The Bible does not leave us guessing about the nature of evil. According to the 1 John 5:19, the world is under the power of the evil one, associating evil at its root with opposition to God and His goodness. In the Genesis 6:5, evil is referred to as the wickedness of humankind, showing thoughts and inclinations of the heart that are consistently opposed to God. We glean from these passages that evil points towards a malicious intent or actions that are harmful and contrary to the holiness and righteousness of God.
Evil People in the Bible
The Bible gives us examples of people who have turned to evil such as Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, and King Herod, who slaughtered innocent children. Yet, it also shows God’s constant call for repentance and redemption. One example is in Ezekiel 33:11, where God expresses His wish for the wicked not to die but to turn from their ways.
Consequences of Evil Deeds
The Bible is clear that evil deeds have consequences. In Romans 6:23, it says, “For the wages of sin is death…”. Additionally, Galatians 6:7-8 warns not to be deceived for God cannot be mocked, whatever one sows, thus, they will also reap.
Promised Redemption
Despite this, the Bible also holds out a message of hope and redemption for those who turn from evil. 1 John 1:9 gives us the assurance that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
A Call to Resist Evil
Furthermore, Christians are called to actively resist evil. James 4:7 encourages us to “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” This resistance takes form in how we live our lives, in seeking to do good, and to live a righteous life consistent with God’s teachings.
Relevance to Christians Today
The Bible’s teachings on evil are highly relevant to Christians today in formulating a moral compass. It provides a guide to understanding wrong paths, and gives hope for those who seek to turn away from evil. It serves as a call to action for Christians to actively resist evil, not just in their actions, but also in their thoughts and desires.
Conclusion
The Bible’s teachings on evil offer a comprehensive view. It provides clear definitions, outlines grave consequences, yet offers hope for redemption. From recognizing the characteristics of evil, the consequences it yields, to understanding the path to redemption, we see a roadmap designed to guide us away from malevolence and towards following the path of good. By wrestling with these teachings, Christians are challenged to live lives of righteousness, resisting evil in all its forms and drawing closer to God’s goodness. The Bible, therefore, provides not just a diagnosis of the problem of evil, but also prescribes the solution: a life of faith in Jesus Christ, repentance from sin, and a pursuit of godly living.
