Does the Bible explain or clarify that matter, or in some way make it understandable?
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Many people wonder and ask, why does God not stop the horrors and evils this world
is filled with? Some might say, "Is he not almighty, and in control of things?"
That, of course, leads to the question, why is that this world is filled with wars,
poverty, sickness, deception, and other evils of all kinds? Why is there untimely
death, disease and ailments, accidents, hunger, poverty, children without parents,
people without homes? Why are there wicked rulers who send people to war against
each other? Earthquakes, volcano eruptions, lightnings, floodings, horrible storms?
Why are there poisonous plants, violent and deadly animals, viruses, dangerous bacteria
and parasites? In short: Why does God allow evil, sickness, pain, war and suffering?
Indeed, why does the loving God not see to it that there is no pain and that people
do not have to suffer? Does the Bible explain or clarify that matter, or in some
way make it understandable?
Those are questions that demand answers. This is an especially important matter, because there are those who use the fact that there is much suffering here on Earth, for trying to make people believe that God does not exist. But, those who are wise, will not allow themselves to be fooled but will take a closer look at the matter.
This essay contains a study on that subject and considers such questions such as, what does the Bible really have to say on why there is evil and suffering? What is the biblical answer to that question? What can we learn about this, in Scripture? Even though the Bible does not explicitly spell out these things, we can nevertheless learn much in that Book regarding this matter. That makes the whole thing a bit more understandable.
That is one of the main reasons for all the evils here on Earth. Today, this planet is still under the control of wicked spirit rebels and their fleshly cronies. Even though the Bible does not explain or spell out this matter in detail, this is easy for anyone to see even by just looking at what is happening in the world. And, there are a number of biblical leads and clues and other small things, that can this matter a bit more understandable.
For many people, these things can be hard to comprehend, because they have been caused to think that the control of this world (planet) supposedly lies in the hands of the true God in Heaven, and that the earthly rulers and governments supposedly are "appointed by God" and "continually in his service". Some people have even been caused to think that this planet is "God's Kingdom", or a part of it. Even bible-translations have been written in ways that give seeming support to such claims. But, those claims are not true. As things are now, this world is still run and controlled by wicked spirit rebels and their fleshly cronies, in a much more literal and tangible way than most people can even imagine.
This matter might seem a bit confusing. Because, on the one hand, we read:
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (KJV-1769)
But then, on the other hand, we read such things as this:
Hebrews 2:8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. (KJV-1769)
"Not yet". And, there are many other passages that make it clear that it Satan and other spirit rebels would control this planet, all the way to the time when Jesus comes and takes the practical control of this planet. It was not for nothing that Paul called Satan "the ruler of this age" (2 Corinthians 4:4).
So, the power that Matthew 28:18 refers to, obviously was on the "legal", "juridical" level. Jesus had been given the right to the rule of this world. But, the practical taking of that power into use, has not taken place yet. In other words: This is not God's world. Jesus is not reigning here yet; wicked spirit rebels are. The Bible makes it clear that it is only after the seventh angel has sounded his trumpet (Revelation 11:15), that "the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever". That has not happened yet. That is why this world still is in a miserable state at this present time.
Again: It is only when Jesus returns in power, and captures those rebels and destroys them, that mankind and this world will be freed from wickedness and evil and suffering. When Jesus comes, he will bring even this planet within God's Reign. (That Reign – some use the word "kingdom" – is based in Heaven, and obviously, it rules the entire universe including the heavenly sphere, and who knows what more. But our planet is in rebel hands. Because of that, it is not a part of God's Reign at this moment.
The Bible has a lot to say regarding how, after Jesus returns in power, things will be different. Even the wild animals will become tame, and sicknesses, wickedness and sorrows will not be found any more. Study the Bible and see what it has to say about this; it tells many things about those coming, happy times.
The essay eo01b.htm has more on the Reign of God; the essay ew02c.htm has more on this worlds' present rulers.
There are many churches and preachers with false, deceiving "gospels", where people are caused to think that if they just belong to a church or follow a preacher, and "put God first", their sorrows will vanish and they will right away be granted wealth and health and happiness. That is nonsense and a wicked deception, because this world is full of dangers, sorrows and wickedness, and one cannot escape those things as long as one lives in this world.
Jesus did not promise his disciples protection from such evils. The opposite, rather: He said to them, "In the world, you face persecution" (John 16:33). We know the reason for that: The wicked spirit rebels who in this age control this planet, hate the true God in Heaven and his son Jesus and those who turn to them. Jesus, his apostles and others who proclaimed the true Good Message, were persecuted, treated violently and killed: First John the Baptist, then Jesus, at least some of the apostles, Stephen, and after that many, many others.
Also in the "end time", when the true Good Message will once again be proclaimed (most probably by the two witnesses who are mentioned in Revelation 11), there will be a horrible time with intense persecution of those who turn to the true God and his son Jesus. Many people may not understand this, because churches and preachers have given them a twisted picture of what and how that still coming time of great tribulation really will be. The Bible shows that it will be a time of intense persecution of people who turn to God. Many of them will be killed. So, there are still more evils to come.
The essay et04c.htm has more on the coming great persecution. The essay et01e.htm has more on the two witnesses.
A note: Some have claimed that if one just "seeks the kingdom of God first", then one will be granted all one's needs. That is based on a misunderstanding of Matthew 6:33. But, that is not so. Jesus was talking about something else. The essay eo10d.htm has more on Matthew 6:33 and the words "seek you first".
Jesus spoke a parable regarding "tares" (darnel, zizania, a poisonous plant which looks like wheat).
Matthew 13:24 Another simile he set before them, saying: 'The reign of the heavens was likened to a man sowing good seed in his field, 25 and, while men are sleeping, his enemy came and sowed darnel in the midst of the wheat, and went away, 26 and when the herb sprang up, and yielded fruit, then appeared also the darnel. 27 'And the servants of the householder, having come near, said to him, Sir, good seed didst thou not sow in thy field? whence then hath it the darnel? 28 And he saith to them, A man, an enemy, did this; and the servants said to him, Wilt thou, then, that having gone away we may gather it up? 29 'And he said, No, lest—gathering up the darnel—ye root up with it the wheat, 30 suffer both to grow together till the harvest, and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather up first the darnel, and bind it in bundles, to burn it, and the wheat gather up into my storehouse.' (YLT)
Jesus did not speak those words, just for moving air around. He was explaining something of importance, yet in a way that most would not understand. He used a parable. That parable tells us that the Enemy sowed his seed, among humans. Many churches and preachers want people to think that that "darnel" merely symbolised normal humans, men who have a "wrong kind of faith" or whatever, or men who do not "faithfully follow" some particular church or preacher but leave them or ask questions. Or, something similar.
But, Jesus was not talking about churches or preachers. No, that "darnel" is a literal seed (well, with a spirit part to it), just as the seed of humans is real and literal. In clearer words: The Enemy placed his own here on Earth, among humans. That is what Jesus was talking about in that parable. That seed has not vanished; it reproduces itself just as humans reproduce themselves. That seed is poisonous and causes evil, just as the seeds of the literal darnel plant are poisonous. That wicked seed is another major factor, regarding why there is so much evil here on Earth. The essay ew11c.htm has more on that subject.
God did not create humans as automatons or robots. He created them as beings with a free will. And, since this planet is still in the hands of wicked spirit rebels and their fleshly cronies, and as the Enemy's seed is still around, humans are deceived, enslaved and caused to do harm to themselves and to each other. And, through deception and other wicked ways, humans are kept away from the true God who is in Heaven, and from the true Jesus.
What mankind needs is the guidance and presence of the true God and the true Jesus, through the true Holy Spirit dwelling in humans. Now, virtually all churches and preachers claim that their members or followers have the Holy Spirit. There are some churches who admit that the world at large does not have the Holy Spirit – but claim that their own members supposedly have it. Actually, most "Christians" are convinced that they have it. But, one must take a hard and honest look at how things really are: Are there any signs of the Holy Spirit to be seen in this world, or in some church? Are there any true signs, manifestations or fruit of the Holy Spirit (signs of the kind that are described in the Bible)?
For many people this is one of the hardest things, both to face and to come to grips with. But, the facts are that at this time, people here on Earth do not have the Holy Spirit. That is why humans are so easily deceived, misled and caused to be evil, and to do evil to each other. The Enemy's seed has an easy time with spreading their wickedness.
The saints (people of the apostles' day) received the Holy Spirit. They were the "first-fruits" in God's "harvest work". In the "end time", there is going to be another "harvest", another period of pouring out of the Holy Spirit. That is when the great, innumerable multitude will be sealed with the Holy Spirit.
The essay et03c.htm has more on the great multitude; the essay eb01c.htm takes a look at the matter of the distribution of the Holy Spirit. The essay eg03c.htm considers who is a saint, and what the Bible means by "saints".
So, another major factor regarding why there is evil in this world, is that people do not have God's Holy Spirit but are instead deceived, influenced and led by wicked spirit powers. It is only when Jesus returns in power, that the situation will be changed for the better.
A short way to answer that question is that we really do not know. The Bible does not explain or clarify those things in depth. But, the Bible makes it clear that today, wicked rebel spirits still control this planet. The Bible tells about a war in Heaven, after which wicked angels who were in rebellion against God, were thrown out of Heaven, to the planet Earth (Revelation 12:7).
A note: Some have claimed that that war has not taken place yet, but a closer study indicates that it most probably occurred when Jesus returned to Heaven. It is logical to think that after that, there was no more room for both Satan and Jesus there, at the same time. Jesus went back to Heaven and remains there, but Satan and his followers were thrown out.
A closer study of the Bible shows that in the future when Jesus returns in power, the unrepentant rebel spirits will be captured and destroyed. A note: Many claim that angels supposedly are "immortal", but the Bible does not say that. Instead, several bible-passages indicate that even angels can die. The essay ed02c.htm has more on this.
But, how did mankind ever end up being "between a stone and a hard place", in such a tragic way? As pawns in a prolonged fight between God and rebel spirits? The simple answer to that particular question is that we do not know. But, if one studies the Bible in more depth, one will perhaps note that there are indications that the fate and destiny of humans is to in some way replace the wicked rebel spirits, and then help God to take care of the universe (Hebrews 2:6-8, Romans 8:19, and more). However, the Bible gives us only some hints and indications regarding that, and no detailed explanation. So, we do not know why things are as they are – which is to say, we do not know what caused some spirits to become wicked and to rebel against God.
What is clear is that right now, mankind indeed is "between a stone and a hard place". Why God has allows that, and why he has not destroyed those wicked spirits a long time ago, we do not and cannot know. But, we can be certain that he is not taking any extra time but is working with saving mankind as quickly as he can.
In that connection, there is the question, why did Jesus have to die, in place of others? Many churches claim that it supposedly was the Father who demanded the death penalty on all sinners. But no, the Bible tells us that Father sent his only begotten Son, so that mankind could be saved (John 3:16). In all simplicity: It must have been the Accuser who demanded death on humans. But, Jesus stripped Satan and other wicked "principalities" of their powers (Hebrews 2:14, Colossians 2:15, et cetera).
However, we do not know the background of that all. We do not know the details regarding the agreements or "judgment seats" that eventually regulated those things. We can only see that there obviously must have been some rules or agreements, which had given the Enemy (Satan) some "legal rights" – some power over humans. Yes, Jesus took those rights away from Satan (the essays ed06c.htm has more on this), but that was only de jure – in the legal sense. On the practical level (de facto), mankind is still in the hands of wicked rebel spirits. It is only when Jesus comes again, that mankind will be freed from those wicked ones, and from evil and suffering.
Who invented and created harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites, and so on? We do not know. Many think that God has personally created all things that exist on this planet. But, is that so? Today, mankind is modifying the genetics of plants and animals. Intelligent spirits, including the rebel angels, could also have done such things. The facts are that we simply do not know who really created, and for what purpose, those harmful things that cause so much suffering and affliction.
Many claim that God supposedly "created diseases as a punishment for sinning men", but that is claiming that God purposely planned and created such diseases as malaria, leprosy, AIDS, tuberculosis, and all the rest, in order to torture humans. Does that sound likely or plausible? No, not in the least. What about earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, storms, floodings, lightnings, famine and other such things? Did God purposely create them, thus subjecting humans to untimely death, hurt and destruction? It is reasonable to assume that he did not.
There was the Flood, an extremely extraordinary action, through which God wiped out the old world. There are indications that before the Flood, the climate and even other factors here on Earth were dramatically different from what we see today. But: Why the Flood? In other words: What forced God to wipe out all of humanity, except for eight persons? The Bible does not tell us all the details, but probably, that drastic decision was caused by the matter that is shortly mentioned in Genesis 6:2. But, for many people these things are very hard to understand, because of misleading dogmas taught by churches. That subject is something for a separate study, but in short: It is reasonable to assume that even the Flood (which ended the original, better climate and situation here on Earth) was something the Lord was forced to do, because of what the Enemy (and his servants) had done. Thus, the fact that the climate and the crust of this planet, after the Flood, are no longer totally safe, must be understood to be something that God had not planned or wanted. It is reasonable to assume that those things will be made good again, after Jesus has returned, after this planet has been liberated and brought within the Reign of God. (The essay eo01b.htm has more on God's Reign.)
Again, this world is still in rebel hands. Wicked spirits and their fleshly cronies control this planet. This world's governments and rulers are not of God, nor are its churches and religions of God.
Why God has allowed this evil state of things to continue, we simply do not know. Obviously, he does not like the state of things in this world, and we know that he will soon send Jesus to put an end to the rule of rebels, but we do not know why he has not freed this world from its enslavers and deceivers, a long time ago.
In other words: It impossible for us to know the "legal" and other factors behind this. Similarly, we cannot know why God has not yet freed this world from the wicked powers who still control it, even though he at certain times in the past has intervened in world events in very dramatic ways.
The fate of ancient Israel is an interesting matter. While the rest of the world remained in the hands of rebel spirits and their fleshly cronies, the Lord chose a small nation, Israel, and made it his own special people – in the midst of a world which was controlled by the Lord's enemies.
Why did the Lord do that? Why did he not free the whole world instead? Even here, the answer is that we just do not know. Also: Why did the Lord make a covenant with ancient Israel, since he must have known that that nation would fail, and that his covenant with them would come to its end? Also to that question, the answer is that we do not know.
A note, for those who study and analyse the Bible in more depth: It is of value to note and consider that many things in the Old Testament where the Lord is said to be the Ruler, or in control, or whatever, did not apply to the world at large. Many such passages were specific to the nation of Israel. Some may understand what this means and leads to, when one tries to analyse and understand the Old Testament and the obvious power-struggle there has been between the Lord and the rebels who oppose him.
This world is still controlled by wicked spirit rebels, including the wicked seed the Enemy sowed among humans. They are a major cause for all the evils here on Earth. It is for the reason of freeing mankind from those enslavers and deceivers, that Jesus will come.
Also: God does not and cannot force anyone to act in a just and righteous way. He has created beings with a free will. More: People who live here on Earth today, do not have the Holy Spirit yet. That makes them vulnerable to wicked spiritual influences. The Enemy's seed controls this world through several means; one of them is religion. Hundreds of millions of people have been sent to war against other humans and have then been maimed or killed, "in the name of God". Others have been enslaved and used and kept ignorant and in poverty. Yes, humans do have a free will, but as things are today, they do not stand a chance against that spiritual deception, against this planet's present, wicked rulers. Only when Jesus comes, will mankind be freed from those wicked powers and from the sorrows and evil caused by them. After that, there will not be any more wars or any other such troubles.
What about all those who have lived and died under these sad circumstances, without having a chance to know the right ways or to receive everlasting life? The Bible shows that some time after Jesus' return, there will be a time of Judgment. In those days, all who have lived will be raised up to life again (as earthly, mortal beings to begin with) and will have a chance to know the right way to live, and to live in the right way.
The essay et07e.htm has more on the time of Judgment that is to come.
Table of contents – What's new here? – Key-word index – Search function – Goal and purpose – Contact, comment, question
If this page did not contain what you were looking for, see the links below, and the key-word index and the table of contents, or use the search function.
Additional reading at the Bible Pages, on related as well as other issues:
A clarifying explanation of the short names for the bible-versions quoted or mentioned at this site, such as that NKJV stands for New King James Version, YLT for Young's Literal translation, HCSB for Holman Christian Standard Bible, NRSV for the New Revised Standard Version, and so on. → es09c.htm
What is the Kingdom of God? Where is it located? Does it exist already, or is it only going to be established in the future? Or, is it only something "in the hearts of men" as some have claimed, quoting the translation "within you" in Luke 17:21? → eo01b.htm
The so-called "divine right of kings" – is there such a thing? Are kings, rulers and governments appointed by God? → ew02c.htm
What is the biblical teaching regarding the great tribulation? When is it, and what is it like? Who are subjected to it, and who are allowed to escape from it, to a place of safety? Also: Does Matthew 24 point to the future, the "end time", or to the events of the first century, or to both times? What do the Scriptures in actual fact say about that subject? → et04c.htm
The two witnesses of the book of Revelation. Also: Similarities between their work and that of Moses, Elijah, and John the Baptist. → et01e.htm
On Elijah of the Old Testament and John the Baptist and the coming Elijah or Elias who is mentioned in the New Testament. → et02c.htm
Check your bible knowledge. A basic self-test with 15 biblical questions (with answers and commentary). → es04b.htm
Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you". What did Jesus mean? How were the disciples to go about "seeking the Kingdom"? Also, what did the expression "all these things" really refer to, and when and where were those things to be "added" to those disciples? → eo10d.htm
Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-43, the parable of the darnel or "tares", the wicked seed sown by the Enemy. → ew11c.htm
The identity and timing of the 144,000 and the great multitude of Revelation 7, and the first-fruits or virgins of Revelation 14:1-4 – who those groups really are, and when they came or come into existence. → et03c.htm
The Holy Spirit – an outline and a no-nonsense synopsis of the matter of the distribution of God's Spirit, in the past, today, and in the coming days of the future. Also: Whose baptism is valid? Churches and preachers baptise people, but they are not notably changed and no obvious signs or fruit of the Spirit are seen in their lives. Why is that? Is the Spirit of God at all given to humans, at this present time? → eb01c.htm
The concepts "saint" and "sainthood" analysed. Does the Bible define or clarify who is a saint and what sainthood consists of? Also: Are there saints here on Earth, in our day? What do the Scriptures say concerning these things? Further: What is the etymology of the word "saint", and what does it really mean? → eg03c.htm
Are angels immortal, or can they die? → ed02c.htm
How to understand the Bible. Easy keys to interpreting and understanding Scripture in a better and deeper way, by avoiding certain fundamental but common mistakes and errors in bible study. These vital keys are really the basics for objective bible study. Knowing these keys will make many things easier to interpret and comprehend, and one will see several central matters in the Bible from a new and different perspective, especially in connection with the Gospels and the Epistles. → eg02c.htm
Colossians 1:26, "the mystery of the ages" or "the secret of God", and the "princes of this age" and "thrones and dominions". How Jesus conquered and spoiled certain principalities and powers. → ed06c.htm
The Great White Throne Judgment, a time when both living and dead will be judged. When will it take place, where, and who will judge? Also, there is more to take into consideration, because the Bible talks about more than one still future times of judgment. → et07e.htm
Gentiles, pagans and heathen or heathens – what do those words mean? This exposition makes it plain and clear what the concepts "gentile", "pagan" and "heathen" actually refer to, in the Bible. → eg01c.htm
For real and thorough in-depth study and exegesis of the Scriptures, an interlinear bible with Strong's numbers and a concordance with a lexicon and bible commentaries are not good enough; a computer bible is needed. Some facts and recommendations regarding bible study suites for computers, including tools for word search, word study and adding and editing your own electronic marginal notes verse for verse, tools for studying the Hebrew text of the Old Testament and the Greek text of the New Testament, and links for download of bible software (both free and commercial). → es02c.htm
What does the Bible say about authority? Who has biblical, spiritual or religious authority on the mundane, human level? Who can speak for God? Knowing the answers to those questions is a vital key to understanding the Bible in a better and deeper way. → es06d.htm
What does the Bible say about the antichrist or antichrists? The meaning of the Greek word antichristos. Also: The apostle John spoke about multiple antichristoi, plural, not a singular one only. → eo02d.htm
Predestination. The destiny of humans: Is it already fixed and decided, as some have claimed? Are all people, or some individuals, "predestined"? → eb03d.htm
A challenge for all believers, regarding something very important. → ew06b.htm
What does the Bible say about Satan the Devil? Various things regarding mankind's arch-enemy. → ed04c.htm
A study on the phrases "the snare of the Devil" and "the love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Timothy 3:7 and 6:9-10 and 2 Timothy 2:26). On Jesus' and Paul's teachings regarding how those who proclaimed the Gospel or Good Message could become spiritually unfruitful. → em08c.htm
Scouts and scouting – what parents should know about the scout movement. → ew10b.htm
Matthew 16:18, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it". What was Jesus talking about? What is the immortal assembly or ekklêsia which he said he would form, and where is it located? Is it an earthly religious organisation in this world – a church – or is it a heavenly assembly that has as its members the saints who have become immortals? → ea01d.htm
The origin and meaning of the word "church". → eg06b.htm
What does Galatians 4:26 mean? It talks about the heavenly Jerusalem and is a part of an allegory regarding the two covenants. Why have some preachers then claimed that it refers to some church? This essay finds the facts regarding the allegory of Galatians 4:21-31, and shows what the different things named in it pictured and symbolised. → ea02d.htm
On Jesus' teaching regarding "the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven" or "the keys of the Reign of Heaven". Bible study notes on Matthew 16 verse 19, with context. What did the word "keys" depict or symbolise? What is the interpretation of that passage – what was it that Jesus was saying to his disciples? Also, a general overview and comments on the subject of "binding and loosing". → eb08c.htm
The Babylon of the book of Revelation, what or where is it? What about the Beast, or beasts, that are mentioned in the book of Daniel and in the book of Revelation? → ew03b.htm
The lost ten tribes of Israel in prophecy. What happened to Israel's northern tribes? Where are they today? Does the Bible give any clues regarding their fate? → ey01b.htm
Freemasonry and Freemason halls – things believers should know about them. → ew04d.htm
Info on the goal and purpose of this site, and a contact address.
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