Evil is one of the most difficult topics in the Bible and in life.
It exists in many forms, from personal sin to large-scale corruption and destruction.
People see evil in wars, injustice, and suffering, and they often ask, “Why does God allow evil?”
Does the Bible explain where evil comes from and why it continues to exist?
More importantly, does it offer hope in the face of so much darkness?
By exploring scripture, we can better understand what the Bible says about evil and how believers should respond to it.
The Origin of Evil
The Bible makes it clear that God did not create evil.
Genesis 1:31 states, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”
When God created the world, it was perfect.
There was no suffering, no sin, and no evil.
So where did evil come from?
The Bible reveals that evil entered the world through rebellion.
In Isaiah 14:12-15, we read about the fall of Lucifer, a powerful angel who became Satan.
He was cast out of heaven because he desired to be like God.
Pride led to his downfall, and with his rebellion, sin entered creation.
Later, in Genesis 3, Satan deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden, leading Adam and Eve to disobey God.
This act of disobedience brought sin into the world, corrupting what was once perfect.
Romans 5:12 explains, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.”
Evil did not originate with God but with the free choices of His creations—both angelic and human.
The Nature of Evil
The Bible describes evil in many ways.
It is not just about bad actions; it is a condition of the heart.
Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?”
This means that evil is not just something outside of us—it is something that can exist within us.
Evil is anything that goes against God’s goodness, righteousness, and truth.
It manifests in lies, violence, selfishness, and injustice.
Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
No one is completely free from sin’s influence.
Left unchecked, sin leads to greater corruption, separating people from God and causing suffering in the world.
God’s Response to Evil
The Bible does not ignore evil; it confronts it head-on.
Throughout scripture, we see that God opposes evil and will not allow it to continue forever.
Psalm 5:4 says, “For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome.”
God’s justice demands that evil be punished.
However, He is also patient, giving people time to repent and turn away from sin.
Second Peter 3:9 states, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.
Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Even though evil exists, God’s plan is to ultimately defeat it.
The Bible tells us that Jesus came to break the power of sin and evil.
First John 3:8 says, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”
Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God provided a way for people to be rescued from the power of sin and restored to righteousness.
Why Does God Allow Evil?
One of the biggest questions people ask is why God allows evil to exist.
If God is all-powerful and good, why doesn’t He stop evil right now?
The Bible offers several insights into this difficult question.
First, God gave humans free will.
He did not create robots who automatically do what is right.
True love requires choice.
Unfortunately, with that choice comes the possibility of choosing evil.
If God removed free will, there would be no love, no relationships, and no true goodness—only programmed obedience.
Second, God allows evil for a time, but He will not allow it forever.
Evil serves as a reminder that this world is broken and in need of redemption.
Romans 8:28 assures believers, “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.”
Even in the presence of evil, God is working out His plan for good.
Finally, suffering caused by evil can draw people closer to God.
Many turn to Him in times of trouble, realizing their need for a Savior.
Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Even in the darkest moments, God is present, offering comfort and hope.
The Battle Between Good and Evil
The Bible presents the ongoing struggle between good and evil as a spiritual battle.
Ephesians 6:12 explains, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
This battle is not just physical—it is spiritual.
Satan continues to deceive and tempt people, trying to lead them away from God.
First Peter 5:8 warns, “Be alert and of sober mind.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
However, God has given believers the tools to stand against evil.
Ephesians 6:13 instructs, “Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.”
Through prayer, faith, and the Word of God, believers can resist the attacks of the enemy.
The Future Defeat of Evil
The Bible makes it clear that evil will not last forever.
There is coming a day when God will remove evil completely.
Revelation 20:10 describes the final defeat of Satan:
“And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown.
They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
After this, God will create a new heaven and a new earth, free from sin and suffering.
Revelation 21:4 gives a beautiful promise:
“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.”
Evil will be completely destroyed, and God’s kingdom of righteousness will reign forever.
How Should Christians Respond to Evil?
The Bible calls believers to stand against evil, but not in their own strength.
James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Christians are not meant to fight evil alone.
They must rely on God’s power and guidance.
Believers are also called to live righteously in a world filled with sin.
Romans 12:21 instructs, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
This means choosing forgiveness over revenge, love over hatred, and truth over deception.
Prayer is another powerful weapon against evil.
Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13).
By seeking God daily, believers can resist temptation and walk in righteousness.
Final Thoughts
The Bible speaks clearly about evil—where it comes from, why it exists, and how God will ultimately defeat it.
Though evil is real and causes pain, it does not have the final say.
God is in control, and His plan for justice will be fulfilled.
For now, believers are called to resist evil, trust in God’s justice, and live in a way that reflects His goodness.
The hope of the gospel is that one day, evil will be no more, and those who trust in Christ will live forever in His perfect kingdom.