EVIL IS REAL

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4 ESV)

Many in today’s world do not believe in evil. They believe that such ideas are based on cultural beliefs relative to various societies in different places and times. The paradigm key here is the word “relative”. Ethics, morals, right or wrong, and good or evil are considered “relative” to the circumstances people encounter in life. The idea of a spiritual being named Satan or the devil, who is an embodiment of evil, is viewed with contempt as the product of ignorant superstitious minds.

The origin of evil is not the Creator but the creature’s freely choosing sin and selfishness. (Peter Kreeft, Ph.D, “The Problem of Evil”)

Evil is disobeying God. We are spiritually and historically in a state of rebellion against God. Rather than submit to God, we go our own way and find ourselves alienated from God. Evil is the result. Evil came into existence with the revolt of Satan and afterwards with the fall of Adam.

Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. (Romans 1:24-25)

At just the right time, (Romans 5:6 ESV) however, Jesus Christ came to release us from the evil bondage to our sins. He is the good shepherd who revives and comforts us with His grace. He lifts us up that we may know God and be instructed in all His righteous ways. If you are living in the evil manner of the unrighteous world or if you are living in fear of the evil that seems to flourish, run to Jesus for He has overcome the world. (John 16:33 ESV)

You bring my wand’ring spirit back.
when I forsake your ways;
you lead me, for your mercy’s sake,
in paths of truth and grace.

When through the shades of death I walk,
your presence is my stay;
one word of your supporting breath
drives all my fears away.
(Isaac Watts, “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”)