Why do diseases exist if humans were created perfect?

1. The Original Perfection of Creation

Scripture begins with humanity and the world in a flawless state. “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). In this pristine harmony, animals, plants, and people coexisted without disease or suffering. Adam and Eve enjoyed a direct relationship with God and were entrusted with caring for the earth (Genesis 2:15). No aspect of hardship had yet touched physical bodies or the spiritual bond with their Creator.

2. Introducing the Concept of Disease

Before any trace of physical illness emerged, an event fundamentally shifted the created order. Disease did not exist in God’s original design; it entered the human experience only after sin’s introduction into the world. Disease, decay, and physical pain are all interwoven consequences of a world no longer operating under its original, intended perfection.

3. The Entrance of Sin and Its Ramifications

Adam and Eve’s disobedience (Genesis 3:6) brought about separation from God and unleashed a ripple effect across all creation. As Paul states, “Just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). Alongside death came decay, disease, and a pervasive brokenness affecting every facet of existence. The fall introduced disruption in human physiology and in the global environment. In the immediate aftermath, Adam and Eve encountered pain, toil, and suffering—now a regular part of life (Genesis 3:16–19).

4. The Distortion of God’s Good Design

The original blueprint of human biology and ecology was “very good” (Genesis 1:31), suggesting extraordinary efficiency and utter harmony. Following the fall, however, that blueprint became marred. In today’s scientific and medical fields, we observe viruses, bacteria, genetic mutations, and other factors that compromise health. Instead of negating the existence of a Creator, these observations reflect a creation that has been corrupted, not one that was flawed from the outset.

5. Old Testament Examples and Perspectives

Many Old Testament passages portray disease and affliction within a broader spiritual context. In 2 Kings 5, the Syrian commander Naaman suffers from leprosy until divine intervention brings about healing. This narrative underscores that disease is a reality in a fallen world but also that God remains sovereign, capable of overriding the brokenness. Archaeological and textual records from regions around ancient Israel confirm widespread occurrences of plagues and pathogens, which corroborate a historical reality of disease. These findings align with scriptural accounts that portray disease as a byproduct of human history rather than an initial divine mistake.

6. New Testament Understanding of Disease

In the Gospels, Christ confronts and heals various diseases (e.g., Matthew 9:20–22; Mark 10:46–52). These miracles demonstrate both compassion and authority, verifying Jesus’ nature as fully God and fully human. Jesus’ healings showcased a foretaste of the restoration to come, a reversal of consequences brought by sin. While bodily healing remains under God’s sovereignty, the New Testament consistently reveals that Jesus’ mission extends beyond temporary cures to the eternal solution of reconciling broken humanity to God.

7. Human Free Will and Natural Laws

Free will is integral to the biblical narrative. Rather than coercing perfect behavior, God granted humans the choice to obey or disobey. With disobedience came physical and moral disorder. In a fallen creation, natural laws can be lifesaving or harmful. Microorganisms, for example, can be vital for life (such as bacteria essential to digestion) yet also capable of causing disease. The fact that these natural processes sometimes produce harmful results reflects the tension between the world’s original design and its present brokenness.

8. Spiritual Dimensions Behind Suffering

Biblical teaching emphasizes that humanity’s struggle is not only physical but also spiritual (Ephesians 6:12). The devil’s strategy includes afflicting and deceiving, and in certain cases, Scripture indicates satanic or demonic influence can be linked to physical hardships (Job 2:7; Luke 13:11–16). Yet the Bible makes it clear that all things are ultimately under the dominion of God (Colossians 1:16–17). Even while spiritual forces may exploit physical vulnerability, God remains the supreme authority over creation.

9. The Redemptive Work of Christ

Christ’s resurrection provides the ultimate remedy for the underlying cause of disease: sin and death. Through the resurrection, Jesus demonstrates victory over every aspect of the fall, guaranteeing that final redemption will include the abolition of suffering and disease. As Paul writes, “The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:26). This promise forms the foundation of hope that believers cling to: death and disease are temporary, destined to be eradicated in the new creation.

10. God’s Purposes Through Hardship

Numerous biblical passages illustrate that hardships, including illnesses, can serve God’s higher purposes. In John 9:1–3, Jesus clarifies that a man’s blindness existed “so that the works of God might be displayed in him”. Trials build perseverance and mature character. While they stem from the broken state of a fallen creation, they also become venues for forging faith, producing spiritual growth, and testifying to God’s sustaining grace.

11. Hope and the Future Restoration

Scripture consistently anticipates the restoration of all things. God promises a new heaven and a new earth free from the old afflictions (Revelation 21:4). Believers look forward to resurrected bodies not subject to corruption or disease (1 Corinthians 15:52–54). This future hope affirms that disease, while painful and real, does not have the final word in God’s redemptive plan.

12. Practical Responses to Disease

Despite the fallen condition, Scripture illuminates practical ways to address disease:

• Prayer: God invites the faithful to call upon Him for healing (James 5:14–15).

• Compassionate Care: Practicing medicine, caring for the sick, and showing love for those who suffer reflect biblical compassion (Luke 10:33–34).

• Trust and Perseverance: Accepting that God works His purposes through every circumstance (Romans 8:28).

Whether through miraculous intervention, medical advancements, or eventual eternal restoration, God remains the ultimate Healer.

13. Conclusion

Diseases exist today not because creation was deficient from the start but because sin fractured a once-perfect design. Humanity’s free-will rebellion brought enormity in consequences, including sickness and decay. Yet Scripture declares again and again that God’s plan is to redeem and restore. Through Christ’s resurrection, the assurance of ultimate triumph over disease and death stands as a central tenet of faith. This living hope underscores that the Creator, who made everything very good, has never lost control of His creation and will one day renew it, free from all suffering.