Is God the Author of Evil?
Is God the author of evil? Does God violate the freewill of humanity to the extent that He causes people to sin in order to accomplish His will? If God is sovereign over everything, does it mean that God is the source and cause of both good and evil?
The Bible gives us a clear answer, but we must distinguish the difference between trials and temptation.
1. Difference between Trials and Temptations
Trials are tests which God allows in our life in order to refine us or help us to grow and mature spiritually. Trials come in the form of hardships, suffering and problems. The purpose of trials is to strengthen our faith, build our character and bring us closer to God.
James 1:2-4 is says: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Temptations are enticements to sin or rebel against God. Temptations are meant to cause people to commit evil, doubt God and disobey God.
The devil, the world and our own flesh are the sources of temptation. Never from God
In 1 Thessalonians 3:5 the devil is referred as “the tempter”. In Luke 4:2 Jesus was tempted by the devil and in Genesis 3:1-6 was the first recorded temptation in which the devil tempted Eve.
2. God Does Not Tempt Anyone to Sin
Scripture teaches that God is completely sovereign, yet He is not morally evil and does not tempt people to sin. God cannot sin or commit any kind of evil act.
James 1:13 reads: When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone;
James then explains where sinful temptation comes from:
“Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” — James 1:14
This is important. God may allow a person to experience trials, challenges or various circumstances in which temptation occurs, but Scripture does not say that God places sinful desires in someone’s heart or entices them to commit sin.
God tests people, but He does not tempt them to become morally corrupt.
3. God is Holy by Nature
God is completely holy and perfect by nature. Since God is holy it means that it is impossible for God to sin or tempt anyone to commit a sin.
The Bible repeatedly declares that God is holy and righteous:
Isaiah 6:3 says: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty”
Deuteronomy 32:4 says: “He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just.”
Therefore, God’s holiness means that evil is not part of His moral character. God does not lie, commit injustice, or act wickedly.
The apostle John puts it very strongly: “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all” — 1 John 1:5
So the Bible does not present God as the source of moral wickedness.
God is Not the Author of Evil, but He Can Use Evil for Good
One of the clearest biblical examples of God using the evil acts of others in order to bring about a good outcome is the story of Joseph (Genesis 37 to Genesis 50).
Joseph’s brothers hated him, sold him into slavery, and intended to harm him.
Years later Joseph told them: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.” (Genesis 50:20)
Notice the remarkable distinction in Joseph’s experience and story.
His brothers intended evil. God intended good.
The same event had two different intentions.
The brothers were responsible for their wicked actions, while God sovereignly used those actions to accomplish His purposes.
This demonstrates an important biblical principle: God can bring good out of what others intend for evil.
Conclusion
Satan opposes God. It is the devil who tempts people to sin and rebel against God.
God judges evil and He will ultimately defeat evil.
God is holy. He does not tempt anyone to sin. Human beings are responsible for their sins. God is sovereign and He can use the evil actions of people to create a good outcome – such as the story of Joseph or the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ was crucified on the Cross even though He was sinless and did not deserve to be punished. Yet the evil intentions of those who plotted for Christ’s death resulted in the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of mankind through Christ’s death and resurrection. Therefore, God can use evil circumstances to accomplish righteous purposes, but God Himself does not tempt or cause anyone to sin.
