Good Vs Evil: Satan's World

SATAN’S WORLD: GOOD VS. EVIL

By: C. Mason Davis

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Isaiah 5:20: "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

How do you define good? How do you define bad? How do you define evil? How do you compare good to bad and good to evil? Some say that the definition of good is the absence of bad and that bad is the absence of good. Some also say the same about evil, that evil is the absence of good. We can combine the bad and evil into one categorical definition except that evil goes deeper than just being morally bad. Being bad could be things like speeding, lying, stealing, or just a bad choice. While evil could include murder, assault, and actions that show a person doesn’t care about anyone or anything to the point of having no remorse. Evil is far worse behavior than just being bad because it’s a corruption and twisting of God’s Word in a much more heinous way. But I’ll just use the word, “Evil” as to not be as repetitive during this message. Deuteronomy 30:15: “See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil.” Make no mistake though, bad and evil still aren’t good no matter what one’s perception is.

God defines good as what aligns with His holiness, and evil as unbelief, idolatry, and blasphemy, or what is contrary to His laws. Romans 12:21: "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." It also warns against redefining good and evil, and emphasizes that God ultimately judges both. Psalm 37:27: "Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore." The fact is that to have good means you have to have something like evil/bad. Why? How do you know what good is without evil/bad and vice versa. The same applies to comparing good to evil. How do you know what’s bad or evil without knowing what’s good? Does that make sense to you?

What is the point of good vs evil? Good vs. evil is a fundamental moral dichotomy that represents the struggle between forces that promote virtue, justice, and morality (good) and those that lead to corruption, injustice, and immorality (evil). And what does good vs evil represent? The terms “good” and “evil” are often employed to discuss ethical actions. “Good” generally denotes behaviors that are considered upright such, as aiding others in speaking the truth, and avoiding harm. On the other hand, “evil” pertains to actions that are seen as incorrect like lying, cheating, or causing harm. But what does God say about good vs evil? God, according to the Bible, is inherently good and created a good world, but also allows for the reality of evil as a consequence of humanity's rejection of God and the exercise of free will. Hebrews 5:14: “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." The Bible commands followers to turn from evil, do good, and to "overcome evil with good" rather than returning evil for evil. Psalm 34:14: "Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it." Evil arises from human desire and is also a consequence of rejecting God's goodness.

Good is defined as what aligns with God's intentions and character, while evil is anything that departs from that, breaking relationships with God and others. Hardship teaches patience and the ability to persevere, which are important virtues for spiritual development. Difficult experiences can push individuals to rely more deeply on God for comfort, hope, and guidance, thereby increasing their trust in Him. Experiencing suffering can make people more sensitive and compassionate toward others who are also suffering. James 1:2-3: says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” Suffering can sometimes serve as an atonement for sins, or to bring others to repentance.

Another reason why God has given us both good and evil is that He wants us to come willingly to a life with Him through Jesus Christ and not forceably. This is done through God giving us “free will” so we can choose between good or evil. This freedom of choice and the resulting accountability are necessary for spiritual growth and for people to develop genuine faith and love. He could easily have created each of us to be good and without sin instead of giving us the ability to choose between good and evil. The rebellion of Satan and humanity against God is seen as the origin of evil and suffering in the world. This is also why God has allowed Satan to have authority over the current system of opposition to God. 2 Corinthians 4:4: “Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News.” Thus, this is Satan’s world.