Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, "evils" refer to actions, thoughts, or conditions that are contrary to the will and nature of God. The concept of evil is multifaceted, encompassing moral, natural, and spiritual dimensions. The Bible addresses evils as both a personal and a collective reality, affecting individuals, communities, and the entire creation.Moral Evil Moral evil is the result of human actions that are contrary to God's commandments. It is often associated with sin, which is the transgression of divine law. The Bible provides numerous examples of moral evils, such as idolatry, murder, theft, and deceit. In the Ten Commandments, God explicitly outlines behaviors that are considered evil (Exodus 20:1-17). The prophet Isaiah warns, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness" (Isaiah 5:20). Natural Evil Natural evil refers to suffering and pain resulting from natural phenomena, such as diseases, disasters, and death. While these are not caused by human actions, they are often seen as a consequence of the fallen state of the world due to sin. The Apostle Paul writes, "For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time" (Romans 8:22), indicating that the natural world is affected by the presence of evil. Spiritual Evil Spiritual evil is embodied in the presence and actions of Satan and demonic forces. The Bible describes Satan as the adversary of God and humanity, seeking to lead people away from righteousness. In the New Testament, Jesus encounters and overcomes demonic forces, demonstrating His authority over spiritual evil (Mark 1:23-27). The Apostle Peter warns believers to be vigilant, "because your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). The Origin of Evil The origin of evil is a complex theological issue. The Bible attributes the entrance of evil into the world to the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). This original sin brought about a separation from God and introduced moral and natural evils into human experience. The Apostle Paul explains, "Therefore, 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). God's Sovereignty and Evil Despite the presence of evil, the Bible affirms God's sovereignty and ultimate authority over all creation. God can use even evil circumstances to fulfill His purposes and bring about good. Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, later tells them, "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people" (Genesis 50:20). The Defeat of Evil The Bible promises the ultimate defeat of evil through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection provide victory over sin and death, offering salvation to all who believe. The Apostle John writes, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8). In the eschatological vision of Revelation, evil is finally vanquished, and God establishes a new heaven and a new earth where "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (Revelation 21:4). Human Responsibility Believers are called to resist evil and pursue righteousness. The Apostle Paul exhorts, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). Christians are encouraged to put on the "full armor of God" to stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11) and to pray for deliverance from evil, as taught in the Lord's Prayer: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (Matthew 6:13). Strong's Hebrew 7451a. ra -- bad, evil... 1), displeased (1), displeasing (1), distressing (1), evil (124), evil man (3), evil men (4), evil things (4), evildoer (1), evildoers* (1), evils (1), great (1 ... /hebrew/7451a.htm - 6k 7463a. raah -- evil, misery, distress, injury Library The Church and Social Evils Whether God Wills Evils? In what Sense Evils are from God. Admitted Evils. Evils of Adultery. Uses of Evils. Ignorance the Mother of Evils. Evils Brought in by Sin. The Jews, Afflicted with Innumerable Evils, Commenced the Last War ... Many Evils Before his Commingling with Evil are Attributed to the ... Thesaurus Evils (26 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Evils (26 Occurrences). Mark 7:23 all these evils do come forth from within, and they defile the man.' (YLT NIV). ... /e/evils.htm - 14k Unnumbered (9 Occurrences) Distresses (20 Occurrences) Difficulties (4 Occurrences) Befallen (20 Occurrences) Choose (116 Occurrences) Evil (1503 Occurrences) Imputation Troubles (94 Occurrences) Veiling (2 Occurrences) Resources Is there such a thing as a necessary evil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Christian Science? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about covetousness? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Evils (26 Occurrences)Mark 7:23 Luke 3:19 Luke 21:36 Acts 9:13 Acts 24:2 Acts 25:18 1 Corinthians 14:25 1 Timothy 6:10 2 Timothy 4:5 Revelation 9:18 Revelation 9:20 Deuteronomy 31:17 Deuteronomy 31:18 Deuteronomy 31:21 Deuteronomy 32:23 1 Samuel 10:19 Psalms 34:19 Psalms 40:12 Psalms 65:3 Psalms 88:3 Psalms 140:2 Proverbs 26:25 Jeremiah 2:13 Lamentations 3:38 Ezekiel 6:9 Ezekiel 20:43 Subtopics Related Terms |
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