Why Does God Allow Evil?
September 11, 2001, was a clear day across the eastern United States—until terrorists hijacked four passenger planes, killing nearly 3,000 people in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.
President George W. Bush addressed the nation that evening and said, “Today, our nation saw evil.”
Why did God allow such evil to take place on that beautiful Tuesday? You may be asking a similar question today.
In 2001, millions of Americans were struggling with despair, anger and fear. These feelings are not unique to the 9/11 attacks because we continue to experience tragedy every year whether it’s terrorism, natural disaster or personal harm. We all wonder why bad people and evil powers are allowed to continue on.
Yet, God is all-knowing and understands how we feel. He can be trusted with our emotions and struggles even when we’re surrounded by darkness.
What can we learn from these moments?
- God did not create evil. The Lord is a God of love, mercy and compassion—especially during vile moments. The Bible says anyone “who practices sin belongs to the evil one, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning” (1 John 3:8, ISV). The devil was the first occurrence of evil.
- There is a mystery about evil. The Bible describes it as “the mystery of iniquity” in 2 Thessalonians 2:7. Merriam-Webster defines iniquity as gross injustice and wickedness. We can’t know everything about evil, but it continues and can’t be dismissed.
- Tragedy shows our need for one another. Catastrophe and hardships are opportunities to share each other’s burdens. We cannot go through this life alone. God promises never to abandon us. He cares so much that He wants to surround us with people who can share our struggles and encourage us along the way.
Evil exists and tragedies happen far too often. Yet the Bible tells us that God has provided a solution to evil. Though evil persists, one day it will come to end. When that happens, those who are God’s children—His people—will live with Him forever without evil.
No tears. No tragedies. No injustice.
There is only one way to find freedom from evil, one way to become one of God’s children.
Step 1 – God’s Purpose: Peace and Life
The Bible says:
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
"I [Jesus] came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Sin Separates Us
The Bible says:
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Remedy: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God."
1 Peter 3:18
"But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me."
Revelation 3:20
"But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 10:9
Here is how you can receive Christ:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner.)
- Be willing to turn from your sins (repent) and ask for God's forgiveness.
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I want to turn from my sins, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I want Him to come into my heart and to take control of my life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward. In Jesus' Name, amen."
Did you pray this prayer?
