The Problem of Evil, Predestination, and the Reality of Free Will

Wrestling with the Existence of Evil

One of the most challenging and frequently asked questions in theology, philosophy, and religion is this: “Why does God allow bad things to happen in the world?” This question arises in response to the suffering, injustice, and evil that seem to permeate human existence. Wars, diseases, natural disasters, and personal tragedies often cause people to doubt God’s goodness or question whether He is actively involved in the world.

The problem of evil is one that has been addressed by countless theologians, philosophers, and scholars throughout history. It raises profound questions about the nature of God, human free will, and the moral order of the universe. Many wrestle with the notion of how a benevolent and all-powerful God could allow such suffering to exist. 

This question becomes deeply personal and heart-wrenching when it involves the suffering of innocent people, such as a child battling cancer. How could a loving God allow something so devastating to happen to someone so vulnerable? From a biblical perspective, the answer lies not in God’s lack of goodness or power, but in the reality that we do not live in the perfect world that God originally intended. 

The Bible teaches that when God created the world, it was good, indeed, it was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Creation reflected God’s perfect will, with no death, suffering, or pain. Human beings, created in the image of God, were meant to live in harmony with Him and with each other in a world unmarred by corruption. However, this harmony was broken by the entrance of **sin** into the world. When Adam and Eve chose to disobey God (Genesis 3), sin entered the human condition, bringing with it the consequences of suffering, evil, and death. This pivotal moment is known as “the Fall,” and it radically altered the nature of the world. As a result, we now live in a fallen world, a world that is corrupted and far from the perfect creation God originally intended.

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The Corruption of Creation

Romans 8:20-22 gives insight into the impact of the Fall on the world: “For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.” 

This passage suggests that all of creation has been affected by sin. It is not just human relationships that have been broken, but the entire natural order. This corruption is why we see things like natural disasters, diseases such as cancer, and other forms of suffering in the world.

God did not create evil, nor does He delight in suffering. But as part of His gift of free will, humanity was given the freedom to choose obedience or rebellion. The consequences of that rebellion, sin and its effects, have permeated the world. We are now living in a world that is not as God originally intended, but one that is groaning under the weight of sin and awaiting redemption. The suffering we see, such as a child with cancer, is a tragic result of the world’s fallen state, not a reflection of God’s character or original design for humanity.

God’s Presence in Suffering

While the presence of suffering in the world is tied to the corruption brought by sin, the Bible also teaches that God has not abandoned His creation. Rather than leaving the world to spiral into chaos, God actively works within it to bring about redemption. In the face of suffering, including something as incomprehensible as childhood cancer, God’s presence is not absent. He is deeply involved, offering comfort, strength, and ultimately, a plan for restoration.

Jesus Himself offers the ultimate example of God’s involvement in human suffering. In John 11:35, when Jesus saw the grief of Mary and Martha over the death of their brother Lazarus, He wept. God is not indifferent to human suffering; He is compassionate and shares in our pain. But beyond just sharing in our pain, God’s response to suffering is redemptive. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God entered into the brokenness of the world and provided a way for ultimate healing and victory over death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).

This does not mean that every earthly suffering, like a child’s illness, will be resolved in the way we hope in the short term. In many cases, suffering is a mystery we may not fully understand. However, the Bible assures us that God has a greater plan, one that includes the eventual restoration of all things. Revelation 21:4 paints a picture of the future world that God intends, where “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” This is the world God desires for His creation, a world free from the corruption of sin.

Free Will, Love, and Suffering

The existence of free will is often central to the discussion of why God allows evil and suffering. Love, by its very nature, requires freedom. If human beings were not free to choose, they could not truly love God or one another. Genuine love requires the possibility of rejection or disobedience, and with that possibility comes the potential for sin and its consequences.

God’s granting of free will to humanity is an expression of His desire for a relationship based on love, not coercion. Unfortunately, the misuse of this freedom has led to suffering, both through moral evil (actions that cause harm) and natural evil (suffering that arises from the fallen state of the world). While free will allows for the existence of evil, it also allows for the potential of great good: acts of love, sacrifice, and compassion that reflect God’s character.

Hope in the Midst of Suffering

For those who trust in God, suffering, while painful, is never meaningless. The Bible teaches that God can bring good even out of the worst circumstances. Romans 8:28 states, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” While this does not mean that every individual suffering will be resolved in the way we desire, it does mean that God is at work, even in the midst of pain, to bring about His good purposes.

In the specific case of a child suffering from cancer, believers hold to the promise that God is present with the child and the family, offering comfort and strength. Although we may not always understand why such suffering occurs, Christians find hope in the knowledge that this life is not all there is. God promises eternal life and healing for those who trust in Him, and in eternity, the pain and suffering of this world will be no more.

We live in a world that is not as God intended. The suffering we see, such as a child’s battle with cancer, is a result of living in a fallen, corrupted world marred by sin. But the Bible assures us that God is neither distant nor indifferent to our pain. He entered into human suffering through Jesus Christ, and He promises the eventual restoration of all things. 

God’s plan for the world is one of redemption, where evil, pain, and suffering will ultimately be eradicated, and creation will be restored to its original goodness. Until that time, Christians are called to trust in God’s sovereignty, seek His presence in the midst of suffering, and hold fast to the hope of eternal life where every tear will be wiped away.

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At the same time, another complex theological question arises alongside the problem of evil: Does God predestine some people to heaven or hell? If God is sovereign, do we genuinely have free will, or is everything, including our eternal destination, already predetermined? Is free will, in fact, an illusion?

In this chapter, we will explore these challenging questions and attempt to navigate the idea that God “allows” bad things to happen. We will also examine the interplay between predestination and free will, exploring how both concepts can coexist in the Christian understanding of salvation and human choice.

Understanding the Problem of Evil: Misconceptions and Biblical Wisdom

At the heart of the question, “Why does God allow bad things to happen?” is often a misunderstanding of both God’s nature and the world we inhabit. It’s easy to assume that a loving God would never permit pain or suffering to exist, and therefore, when bad things do happen, it must mean that God is either absent, indifferent, or cruel. This is an incorrect assumption, but it is understandable from a human perspective, especially when we are experiencing suffering or witnessing injustice.

However, the Bible offers a more nuanced view of the world, one that acknowledges the reality of suffering while also affirming God’s goodness and sovereignty. First, it’s important to recognize that the world we live in is not the world as God originally intended. In Genesis, we read that God created the world “very good” (Genesis 1:31), but sin entered the world through human disobedience (Genesis 3). This original sin fractured the harmony of creation, bringing death, suffering, and brokenness into the world.

The question of why God allows evil to persist is, therefore, tied to the reality of human free will and the consequences of sin. God gave humanity the ability to choose, and with that choice came the potential for both good and evil. When Adam and Eve chose to disobey God, they unleashed the ripple effects of sin throughout creation. As Romans 5:12 explains, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.”

In this sense, God is not the author of evil, but He permits it as a consequence of human freedom. This leads to a deeper question: Why does God allow free will if it leads to suffering? The answer lies in the nature of love. Genuine love requires freedom. If God had created humans as robots, programmed to only do good, there would be no meaningful relationship between God and humanity. Love, by its very nature, must be freely chosen. God’s desire for a loving relationship with His creation is so profound that He was willing to take the risk of human disobedience.

Navigating Suffering: God’s Sovereignty and Human Perspective

While we may understand the theological framework that allows for the existence of evil and suffering, this does not make it any easier to endure. From a human perspective, suffering often feels unjust, purposeless, and cruel. However, the Christian faith offers a different lens through which to view suffering.

First, the Bible teaches that God is not indifferent to human suffering. In fact, He entered into it through the person of Jesus Christ. The crucifixion of Jesus stands as the ultimate symbol of God’s willingness to suffer alongside humanity. As Isaiah 53:4-5 prophetically states, “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering… he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Jesus’ suffering on the cross was not only a redemptive act but also a profound expression of God’s solidarity with those who suffer.

Second, while we may not always understand why specific instances of suffering occur, the Bible affirms that God can bring good out of even the darkest situations. Romans 8:28 assures us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” This does not mean that suffering itself is good, but that God, in His infinite wisdom, can redeem and transform it into something meaningful and purposeful.

Moreover, suffering is often a crucible for spiritual growth. Trials and hardships can deepen our faith, refine our character, and draw us closer to God. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to “consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Predestination and Free Will: Are We Truly Free?

Another challenging theological question that often arises in the context of salvation is the concept of predestination. The idea that God has already determined who will be saved and who will be damned can seem to contradict the notion of free will. How can we be free if our eternal destiny is already decided? Does this mean that some people are predestined for heaven and others for hell?

The Bible does speak of predestination in several passages. Ephesians 1:4-5, for example, says, “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love, He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will.” Similarly, Romans 8:29-30 states, “For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.”

These passages seem to suggest that God’s will for our salvation is already established, but they must be understood within the broader context of Scripture, which also affirms human responsibility and the freedom to choose God. Throughout the Bible, God consistently calls people to repentance, to make moral choices, and to follow Him. For example, Joshua 24:15 presents a clear invitation to make a choice: “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

So how do we reconcile these two seemingly contradictory ideas: God’s sovereignty and human free will? One helpful way to think about this is to recognize that God’s foreknowledge and predestination do not negate human freedom. From God’s perspective, outside of time and space, He knows all that will happen, including who will choose to follow Him. This knowledge does not force or compel those choices, it simply reflects the fact that God, being all-knowing, is aware of the choices that will be made. In this sense, God’s foreknowledge and human free will coexist harmoniously. We are truly free to choose God, yet God, in His infinite wisdom, already knows the outcome.

Is Free Will an Illusion?

Given the tension between predestination and free will, some may wonder: Is free will an illusion? The short answer is no, free will is real, and it plays a crucial role in our relationship with God and our salvation.

Free will is a reflection of God’s image within us. Genesis 1:27 teaches that we are made in the image of God, which includes the ability to make meaningful choices. This is part of what it means to be human. God does not force us into a relationship with Him, nor does He predetermine every detail of our lives. Instead, He invites us to choose Him freely, to respond to His grace, and to participate in His redemptive plan.

However, while we have free will, it is important to recognize that our freedom is not absolute. Our will is influenced by many factors, including our sinful nature, our environment, and the spiritual forces at work in the world. Sin can distort our choices, making it difficult for us to freely choose the good. This is why salvation is ultimately an act of God’s grace. As Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Living in the Tension of Mystery

The questions of why God allows suffering, how predestination works, and whether free will is real are some of the most profound and challenging issues in theology. While we may never fully understand the mysteries of God’s sovereignty, we are invited to trust in His goodness, wisdom, and love. The problem of evil, the reality of human freedom, and the concept of predestination all point to the complexity of the divine plan, a plan that is far beyond human comprehension but ultimately aimed at the redemption of the world.

As we navigate these difficult questions, we must remember that our relationship with God is not based on having all the answers but on faith, trust, and love. We live in the tension between what we know and what we do not know, confident that God is working all things together for good and that He has given us the freedom to choose life in Him.

In the end, the mystery of God’s plan is an invitation to humility and awe. We cannot fully grasp the mind of God, nor can we comprehend the entirety of His wisdom. As finite beings, we stand before the infinite, acknowledging that our understanding will always be partial. Yet, this does not leave us in despair; rather, it calls us to trust deeply in the One who sees all, knows all, and holds all things together.

We live in a world where suffering and evil exist, but these realities do not negate the goodness or sovereignty of God. Instead, they remind us of the complexity of the human experience and the deep significance of free will. While God’s plan may include elements of predestination, it also upholds the freedom that He has graciously given to us, the freedom to love Him, to choose Him, and to follow Him.

At its core, faith in God is not about solving all the mysteries of life or gaining complete understanding. It is about entering into a relationship with the Creator who knows us intimately, loves us unconditionally, and works all things for the good of those who trust in Him. This journey requires us to hold tension between free will and divine sovereignty, between suffering and redemption, between present pain and future hope.

As we continue to grow in faith, we can rest in the knowledge that God’s purposes are good and that His plan, though often hidden, is unfolding in ways we cannot yet see. In the midst of our questions, doubts, and struggles, we are called to trust Him. The ultimate destination is not simply an intellectual resolution but a life transformed by God’s love, a life lived in the mystery and beauty of faith.

Conclusion: Trusting in the Mystery

The Christian life calls us to live with open hands, acknowledging the mystery, embracing the unknown, and trusting in God’s sovereignty even when we cannot see the full picture. It is not about having all the answers but about being held by the One who does. We are not passive players in a pre-written script, but active participants in a divine story where our choices matter, and God’s grace abounds.

As we move forward in this journey of faith, we may not always understand why certain things happen or how God’s plan is working. Yet, we can be confident in this: that God is good, that He loves us deeply, and that His purposes are for our ultimate good. Our free will is not an illusion, but a gift, a gift that allows us to participate in the unfolding of God’s redemptive work in the world.

In the end, the mystery of God’s plan invites us not into confusion, but into wonder. It calls us to trust that, in God’s perfect timing, all things will be made clear, and the veil of mystery will be lifted. Until then, we walk by faith, not by sight, trusting that the One who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6).