6.Why Must Innocent People Suffer?
The Bible reveals God as "merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and
abounding in goodness and truth ... forgiving ... sin." Exodus
34:6,7. Then why is there so much suffering, sorrow and death? Why
do innocent people suffer? If God is not responsible, then who is behind
all of the problems of the world?
In a simple story of a farmer sowing weed seed, Jesus put His
finger on the world's problems. He said, "An enemy has done this." Matthew
13:28.
The enemy who is responsible for the sickness, suffering and death
is Lucifer-Satan, the devil.
Who is Lucifer? Where did he originate? How did he get here? Why does
a loving God permit him attack and deestroy innocent people? The answer
of these and other questions are in the Bible.
1. Lucifer was once a perfect angel created by God. "You were the seal
of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty ... from the day you
were created."
Ezekiel 28:12-15.
2. Lucifer, like all of God's created beings, was created with the
power of free choice. "You were perfect ... till iniquity was found in
you ... Your heart was lifted up ... you corrupted your wisdom." Ezechiel
28:15,17.
3. Lucifer exercised his power of free choice and coveted God's position
and His throne. " Isaiah
14:12-14.
4. Lucifer persuaded one third of the angels in heaven to join him
in rebellion against God. "And war broke up in heaven ... and Satan ...
and his angels were cast out with him." Revelation
12:7-9.
5. God could have destroyed Satan at the very beginning of his rebellion
but the created beings would have obeyed Him out of fear rather than love.
6. Satan, which means deceiver, came to the earth which was a perfect
creation with silness Adam and Eve living in the beautiful Garden of Eden.
God had said, "Of every tree ... you may freely eat ... but of the tree
of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat." Genesis
2:16,17. All created beings-angels and human-were given the power of
free choice. They must be given the oppurtunity to choose to serve God
because of love rather than fear.
7. Through disquise, insinuation and lying, Satan led Eve and Adam
to choose him as their master and the world was plunged into sin. "To whom
you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves ... whether
of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness." Romans
6:16.
8. "Sin separates us from God".
Isaiah 59:2. Sin is ugly. It is destructive. Sin is behind all of the
pain, suffering, bloodshed, disease, broken homes and death.
9. In spite of the choice of Adam and Eve-in spite of the choices we
make-God did not give up the human race."For god so loved the world that
he gave His ... Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish
but have everlasting live." John
3:16. There is forgiveness in Jesus.
10. Today the world is full of sin, sickness, suffering and death.
Everyone-sinner and saint-suffers the results of a world in rebellion.
Satan's evil plan must be revealed in contrast to God's way of love so
people can make a choice. "For the one who remains in sin, this is all
there is in life. For those who know Jesus there is a new world ahead with
no more tears, pain, sorrow or death."
Revelation 21:14
Invitation:Jesus invites you to choose Him as Master of your life and
prepare for a glorious eternity with Him.