Sometimes it can appear as though things are out of control. The world often seems to be in a state of chaos, without hope and without God. When people get fixated on current events, wars, rumors of wars, the effects of the virus, and things of that nature, fear can creep in – and faith is lost. Humanity is challenged when it comes to Paul’s command to, “…look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18). Seeing what is in front of the face is easy; it does not take spiritual eyes to see such things. However, fixing one’s gaze on that which cannot be seen with the physical eyes takes the Spirit of God.
It is on this matter that much focus should be given to the greatness of God over and against the sin of the world. God allows sin to remain. There are reasons as to why this is so that are given in Scripture, but ultimately there is knowledge about this matter that rests in the heart of God and cannot be known by frail humanity. Only God knows the day and the hour of Christ’s return. Only God knows when He will make an end to sin once and for all. Only God knows when that awesome day will come in which pain and suffering will cease and tears will be wiped from the believers’ eyes.
Try as people may, the moment of Christ’s return has yet to be predicted. In the wisdom of God, it would be of no surprise if not one person on the face of the earth can guess the day. God is altogether unique and supreme and has not chosen to reveal this to man.
But one thing is for sure: sin still remains. Suffering, affliction, and pain still reside in the earth. With all of this being so, it can be hard for some to believe that God exists. The most popular argument against the existence of God is the argument that, if God is good (which He is), why is there so much suffering and evil in the world? It is really not that hard of a question to answer. The conclusion of the question actually requires God.
The answer is that if God did not exist, there would be no objective basis for “evil.” It would simply be one man’s opinion against another in an attempt to determine what is evil. But if one would dare to say that there is such a thing as objective evil, then he must recognize the existence of a moral law that supersedes man. If, in fact, there is a moral law that supersedes man (which there is), then there must be a moral lawgiver. To assume that a moral law can exist without a moral lawgiver is ridiculous. However, it is on this point that many part ways, and the people who choose to live without God remain in their foolish state.
Sometimes people like to try and get God off the hook on this one. They try to find ways to excuse God even though suffering and evil exist. But it does not seem as though God wants to be let off the hook either. The Bible makes it clear that both God and evil exist at the same time. God knows it, but at the same time God does allow it. This next point is hard for many to grasp. God actually uses evil to fulfill His purposes and plan. This does not mean that God makes people sin, nor does God tempt people to sin. It also does not mean that evil is good and that good is evil, but rather that God uses evil to promote good. This is the plain reading of Scripture. Somehow and some way, beyond the comprehension of man, God is able to use the sinful acts of humanity, the wickedness, and the evil in the world to fulfill His good purposes.
If this is difficult to understand, take a look at Acts 2:22-24.
The work of Christ
In Acts 2:22-24, there is much work that is on display that this article will attempt to break down. Scripture says, “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you…” (Acts 2:22). Herein is a display of the work of Christ on earth. Christ was a miracle-working man among the people. He gave sight to the blind, made the deaf hear, caused the mute to speak, enabled the lame to walk, raised the dead, and cast out demons. He truly was the Messiah.
The work of the Father
But then we see the work of the Father. Scripture says, “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God…” (Acts 2:23). This portion of Scripture tells us that the crucifixion of Christ was the firmly fixed and predetermined plan of God. Therefore, it would indeed take place; there was no way around it. God, in His wisdom, decided to crucify His Son for the sake of lost humanity and for His own glory.
The work of man
But then the Scripture makes a startling claim. It almost appears contradictory. However, there is a paradox that lies within that man must take at face value. He will not be able to grasp the ways in which this can be so. He must simply say, “It is what the Scripture says, and therefore, I believe.” After it is recorded that the Father determined to crucify the Son, the Bible says how it took place: “…ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain” (Acts 2:23). God used the wickedness of man in the death of His Son.
It may be hard to believe, but, in actuality, it makes sense. It is also seen throughout Scripture. When Saul killed Stephen in the book of Acts, this was a wicked act that he committed. However, this caused the people to spread out after that point, and the church grew rapidly as a result. When Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, Joseph’s testimony at the end of the book of Genesis is, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good…” (Ex. 50:20). Time will not permit a thorough study on this particular subject, but how many Scriptures must the Christian demand to believe that God works in this way?
The problem is not that the facts are not there in plain sight, but rather that God’s using evil is an emotional subject.
The work of redemption
God has big plans for the Christian. God has plans of redemption and new life. If anyone simply settles for a belief that God somehow exists alongside sin, his theology is going to be inadequate. After Scripture mentions Christ’s being crucified through the hands of wicked men, it goes on to say, “Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it” (Acts 2:24). You see, God was involved from beginning to end. God used the sin of the world to bring Christ to the cross and the grave. But the Father did not stop there. He raised Christ and seated Him in the heavenly places.
Suffering and pain exist. It is a scary thought to believe that God is not somehow involved in the midst of it. Imagine a God that detached himself from you in the midst of your trials. The God of the Bible is able to use each and every trial, the sin going on around you, and the pain that you face to bring you to the cross like Jesus. The Christian must meet the cross if he would be like His Savior. But make sure you notice the plan of God. It is not the grave that God has His sights set on; it is the resurrected life in which God seats us with His Son, Jesus Christ.
Final prayer
Father, I thank You that You are working in the midst of all my problems. You care for me and know better than I do what I need in my life to become more like Jesus. Open my eyes and help me to see like You do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.