#29 Theodicy

Theodicy is concerned with answering the question, “If God is sovereign and good, then why does He allow evil and suffering in the world?” While there are many conclusions to this question, the most prominent one found in the Old Testament comes from the books of Job, Ecclesiastes, and Habakkuk. They conclude and posit that God allows evil in the world according to His own will and purpose, which we are not capable of understanding in our present human state. As God declared to the Prophet Habakkuk, “I am doing something in your days— You would not believe if you were told”¹ (Hab. 1:5), so are all people to be rightly oblivious to God’s allowance of evil. Rather than seeking understanding for painful experiences, the people of God are to “live by faith” (Hab. 2:4). 

In the book of Job, Job is a righteous man who is “blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil” (Job 1:1). It is then made clear that Satan wishes to torment Job and has to ask permission from the Almighty. Satan begging God, of course, makes the view of good and evil as opposite, equally powerful forces illegitimate and disproven. In other words, because God has to allow Satan permission, dualism is out of the picture in terms of theodicy. Satan is evil, yet he is entirely subordinate to God, who is good. Because of Job’s righteousness, it is also clear that his suffering is not retributive, meaning he does not suffer at the hands of Satan justly. What is suffering if it is not due to a dualistic force of evil, nor is it retributive? The conclusion in Job is even better than anticipated. The Lord does not provide a reason for Job’s suffering but declares Himself supreme. This ignorance of wickedness is blissful. God’s people do not have to understand wickedness; they only have to trust that God controls everything, even suffering. It is essential to clarify that God is not the author of evil or sin. He does not create it; He allows or permits it.

Ecclesiastes' primary focus is that all things are vapor or meaningless because they eventually fade away. Like Job, Ecclesiastes does not provide a reason for suffering but says that the earth is a fallen place where wickedness dwells. The conclusion is that only God lasts forever, and because of that truth, fearing Him is the most wise thing to do. It is equivalent to having faith and trusting the Lord in the New Testament.

The New Testament, too, addresses the issue of suffering. Despite the pain it brings, suffering is not devoid of purpose. In 2 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul speaks of a thorn in his flesh. It was given to him to demonstrate that “God’s grace is sufficient for [Paul], for power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, [Paul would] rather boast about [his] weakness, so that the power of Christ may dwell in [him]” (2 Cor. 12:9). This perspective applies to all Christians. Suffering leads to power from the Holy Spirit and, therefore, more glory for the Lord. Suffering empowers ministry. Second, the temporary status of all things should lead God’s people to rejoice, knowing that even suffering and evil are temporary. One day, the Lord will set all things right. There will no longer be any pain as the Bible concludes on the note that “[God] will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4). The eternal things remain. Therefore, “fear the Lord and keep His commandments” (Eccles. 12:13). Have faith. 

• Footnote

  Unless otherwise specified, all Bible references in this paper are to the New American Standard Bible (NASB) (La Habra: Foundation Publication, 1995).