Understanding The Problem of Evil, God’s Power, and Human Freedom (with Scripture References)

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

When logic is applied to God’s existence, the core challenge quickly emerges: the problem of evil. If God is good and all-powerful, why does evil exist—especially seemingly random or gratuitous evil? To address this, we will define key logical terms and examine the two most common arguments against theism: the moral argument from evil and the argument from gratuitous evil.

Though these objections may appear logically valid, they rely on flawed or false premises, and a careful critique reveals the fallacies within them.

The problem of evil is often used to argue against the existence of God.

The reasoning usually goes like this:

• Evil exists.
• A good God would eliminate evil.
• A powerful God could eliminate evil.
• Evil still exists—so God must not be good, powerful, or real.

At first glance, the problem of evil argument seems strong. But when you look closely at the assumptions behind it, the logic breaks down. Scripture, reason, and the reality of human freedom point to a far more coherent picture.

1. Evil Exists — Christians Agree

No one denies the reality of evil. The Bible fully acknowledges it:

• “The whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” — 1 John 5:19
• “The intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth.” — Genesis 8:21

The Bible is not naïve about suffering or wickedness. Evil is real—but that fact alone does not undermine theism.

2. Would a Good God Eliminate All Evil Immediately?

This is where the argument stumbles.

A loving God may allow temporary suffering for a greater good.

Just like a parent gives bitter medicine for healing, God may allow temporary pain with a morally sufficient purpose.

• “God disciplines us for our good.” — Hebrews 12:10–11

Scripture affirms that God is perfectly good.

• “The LORD is righteous in all His ways.” — Psalm 145:17

But goodness does not mean instant elimination of all evil.

If God removed all evil instantly, He would also:

• eliminate human freedom
• eliminate moral responsibility
• eliminate the possibility of love and virtue
• eliminate redemption itself

God’s patience is actually a sign of mercy:

• “The Lord… is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish.” — 2 Peter 3:9

3. Could an All-Powerful God Destroy Evil Immediately?

Yes—He could, but that does not mean He should or must.

Omnipotence does not mean doing the logically impossible.

God does not create square circles or force free creatures to be non-free.

• “With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) — meaning all non-contradictory things.

For God to eliminate all evil immediately, He would need to eliminate free will.
But Scripture teaches that humans genuinely choose:

• “Choose this day whom you will serve.” — Joshua 24:15

A world without free will would not be a world of persons—it would be a world of robots.

4. Free Will Explains Why Evil Still Exists

A world with real freedom includes the possibility of moral evil.

Free will requires real choices.

• You can’t have courage without danger.
• You can’t have compassion without suffering.
• You can’t have meaningful love without the freedom to reject it.

The Bible affirms human responsibility and choice:

• “Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” — James 1:14
• “They have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.” — Hosea 8:7

Evil exists not because God is weak, but because humans are free.

The most emotionally difficult question is: Why do innocent people suffer?

This is often called gratuitous evil. But even here, the argument against God assumes too much.

Two key truths help explain this:

A. Free Will Can Lead to Real Harm

If God prevented all harm:

• the laws of physics could not be trusted
• bullets would turn to rubber,
• knives would melt,
• gravity would freeze whenever danger appeared.

This would destroy the meaningfulness of free choice.

B. Natural Law Must Be Stable

We rely on a consistent physical world. If God constantly overrode natural laws, life would be chaotic.

Yet Scripture shows God uses suffering for redemptive purposes:

• “All things work together for good for those who love God.” — Romans 8:28
• “The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed.” — Romans 8:18

Not all suffering is meaningless—sometimes the meaning isn’t yet visible.

6. God Will Destroy Evil — Just Not Yet

The Bible repeatedly teaches that evil will be defeated fully and finally:

• “He will wipe away every tear… and death shall be no more.” — Revelation 21:4
• “The Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil.” — 1 John 3:8

Evil is not permanent.
Its defeat is certain—but not instantaneous.

God delays judgment to allow repentance, redemption, and the salvation of many.

7. Why the Argument Against God Fails

The classic “problem of evil” fails because it depends on false assumptions:

False Assumption 1:

“Goodness means God must stop all evil now.”

False Assumption 2:

“Power means God must use His power constantly.”

False Assumption 3:

“We can see all purposes behind suffering.”

False Assumption 4:

“Freedom is compatible with forced goodness.”

Once these assumptions are corrected, the argument collapses.
The existence of evil is not a contradiction to the Christian worldview—it is explained by it.

Final Takeaway

The presence of evil in the world does not disprove God.
Instead, it confirms:

• human freedom,
• the reality of moral choice,
• the brokenness of the world,
• the need for redemption,
• and the promise that God will ultimately make all things right.

And Scripture assures us of this hope:

• “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21

Stuart Atkins

About the Author
Stuart Atkins is a retired marketing professional with over 25 years of experience in the high-technology industry and a former adjunct professor of marketing at Cal State Fullerton, where he taught for 17 years while also operating a small digital marketing agency. He holds an MBA and two degrees in theology and has written books on business and theology. He writes on Christian apologetics, history, economics, and worldview issues, drawing on both academic study and decades of professional experience. He is the founder of ChristianProofs.com.