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Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil (Proverbs 3:7, NASB).
The word “apologetic” is often used to describe a defense of God and the Bible. I believe the existence of evil doesn’t disprove the Gospel but supports the Bible and undergirds our need for grace.
Why?
Light means darkness.
Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world” (John 8:12). Light and darkness are needy opposites. You can’t have one without the other. If there is no light, there can’t be darkness.
The Bible clearly teaches the existence of evil but then offers the solution of light.
Creation explains evil.
With God creating the world, He alone is righteous, and evil can be defined as opposition to God’s goodness. If created by godless evolution, there’s no standard for us to discern good from evil.
Darkness without light doesn’t make sense, and evil without good is nonsense.
Evil is personal.
The Apostle Paul writes. . .
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12, NLT).
The Bible teaches that righteousness and evil are rooted in personality. The idea of rebellion against God didn’t arise in Adam and Eve until another sentient being suggested it.
Yes, the devil came from the eternal presence of God in heaven, but the spiritual laws of the universe are different. We are limited in our ability to conceive “new” on earth. Let’s consider a color that isn’t rooted in a color we’ve already seen.
Not possible.
But in heaven, where our Creator creates the new, the ego of the devil mimicked the creation of good in starting evil. Then, the existence of evil on earth, infusing flesh through all of history, originated from a personal encounter between the Prince of Darkness and perfectly created humans.
Evil requires a personal response.
Understanding that evil exists as a personal rebellion against the righteousness of God, the solution requires a personal response from God. As Paul writes. . .
It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost (1 Timothy 1:15, NASB).
Evil can only be uprooted by God Himself. Satan can’t be defeated by our good works, as the justice required to overcome the effects of unrighteousness requires blood. Evil kills, but perfect blood restores.
On the Day of Judgment, if anyone complains of unrequited abuse, demanding a penalty from others, they will see a Lamb slain for all.
Which brings us to grace.
A group of scholars at a consortium of theologians, were discussing what made Christianity unique among all the other religions in the world when C.S. Lewis walked into the room.
They asked him the question, and he responded, “Oh, that’s easy, it’s grace!”
Evil originated by personality and perpetuated through our rebellion can never be overcome by natural flesh. We need something supernatural. . .
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8).
It’s grace!