Topical Encyclopedia The conflict between good and evil is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the ongoing struggle between righteousness and sin, light and darkness, God and Satan. This dichotomy is foundational to understanding the narrative of Scripture and the moral framework it presents.Old Testament Foundations The conflict between good and evil is introduced early in the biblical narrative. In Genesis 3, the serpent tempts Eve, leading to the fall of humanity: "But the serpent said to the woman, 'You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil'" (Genesis 3:4-5). This act of disobedience introduces sin into the world, setting the stage for the ongoing battle between good and evil. Throughout the Old Testament, this conflict is evident in the lives of individuals and nations. The account of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4) illustrates the personal struggle with sin, as Cain succumbs to jealousy and murder. The narrative of Israel's history is marked by cycles of faithfulness and rebellion, with prophets calling the people back to righteousness and warning of the consequences of evil. The Role of the Law The Mosaic Law serves as a guide for distinguishing between good and evil. Deuteronomy 30:15-16 states, "See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. For I am commanding you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, statutes, and ordinances, so that you may live and multiply, and the LORD your God may bless you in the land you are entering to possess." The Law provides a standard for righteous living and highlights the consequences of sin. Wisdom Literature The wisdom literature of the Old Testament, particularly the Book of Proverbs, contrasts the paths of wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness. Proverbs 3:7 advises, "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil." This literature emphasizes the moral choices individuals must make and the blessings of choosing good over evil. New Testament Revelation In the New Testament, the conflict between good and evil is personified in the struggle between Jesus Christ and Satan. Jesus' temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) exemplifies His victory over evil, as He resists Satan's enticements by quoting Scripture. This victory foreshadows His ultimate triumph over sin and death through His crucifixion and resurrection. The teachings of Jesus further illuminate the nature of this conflict. In John 3:19-21 , Jesus explains, "And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever practices the truth comes into the Light, so that it may be seen clearly that what he has done has been accomplished in God." The Apostolic Writings The apostles continue to address the conflict between good and evil in their letters. Paul, in Romans 12:21 , exhorts believers, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." This call to action underscores the believer's role in the ongoing spiritual battle. The Apostle Peter warns of the adversary's tactics in 1 Peter 5:8 : "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Believers are encouraged to resist evil through faith and reliance on God's power. The Book of Revelation The Book of Revelation provides a climactic vision of the ultimate resolution of the conflict between good and evil. Revelation 20:10 declares the final defeat of Satan: "And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." This prophetic vision assures believers of God's ultimate victory and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Throughout Scripture, the conflict between good and evil is portrayed as a cosmic struggle with personal implications. Believers are called to choose good, resist evil, and trust in God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 16:13-21And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. Nave's Topical Index Library The Conflict with Evil Relation of Manich??ism to Zoroastrianism. The Original and the Actual Relation of Man to Law. Introduction. Introduction Blasphemous Accusations of the Jews. The Apostasy which Prepares the Way for the Antichrist. While Writing, Being Blinded by Corporeal Images, He Failed to ... Man's Place in the World. Let them Perish from Thy Presence, O God, as Perish Vain Talkers ... Resources What is the problem of good? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about good versus evil? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God is 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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