Topical Bible: Good and Evil: Subjective Conflict Between

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The conflict between good and evil is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the moral and spiritual struggles faced by humanity. This dichotomy is not merely an abstract concept but a tangible reality that influences human behavior, decisions, and destiny. The Bible presents this conflict as a battle between the forces of God and those of Satan, with humanity caught in the middle, tasked with choosing whom to serve.

Creation and the Fall

The narrative of good and evil begins in the Book of Genesis. God created the world and declared it "very good" (Genesis 1:31). However, the introduction of evil occurs with the fall of man. In Genesis 3, the serpent tempts Eve to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, leading to the disobedience of Adam and Eve. This act of rebellion introduces sin into the world, marking the beginning of humanity's struggle with evil.

The Nature of Good and Evil

The Bible consistently portrays God as the ultimate standard of good. His nature is holy, just, and loving, and His commandments reflect His character. In contrast, evil is depicted as anything that opposes God's will and character. The prophet Isaiah declares, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness" (Isaiah 5:20), highlighting the moral confusion that can arise when God's standards are ignored.

The Human Heart and Moral Choice

The conflict between good and evil is deeply rooted in the human heart. Jeremiah 17:9 states, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" . This verse underscores the inherent sinfulness of humanity and the propensity to choose evil over good. Yet, the Bible also affirms the capacity for moral choice. Deuteronomy 30:19 urges, "I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live" .

Redemption and the Role of Christ

The New Testament reveals the resolution of the conflict between good and evil through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus embodies perfect goodness and offers redemption from sin. In John 3:16, it is written, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" . Through His death and resurrection, Christ defeats the power of evil and offers believers the strength to overcome sin.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding believers in the battle between good and evil. Galatians 5:16-17 advises, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh" . The Spirit empowers Christians to live according to God's will, producing the fruit of righteousness.

Eschatological Hope

The Bible assures believers of the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Revelation 21:4 promises a future where "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" . This eschatological hope encourages Christians to persevere in righteousness, knowing that God's kingdom will prevail.

Practical Implications for Believers

The subjective conflict between good and evil calls for vigilance and discernment. Ephesians 6:11 exhorts believers to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes" . This spiritual armor includes truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word of God, equipping Christians to resist evil and pursue good in their daily lives.

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Romans 7:9-25
For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
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Library

The First General Epistle of Peter
... Paul may have spoken to him a good deal about ... The last objection is of a rather
subjective character. ... The Gentiles round about them spoke evil of them, because ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the first general epistle of.htm

The Conversion of Paul.
... No amount of subjective thought and reflection could have ... denial, was overruled for
his own good: the remembrance ... motives, or to the influence of evil spirits. ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 31 the conversion of.htm

The Gentile Christian Theology. Paul and the Gospel of Faith.
... and conditioned by faith, as the subjective organ of ... speculations, and polemical
intolerance even against good old Peter ... God does not cause evil, but he bends ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 71 the gentile christian.htm

Letter vii. You are Now, My Dear Friend, in Possession of My Whole ...
... or reciprocation of the spirit as subjective and objective ... the conflict of the spirit
with the evil and the ... love, and grateful testimonies of good men, through ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/letter vii you are now.htm

Analysis of the Westminster Confession.
... narrower sense, so as to be equivalent to saved, and to imply the subjective
application or ... A. Yes, surely; before they had done either good or evil, God in ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 95 analysis of the.htm

Sozomen as Author.
... This is his professed purpose; however subjective or churchly ... The Father must be
vindicating the good and punishing ... Under this law, too, the evil sides of the ...
/.../sozomen/the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/part ii sozomen as author.htm

The English-Speaking Peoples: Action and Reaction
... for the good and of the experience of the good as we can be of the evil. ... their doctrines
true or false without reference to the subjective standard of ...
/.../chapter vi the english-speaking peoples .htm

Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church.
... Lutherans to represent their doctrine of justification by subjective faith as ... of
Providence, an instrument in giving the victory to good over evil and to ...
/.../seances historiques de genevethe national.htm

Attributes of Love.
... as they were, were considered as an evil of less ... fishermen; to mingle with and seek
the good of all ... government, and of conformity to his own subjective idea of ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xv attributes of love.htm

Attributes of Selfishness.
... it is because objective truth is consistent with subjective falsehood. ... it is only
as a means of his own good. ... from malice, or a disposition to do evil for its ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xviii attributes of selfishness.htm