An Excellent Question?

Countless people ask this question every day. While there are many ways to respond to this question, I hope to focus your mind towards two brief answers. The first of these considers morality and stems from apologetic arguments for God. The other answer discusses the presence of evil in the world.

If you read my words carefully, you will notice that I distinguish between a response and an answer. That is because in some cases, an answer may not be the best way to respond; often, all that is needed is a listening ear. In this regard, knowing the story of the person asking and why they are asking is essential.

Of much value is the path of life which the questioner has travelled.  Whether the effect of the hideous exposure to evil, is evident or concealed deeply, such despair leads all to seek an answer that brings hope in a world seemingly filled with injustice.  In the asking of this question, one may wonder if the enquirer has a genuine desire to seek and hear the truth or merely aspiring justification for their current posit. For in having the truth revealed, one then is in the position to either accept or reject such facts.  A human trait common to man is that of blindness to the facts presented, in the dread of having to acknowledge that which we prefer to ignore; the truth.  This attribute is evident by the question asked by Jesus to the disciples of John the Baptist “What are you looking for?” (John 1:38). “Doubt and skepticism are valid postures as long as they are motivated by the search for truth rather than a repudiation of it.” (Njoroge)

The Question of Morality.

In the statement of the existence of evil in the world, one must logically also acknowledge the existence of goodness. For there to be goodness, then there must also be moral law that differentiates between these two factors. Without such a standard, there can be no wrong or evil. Such a standard must have an origin. Here lies the prominent Theistic moral case for God. 

This truth is evident in the Biblical writings of the Apostle Paul while he was in Corinth in the mid-50s CE, in which he records in the second Chapter of Romans verse 15. “They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.” 

Humanity Has Intrinsic Worth. 

The importance in the credence of a moral lawgiver is an essential element in recognition of good and evil, for the apparent reason moral affirmation is inseparable from the value placed upon a person’s life. Only God could attribute such great value upon humankind. 

“Transcending value and justice must come from a person of transcending worth and an ultimate law or value-giver—and the only reason people have intrinsic worth is that they are the creation of One who is of ultimate worth and the perfect lawgiver. That person is God (Zacharias, Think Again; One Question, n.d.)

Evidence of this moral code of goodness, which demonstrates and establishes the core of humanities value is in the Biblical book of Micah Chapter 6 verse 8. Here the Prophet Micah declares the words of God. “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” 

A Just and Good God.

Gods’ goodness and our great worth are seen in His instructions to humanity, to act justly and love mercy and walk humbly before God.  King David in the Book of Psalms 89 verse 14, gave humanity a glimpse of the greatness of Gods goodness when he wrote of Gods throne “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.” 

With the foundation of morality set, we can now proceed to the question of evil in the world. 

God’s Perfect Creation – Our Responsibly. 

The book of Genesis, written by Moses, records the days of the Earths creation. The writings reveal that God created a magnificently, beautiful and perfect world for humanity to live. 

God also created humanity in His image and bestowed upon us the responsibility to not only love and care for each other but also our environment. The undertaking of such, to be enacted in a way consistent with the goodness of God.  Book of Genesis 1:26-28 ref.  To accomplish this, God gave humanity free will and an explicit directive to” Not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good “. Book of Romans 12:21 ref. Notably, He gave His Church, the Ecclesia, the authority and power of prayer to change this worlds evils course.

Evils Cause. 

Due to humanity’s desire for independence, power, and distrust in God’s goodness, a fatal decision occurred to disobey God.  Book of Genesis 3:6 ref.  The effect of this decision has destructively echoed throughout time and left no soul untouched.  History declares its devastating effect – from that fatal moment sin known as evil entered Gods perfect creation. Humanity, rather than care and nurture creation, has pursued its insatiable lust for wealth, power and self-gratification.

Rather than abandon humanity to suffer their just deserves, God in His infinite love, compassion, and mercy set out to redeem and restore His creation. This work of wonder will not only culminate in the restoration of creation to its original condition but to a state infinitely greater in perfection.

To adequately submit a thesis on all facets of God’s, restorative work is an immense task to address another time.  

Gods Plan.

Gods restorative work incorporates the immediate solution to humanity’s dilemma, of the personal guilt of sin and the restoration of humanities supreme value.  A simple yet profound Biblical verse is that of John 3:16 “God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” In this, we see how a God of infinite worth, rather than remaining inactive amid evil, sacrificed His only son as an expression of His pure love for humanity, to reach out and rescue us from evil. This act alone demonstrates the great worth of a soul. The price of the ransom given is of immeasurable worth. 

However, humanities hope anchored in the existence of a saviour God extends far beyond that of personal salvation. Biblical scripture reveals Gods ultimate plan, to restore all creation to the beauty and perfection as first intended in Genesis creation. Book of Colossians Chapter 1 verse 19-20 ref.

Full Restoration – A Future Hope.                                                                        

The Apostle John wrote in the book of Revelation, Chapter 21, verses 1 to 5: 

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, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell 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.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

In Conclusion.

God exists. Humanities morality and intrinsic worth are God-given and unique. He gave humanity the mandate and free will to care for His creation, and His Ecclesia the power and authority through prayer to partner with Heaven and bring God’s goodwill into force on Earth. Thus, overcome evil with good. Through His goodness alone, knowing humanities guilt, and the evil it breeds, He has throughout history pervaded humanity with means of rescue. Finally, culminating in the sacrifice of His son, Jesus. A true and Just God, through a great injustice (His death), brought justice (freedom for all creation).