December 7th - All is from Him

“For, who knew the mind of the Lord? or, who became His adviser? or, who gives to Him first, and it will be repaid him? seeing that out of Him and through Him and for Him is all: to Him be the glory for the eons! Amen! (Romans 11:35-36)

It seems to me that the various religions of the world, including Christianity, have missed this simple truth. Maybe because it is so simple and profound – “from Him and through Him and for Him are ALL THINGS”. But most likely they mussed this truth because of fear of making the Lord responsible for evil. 

However, if the Bible is true then ALL things are from the Lord - even evil.  Don't believe me? Well maybe you will believe Him...

“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” (Isaiah 45:7)

“…it is I who have created the destroyer to destroy.” (Isaiah 54:16)

“The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil.” (Proverbs 16:4)

"For to VANITY was the creation subjected, not voluntarily, but because of Him who subjects it…” (Romans 8:20-21)

So, what is God's "purpose" for evil, for the destroyers, and for wicked people?

No, I don't like to think about it either, but I have, and these are my thoughts after reading the Bible - all of it!

- God created evil because He wanted humanity to have both the knowledge of good and evil.

- God uses evil to humble us and teach us that good is better than evil. 

- Humanity learns what is good by contrasting it with evil.

- God is not finished with humanity. He is at work in all of us. When He is done He will banish evil and wipe away all tears and pain.

- God will create a New Heaven and New Earth without evil.

- God has eternity to make up for the evil humanity experiences in this present age. 

- Humanity will be transformed into immortals that know by experience that the evil in this temporary time on earth are not worthy to be compared to the glory of the new creation.

There you have it. The evil we see all around us IS FROM the Lord, and it is a necessary part of our journey to immortality. 

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” (Romans 11:34)

Nevertheless, it is OK to hate evil and hold tight to the good we encounter in this world.

"Hate everything that is evil and hold tight to everything that is good." (Romans 12:9)