Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe concepts of good and evil are central to the biblical narrative, serving as foundational elements in understanding God's nature, human morality, and the cosmic struggle between righteousness and sin. The Bible presents a dichotomy between good, which aligns with God's will and character, and evil, which opposes it. Biblical Definitions In the Bible, "good" is often associated with what is morally right, beneficial, and in accordance with God's nature and commandments. The Hebrew word "טוֹב" (tov) and the Greek word "ἀγαθός" (agathos) are frequently used to describe goodness. Conversely, "evil" is represented by the Hebrew word "רַע" (ra) and the Greek word "πονηρός" (ponēros), denoting what is morally wrong, harmful, and contrary to God's will. Creation and the Nature of Good The Bible begins with the affirmation of God's creation as inherently good. In Genesis 1:31 , it is written, "God saw all that He had made, and it was very good." This declaration underscores the original goodness of creation, reflecting God's perfect nature. The Fall and the Introduction of Evil Evil enters the biblical narrative through the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3 describes the serpent's temptation and the subsequent fall of humanity, introducing sin and evil into the world. Romans 5:12 states, "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." The Moral Law and Human Responsibility The Bible provides a moral framework through the Law given to Moses, which delineates good from evil. Deuteronomy 30:15 presents a choice: "See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, as well as death and disaster." This choice emphasizes human responsibility in choosing good over evil. The Role of Conscience The New Testament further elaborates on the role of conscience in discerning good and evil. Romans 2:14-15 explains, "Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the Law, do by nature what the Law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the Law, since they show that the work of the Law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them." The Personification of Good and Evil Throughout Scripture, good is personified in the character of God and ultimately in Jesus Christ, who embodies perfect goodness. Evil, on the other hand, is personified in Satan, the adversary, who seeks to thwart God's purposes. 1 Peter 5:8 warns, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Redemption and the Triumph of Good The Bible promises the ultimate triumph of good over evil through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:13-14 declares, "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." This victory is further assured in Revelation 21:4 , where it is prophesied, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." Practical Implications for Believers Believers are called to live in accordance with God's standard of goodness, rejecting evil and pursuing righteousness. Romans 12:21 exhorts, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." This call to action is a central theme in the Christian life, emphasizing the transformative power of God's grace in enabling believers to reflect His goodness in a fallen world. Topical Bible Verses Genesis 3:1-24Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, Yes, has God said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden? Topicalbible.org Revelation 16:14 Hebrews 1:14 Greek 467. antapodidomi -- to give back as an equivalent, recompense ... recompense, render, repay. From anti and apodidomi; to requite (good or evil) -- recompense, render, repay. see GREEK anti. see GREEK apodidomi. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/467.htm - 7k 2551. kakologeo -- to speak ill of 2176. euonumos -- of good name, euph. for left 987. blasphemeo -- to slander, hence to speak lightly or profanely ... 3986. peirasmos -- an experiment, a trial, temptation Strong's Hebrew 7489. ra'a' -- to be evil, bad... literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing ... ah), break (down, in pieces), + displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat ... /hebrew/7489.htm - 6k 4209. mezimmah -- purpose, discretion, device 7789. shur -- to behold, regard Library Whether Evil is in Good as in Its Subject? Of the Good and Evil of Human Acts, in General (Eleven Articles) Of Good and Evil in the Passions of the Soul (Four Articles) Whether the Good or Evil of a Man's Action is Derived from Its ... Whether any Passion is Good or Evil in Its Species? Whether a Human Action is Good or Evil in Its Species? Good and Evil are an Exception to the Rule that Contrary ... Whether Evil Corrupts the Whole Good? Whether a Human Action is Good or Evil from Its End? Treatise on the Distinction of Good and Evil (Qq -49)The ... Resources Why is being a good person not enough to get you into heaven? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does God allow bad things to happen to good people? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that all things work together for good? | GotQuestions.org Good: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Good and Evil: Choice Between, by Adam and Eve Good and Evil: Conflict Between Good and Evil: Exhortation to Choose Between Good and Evil: Subjective Conflict Between Good for Evil: General Scriptures Concerning Good for Evil: Returning: Abraham, to Abimelech Good for Evil: Returning: David, to his Enemies Good for Evil: Returning: David, to Saul Good for Evil: Returning: Elisha, to the Syrians Good for Evil: Returning: Jesus, to his Crucifiers Good for Evil: Returning: Stephen, to his Murderers Good News: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms Good-for-nothing (22 Occurrences) |
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