity to turn from our rebellious or apathetic ways. However, the unrepentant will permanently perish and be assigned to live in eternal hell where suffering never ends. On the other hand, the repentant rely on God s provision for man s sin. This provision is Jesus Christ, the sinless One who paid the penalty for your sins by dying as your substitute on the cross. 2 Peter 3:9 What is required of me in order to know God s forgiveness and to escape eternal suffering in hell? Answer: By trusting in Christ as your Savior and Lord, you are not required to pay the penalty for your own sins. Christ Himself has paid it and completely satisfied the requirements of a just and holy God. Your only requirement is to rely solely on Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Eph 2:8-9 D. God s Sovereignty The word sovereignty means supreme power and freedom from external control. These definitions describe God perfectly because no higher power exists, and He is certainly free from other controlling

8 describe God perfectly because no higher power exists, and He is certainly free from other controlling influences. Dan 2:21 Sovereignty Seek God in prayer for discernment in your circumstances. Lord God, how I need Your wisdom, Your discernment, Your understanding. James 5:13 Ps 34:4 Open your heart to God with complete honesty about your feelings. I am so confused my emotions go up one minute, down the next. Ps 55:22 Verify your belief in God s love for you. Thank You that You love me, no matter what. Lam 3:32 Expect God to change your life through the truth He reveals to you. Thank You that through this trial, You will change me. Ps 119:67 Ps 119:71 Realize that God is all-powerful and sovereign over your circumstances. I realize that all power is in Your hands. Pilate said, John 19:10 Jesus answered, John 19:11 Expect God to work all things together for your good. I realize that You will use all situations, even bad ones, to bring good into my life. Rom 8:28 Invest time in studying Scripture and in prayer. I want to immerse myself in Your Word and in Your truths. Ps 119:15-16

9 Gain an eternal perspective of God s purposes for your present pain. I want to see beyond this situation. John 9:3 (Also read 2 Cor 4:16-18.) Never allow bitterness to grow in your heart. I refuse to be resentful, but choose to rejoice in my relationship with You. Hab 3:17-18 Turn to the indwelling Christ, who provides you with His power for victory. Thank You that I can rely on Christ within me to live His life through me. 1 Peter 5:10 2 Peter 1:3 Yield to God s sovereignty. You may never understand or have any answers for your suffering. Isa 55:8 I don t have to have all the answers, but I can know the God who does. I yield myself to Your sovereign control. 1 Cor 13:12 Deut 32:4 Prov 18:10 LEARNING THE FULLNESS OF GOD THROUGH HIS NAMES Although you may not see the exact designation of these names in Scripture, where there is a reference to God, the name is found in the original Hebrew. The more you learn of the fullness of God through His names, the more confidence you will have in His watch care over you. 12 Adonai Lord, Master (Ps 97:5) Elohim Creator (Gen 1:1,26) El Shaddai God Almighty (Gen 17:1-8) El Elyon The Most High God (Dan 4:34-35) Jehovah The Self-existent One (Ex 3:13-14) Jehovah-Jireh The Lord my Provider (Gen 22:14) Jehovah-Nissi The Lord my Banner (Ex 17:15) Jehovah-Shalom The Lord my Peace (Jer 29:11)

10 Jehovah-Tsidkenu The Lord my Righteousness (Jer 23:6) Jehovah-Raah The Lord my Shepherd (Ps 23:1) Jehovah-Rapha The Lord my Healer (Ex 15:26) Jehovah-Meqaddeshkem The Lord that Sanctifies (Ex 31:13) Jehovah-Shammah The Lord is There (Ezek 48:35) Jehovah-Tsabaoth The Lord of Hosts (1 Sam 1:3) Jehovah-Elyon The Lord Most High (Gen 14:20) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS If God is really a forgiving God, why doesn t He just forgive everybody? God offers to forgive everyone but not everyone is willing to receive His offer of forgiveness. In every civilization justice requires that a penalty must be paid for doing what is wrong. God clearly states that the penalty for our wrong is separation from Him (Rom 6:23). Jesus paid this penalty by dying on the cross for our sins. All who place their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ receive full forgiveness of their sins. 1 John 1:9 If God is a loving God, why doesn t He hear my prayers and answer them? God is not deaf He hears all our prayers. In fact, because He knows everything, He knows our requests even before we ask. And He answers sometimes with yes, sometimes with no, and sometimes with wait. The Bible says that in the end the righteous are delivered from all their troubles. Ps 34:17-19 Since my life is in such a mess, could God be punishing me for something? If you are a Christian, He may be disciplining you. If you are not a Christian, He may be using circumstances to demonstrate your need for Him. Both Christians and non-christians experience the consequences for poor choices. (Read Heb 12:5-11.) Gal 6:7 Why do Christians sometimes suffer for doing good? The Lord Jesus Christ suffered for doing good. As His followers, there will be times when we also will experience suffering for doing good. (Read 1 Peter 2:1-20.) James 1:2-3 Wouldn t a fair God give people a second chance to believe in Him after death? God gives people many chances to believe in Him in this physical life. To be totally fair, He plainly communicated His plan in the Bible. He even states that if you reject Him while on earth, there are no second chances in the next life.

11 Heb 9:27 Why doesn t God heal all those who ask for healing? Being a Christian does not prevent one s body from succumbing to illness and disease. In our lives God desires to be glorified. Sometimes this occurs in healing, or sometimes God uses a particular infirmity to glorify Himself. 2 Cor 12:9 Why does God allow terrible diseases such as cancer and AIDS? We are all destined to die we just don t know when or how. All sickness and disease are a result of original sin in this world. Some illnesses and diseases are worse than others. Job 14:5 Why do some of my friends and relatives have more material possessions than I have? God is more interested in who you are than in what you own. He promises to meet your needs, not your wants. You are to be content with what you have, without coveting your neighbor s possessions. (Read Ex 20:17; Rom 7:7; Phil 4:11.) Heb 13:5 Are all the physical deformities and birth defects a result of a parent s sin? No. God intends to use these circumstances to glorify Himself. (Read John 9:1-11.) John 9:2-3 Why do some people die at an early age while others live to be over one hundred years old? Each of us is allocated a certain number of days to live on this earth. Some are given longer life spans than others. (Read Ps 90:10.) Ps 139:16 Why are some saved and others lost? God s desire is that everyone come to salvation through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet God will not force Himself on those who reject His free gift of eternal life. Jer 29:13 Would God send someone to hell who never heard of Jesus Christ? All human beings receive some light from God. If they do not respond to the natural revelation or creation, their hearts may be darkened, and they would not be receptive to more light. If they respond to general/natural revelation or creation, He will amplify revelation of Himself. Light rejected brings darkness and judgment. Light received brings the promise of more light. (Read Ps 9:10; 19:1-6; Jer 29:13; Luke 12:47-48; John 3:19-20; Rom 1:18-20; 10:14-15.) 1 Chron 28:9 Why does God give some couples better marriages than others? There are a multitude of reasons for some marriages being better than others. Some people experience

12 difficult marriages because they selected unbelievers as mates. Everyone has the potential for a good marriage if each party follows Biblical principles. (Read Eph 5:22-30; Col 3:18-21.) 2 Cor 6:14 NOTES 1. Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary (2001); 2. James Strong, Strong s Greek Lexicon (electronic edition; Online Bible Millennium Edition v. 1.) (Timnathserah Inc., July 6, 2002). 3. See Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary. 4. For this section see Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary. 5. Strong, Strong s Greek Lexicon. 6. W. E. Vine, Vine s Complete Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, electronic ed. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1996). 7. Strong, Strong s Greek Lexicon. 8. Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary. 9. For this section see Peter Kreeft and Ronald K. Tacelli, Handbook of Christian Apologetics (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1994), Joel A. Freeman, God Is Not Fair (San Bernardino, CA: Here s Life, 1987), For the stages of grief see Gregg R. Albers, Counseling the Sick and Terminally Ill, Resources for Christian Counseling, ed. Gary R. Collins, vol. 20 (Dallas: Word, 1989), For this section see Nathan Stone, Names of God in the Old Testament (Chicago: Moody, 1944). SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY Albers, Gregg R. Counseling the Sick and Terminally Ill. Resources for Christian Counseling, ed. Gary R. Collins, vol. 20. Dallas: Word, Dobson, James C. When God Doesn t Make Sense. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, Freeman, Joel A. God Is Not Fair. San Bernardino, CA: Here s Life, Hunt, June. Caring for a Loved One with Cancer. Dallas: Hope For The Heart, Hunt, June. Healing the Hurting Heart: Answers to Real Letters from Real People. Dallas: Hope For The Heart, Hunt, June. Seeing Yourself Through God s Eyes. Dallas: Hope For The Heart, Kreeft, Peter, and Ronald K. Tacelli. Handbook of Christian Apologetics. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, Stone, Nathan. Names of God in the Old Testament. Chicago: Moody, Tada, Joni Eareckson, and Steven Estes. When God Weeps: Why Our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997.

13 Wiersbe, Warren W. When Life Falls Apart. Grand Rapids: Spire, (from Hope For The Heart Biblical Counseling Keys 2005 by Hope For The Heart. All rights reserved.)