Part I: Theological Reflection on Evil and Divine Justice
Christians often grapple with the question: "What about child rape? What about adultery? What about all manner of sin and wickedness? Are these things part of God's sovereign decree—His meticulous providence?"
This question reveals a deeper tension: many fail to grasp the pervasive reality of living in a fallen world. The fall of humanity in Adam (Genesis 3) brought divine judgment, which manifests in suffering, calamity, and death. These are not random occurrences or impersonal forces, but expressions of God's justice, sovereignly ordained as a result of sin.
To illustrate, consider an unbeliever who is tragically assaulted and then, a month later, dies in a car accident. At their appointed time (Hebrews 9:27), they stand before God and are judged, receiving just punishment in hell for their rebellion against Him. While the assault is a grievous evil, it pales in comparison to the eternal wrath of God. Here is the striking observation: many Christians affirm without hesitation the justice of God's eternal judgment in hell, yet recoil at the notion that suffering and evil in this life could also be part of His sovereign decree. But why? If it is just for God to punish sinners eternally, why do we grimace when He allows lesser judgments in this life?
The fall is not an impersonal tragedy or cosmic accident; it is God's just response to sin. All the suffering and evil we see in this world are manifestations of His righteous judgment breaking into the present—a foretaste of the final judgment. This understanding should not lead us to accuse God of injustice but to marvel at His mercy, for He provides a way of escape through Jesus Christ, beginning with His promise in Genesis 3:15.
Jesus Himself addresses this issue in Luke 13:1-5. He speaks of the Galileans whose blood Pilate mingled with sacrifices and the eighteen who were killed when the tower in Siloam fell. Jesus confronts the assumption that these tragedies happened because the victims were worse sinners than others. He declares: "No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."
Here, Jesus teaches that suffering and death are not necessarily a direct punishment for individual sins but part of the broader reality of a fallen world under God's judgment. Rather than asking, "Why did they suffer?" we should ask, "Why didn't I suffer?" or "Am I ready to meet God?" These tragedies are warnings to all humanity of the urgent need for repentance. They remind us that everyone deserves judgment and that every moment of life is a gift of God's mercy, giving us the opportunity to turn to Him.
Theological and Pastoral Considerations
Suffering as a Warning: The suffering we observe in this fallen world is a call to repentance. It is not for us to judge the relative sinfulness of others but to see in every tragedy a reminder of our own need for grace.
God’s Sovereign Justice: Affirming God's sovereignty over suffering and evil does not mean He is the author of sin. God ordains events, even tragic ones, for His purposes, yet the responsibility for sin lies with the human will and fallen nature.
Mercy in Judgment: The reality of temporal suffering should lead us to marvel at God's mercy, for He withholds what we truly deserve and extends grace to sinners. The promise of redemption in Genesis 3:15 and the cross of Christ show that God's justice is never separated from His mercy.
Pastoral Sensitivity: While these theological truths are profound, they should be communicated with pastoral care, especially to those personally affected by suffering. The doctrine of God's sovereignty is a source of comfort because it assures us that no evil is random, and God will ultimately bring justice and restoration.
Part 2: The Cross and the Mystery of God’s Sovereignty in Suffering
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the most evil event in history, demonstrates that God can ordain even the gravest sins without Himself being guilty of evil. Acts 4:27-28 affirms that Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel carried out “whatever [God’s] hand and [His] plan had predestined to take place.” Here we see God’s sovereign will and human responsibility operating simultaneously. Those who crucified Christ were fully accountable for their wickedness, yet their actions fulfilled God’s eternal purpose to redeem sinners. The cross reveals the profound truth that God’s sovereignty over evil serves His ultimate good purposes without compromising His holiness or justice.
This truth is not merely theoretical; it provides the foundation for understanding all suffering and evil in the world. What humanity intends for harm, God intends for good (Genesis 50:20). While our finite perspective often cannot grasp how God is working through calamities, Scripture assures us that His purposes are always righteous and ultimately redemptive. The cross, which seemed like the ultimate tragedy, became the ultimate victory. It stands as the pinnacle of God’s ability to bring good out of evil, and it gives believers confidence that He is at work even in the darkest circumstances.
However, the existence of evil should also remind us of the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God. All suffering and evil, whether moral or natural, point back to the fall and God’s judgment on a rebellious creation. Romans 8:20-22 teaches that the whole creation has been subjected to futility because of sin, groaning under its effects. Every tragedy—whether a tower falling (Luke 13:4), a natural disaster, or a human atrocity—testifies to the reality of living in a world under the curse. Yet, these are not meaningless occurrences. As Jesus explained, such events are divine warnings, reminding us of the urgency to repent and turn to God before final judgment (Luke 13:3-5).
God’s Justice and the Problem of Human Perspective
Many wrestle with how to reconcile temporal suffering with God’s justice, yet they often accept the reality of eternal judgment. This inconsistency reveals a misunderstanding of both the holiness of God and the weight of sin. If eternal punishment in hell is just for those who reject God, how much more should we expect temporal suffering as a foretaste of that judgment? The fall did not usher in random chaos; it brought the personal and righteous judgment of God. Every pain and calamity is a reminder that we live under the effects of His curse on sin, a curse that He justly decreed.
Yet, this same God who righteously judges also mercifully redeems. From the moment of humanity's rebellion, He promised a way of salvation through the offspring of the woman (Genesis 3:15). The sufferings of this present world are not just expressions of God's justice; they are also opportunities to turn to Him in repentance and faith. The patience of God in delaying final judgment demonstrates His mercy, giving sinners time to respond to the gospel (2 Peter 3:9).
Comfort in God’s Sovereignty
For believers, the doctrine of God’s sovereignty over suffering offers profound comfort. While we cannot always discern why God allows specific evils, we trust that nothing happens outside His control. Isaiah 46:10 declares that God’s purposes will stand, and He will accomplish all that He pleases. This assurance means that our suffering is not random or meaningless. As Paul writes in Romans 8:28, “For those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”
This confidence allows believers to endure suffering with hope, knowing that God is using it for His glory and our sanctification. It also assures us that evil will not have the final word. The same God who ordained the cross has promised to wipe away every tear and make all things new (Revelation 21:4-5). His sovereign plan, which encompasses both judgment and redemption, ensures that all wrongs will be made right and all suffering will be swallowed up in His glory.
Conclusion: Humility Before the Mystery of God
In the face of such profound truths, humility is essential. As finite creatures, we cannot fully comprehend God’s ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Yet the cross provides a lens through which we can trust His character. If God’s greatest act of redemption came through the greatest act of evil, we can trust that He is working even through the pain and chaos we see today. Instead of questioning His justice, we should marvel at His mercy and grace, which have made salvation available to sinners like us. In the end, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11).