God is both sovereign and good

"One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done." - Psalm 62:11-12 (NIV)

1. God is strong.
2. God is loving.
3. Evil exists.

The logical problem of evil states that it is a contradiction for God to be all-powerful and all-loving, and for evil to exist. Given that evil exists, God is either unable or unwilling (or both) to eliminate evil completely. Therefore, God is either not all-powerful or not all-loving (or both).

However, this assumes that 'a good omnipotent thing eliminates evil completely' (Mackie, 1955), which is not necessarily the case. Just because God is good and omnipotent does not mean that He immediately eliminates evil completely. Equally, just because God has not eliminated evil completely (yet) does not mean that He is not all-powerful or not all-loving (or both).

God has good reasons for actualising (but not authoring) evil, for creating the world in Genesis 1 instead of Revelation 21. Just because we do not fully know the reasons (yet) does not mean that there are no reasons. For one, God could have done so in order to provide the opportunity for Him to 'demonstrate his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us' (Romans 5:8, NIV).

God is both sovereign and good, and in His sovereignty He does not allow anything to happen unless it is for His glory and our good. Indeed, He not only allows but ordains everything that happens (and does not happen) - 'to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves' (Ephesians 1:6, NIV).

In fact, man is the author of evil and God is the author of good out of evil.

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." - Genesis 50:20 (NIV)

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

"When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." - James 1:13-15 (NIV)

We are responsible for what we would freely do in every possible situation in every possible world, and God is responsible for working all things (ie. what we would freely do in every possible situation in every possible world) 'for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28, NIV) in this particular world - the best possible world out of all possible worlds.

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 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."" - Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV)

Discovering the Secret of Contentment

Trust is the key to contentment. We must realise that God is always in control and that He is good. If this were not true, He could never give His children the promise of Romans 8:28.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

He is absolutely faithful to provide all we need to fulfill His will, which is exactly what we would desire if we knew all the facts.

- Bill Thrasher, Believing God for His Best

Links: To the Praise of His Glorious Grace (24 Sep 10), Don't Worry, Be Happy (26 Sep 10)