Why did God say He created evil?

[Brian Mcnamee]

Isaiah 45:7 says: 'I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.'
Yet Genesis 1:31 teaches that 'God saw every thing that he made, and, behold, it was very good.' I think God declared that everything he made was perfect. So how can He say that He created evil? I thought evil was not created, that it's not a creature, but the lack of God's goodness in the world.
Romans 5:12: 'Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.' Who gets the blame for evil? If sin entered by man, then what does 'evil' refer to in Isaiah 45:7?

Hi the LORD did create everything and yes it was good. The fall of man records the creation of sin and death. Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” The temptation 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
3 And the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”
The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
14 So the LORD God said to the serpent:
“Because you have done this,
You are cursed more than all cattle,
And more than every beast of the field;
On your belly you shall go,
And you shall eat dust
All the days of your life.
15 And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her Seed;
He shall bruise your head,
And you shall bruise His heel.”
16 To the woman He said:
“I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception;
In pain you shall bring forth children;
Your desire shall be for your husband,
And he shall rule over you.”
17 Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’:
“Cursed is the ground for your sake;
In toil you shall eat of it
All the days of your life.
18 Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you,
And you shall eat the herb of the field.
19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread
Till you return to the ground,
For out of it you were taken;
For dust you are,
And to dust you shall return.”

So we see in the fall the introduction of evil by the free will choice of Adam innocence was lost and sin and death were introduced. God created all things knowing of the cross and the mystery of free will and Gods foreknowledge is deep. You see the passage you quote from Isaiah was in context of God naming a guy named Cyrus before he was even born as an instrument of judgment in Gods hand. Cyrus was head of the Meado Persian empire and led the Persians over the Babylonians. Evil has many definitions. here is what the concordance shows the common usage.
The KJV translates Strong's H7451 in the following manner: evil (442x), wickedness (59x), wicked (25x), mischief (21x), hurt (20x), bad (13x), trouble (10x), sore (9x), affliction (6x), ill (5x), adversity (4x), favoured (3x), harm (3x), naught (3x), noisome (2x), grievous (2x), sad (2x), miscellaneous (34x).

So the day of evil can be trouble, or affliction such as when God can punish a wicked nation with say a drought or earthquake. You see punishing sin is righteous and bringing the laws of sowing what you reap is throughout the Bible. In reality many bad choices bring about the correction of natural consequences which is known as evil.

You see what Adam brought in sin and death was overcome at the cross where redemption, salvation, atonement and adoption takes place. People who are born of the Spirit of God are sealed with the Holy Spirit. This universe, our world and our very lives are but a speck of time compared to eternity. The end of all things on earth God separates the seed of the serpent and those who are Christs. Rev 21
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John,[fn] saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me,[fn] “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
6 And He said to me, “It is done![fn] I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things,[fn] and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, unbelieving,[fn] abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

So the presence of sin provide man with two masters and our destiny is based on which master we serve. The Lord Jesus risen is the power of salvation. The fall of man has imprinted all of us and we all need to be saved.

 

[Brian Sellers]

Isaiah 45:7 says: 'I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.'
Yet Genesis 1:31 teaches that 'God saw every thing that he made, and, behold, it was very good.' I think God declared that everything he made was perfect. So how can He say that He created evil? I thought evil was not created, that it's not a creature, but the lack of God's goodness in the world.
Romans 5:12: 'Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.' Who gets the blame for evil? If sin entered by man, then what does 'evil' refer to in Isaiah 45:7?

It was important for the Israelites to understand that there was only one God, creator of all things, visible and invisible and He has dominion over everything. God did not desire evil but it was His absolute will that man have free will. Accordingly, God permits evil into the world as a consequence of His will that man have free will. He gave us free will so that we could choose to love Him. Without the ability to choose we are just biological robots and our love is mirage.

 

[Heber Book List]

The word evil as used in biblical parlance can mean moral evil or sickness or calamity. In Isaiah 45:7 note how "light" is contrasted to "darkness" and "peace" is contrasted to "evil". Therefore "peace" is contrasted to calamity therefore evil does not mean moral evil here. God is perfectly holy and good and would not, cannot create moral evil for it is not within His nature.

Note how all the calamities that happened to Job in Job chapters 1 and 2 in losing his children and assets is called "evil" in Job 42:11. These were calamities that happened to Job and not moral evils. Note also how this verse says "all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him".
Of course the Lord did not cause this "evil" to happen to Job, Satan did back in Job 1:11-12 and Job 2:6. This is a common idiom of the Hebrew language where God is said to actively cause some event when in reality God just allow or permitted it to happen. So Calvinism is wrong on two points here, 1) in accusing God of creating moral evil and 2) accusing God of causing certain events when He only allowed/permitted them to happen.

Job 42:11 translates ...for all the misfortunes that HaShem had brought upon him... (JPS1917).

 

[Heber Book List]

I note that several posts blame G_d for bringing evil into the world - that is a very thin excuse for our behaviour. Does not the Christian Testament say that Messiah (Jesus) came into the world as one of us, but did not sin? If he, as a human being like us in every way, managed to live without sinning, as is claimed in the Christian Testament, why do we need to blame G_d for 'creating' sin. For if G_d created sin then G_d must have killed Messiah (along with being solely responsible for all the horrors of this world) This being so, why does he punish us for something he created and from which we have no escape?

Paul argues against this idea in the letters to the Galatians and Romans!

 

[gabbi0408]

"Origen, quite early on, gave this explanation: 'Evil, in the absolute sense of the word, was not created by God [...]. If we speak of evil in a loose sense, meaning physical and natural evils, then we can say that God created it in order to convert men by their suffering. What is strange about this teaching? We refer to the punishments meted out by parents and teachers, and even the prescriptions and operations carried out by doctors and surgeons, as evils and sufferings, without blaming or condemning them. And that is how we should read the verse: I form light and create darkness, I make weal and woe (Is 45:7)' (Contra Celsum, 6, 55-56)." The Navarre Bible

 

[geiroffenberg]

Yes God created evil, but did He bring it into the world? Is evil bad? God's ways are not our ways, which could mean that evil is actually good. When a child is punished he thinks it's bad, but it is actually good. Evil has existed since the beginning, so did free will. Man activated evil which was part of God's plan. One cannot appreciate the light unless they have lived in the dark.

interesting post. There definitly is scriptual evidence that the translated word "evil" is also used about happenings that is perceived as not pleasant for the people, just like a child would not like a punishment even though it is good for him in the long run.

 

[lewiley]

If E = mc2 then we can divide and conclude that...

Mass (m) = Energy (E/c2)

And there are three varieties...

Natural E/c2 - All mass is basically cooled plasma
Mental E/c2 - Mentally, A mathematical formula, but this has chemical and spiritual properties as well.
Spiritual E/c2 - E (motivation, warmth, love) / c2 (faith, hope, charity, joy)

Comparing the light and the darkness, the opposite of E/c2 would be z (absolute zero)/ c (darkness)...

Natural z/d - Nothing, empty space.
Mental z/d - Again nothing but empty space.
Spiritual z/d - z (laziness, coldness, hatred / d (fear, despair, greed, sorrow)

A correct spiritual E/c2 is an important ally to the Christian faith.

But... God creates evil and darkness as well as the good and the light. If you compare darkness and light they are opposites. So good is opposite of evil. If you turn off a light you get immediate darkness. If you turn off the good you will have evil.

I would say that God creates good and evil due to the conduct of men. If men want to be evil then he is pretty good at creating it for them.

Actually the full equation is:
E2 = (pc)2 + (mc2)2
It includes the momentum term. Light has no mass but it has momentum and is affected by gravity.

Reference How do you derive E2= (pc)2 + (mc2)2

 

[rockytopva]

Actually the full equation is:
E2 = (pc)2 + (mc2)2
It includes the momentum term. Light has no mass but it has momentum and is affected by gravity.

Reference How do you derive E2= (pc)2 + (mc2)2

"To the illuminated mind the whole world burns and sparkles with light." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

If E = mc2 then we can divide and conclude that...

Mass (m) = Energy (E/c2)

And there are three varieties...

Natural E/c2 - All mass is basically cooled plasma
Mental E/c2 - Mentally, A mathematical formula, but this has chemical and spiritual properties as well.
Spiritual E/c2 - E (motivation, warmth, love) / c2 (faith, hope, charity, joy)

We can look a the formula and conclude that all mass is basically light and energy. When the sun gives her output of energy and light it does not spit out mathematical formulas but actual energy and light. When a soul is on fire it does not spit out mathematical formulas but actual warmth, motivation, zeal, love, joy, enthusiasm, etc. Only when a mind is on fire does it spit out mathematical calculations.

 

[CrystalDragon]

God made all the angels and they were perfect. Lucifer ( who became Satan) was perfect in all his ways wen he was created. God did not make him sin or any of the angels sin. Satan is the father of lies and God cannot lie. So when Satan speaks a lie he speaks of himself as Jesus said. Satan abode not in the truth ( but he once was in the truth.

God cannot go against himself he cannot deny himself. If God made any sin this would be against his nature. God cannot change or lie etc. If men lie God did not make them lie. For God cannot lie.

Yes there are some things God cannot do. I said CANNOT, thats right. Not that he just doesn't want to.

This horrible doctrine that makes God the author of sin is unbearable to even listen to.

take heed

Lucifer did not become Satan, that view is just a whisper-down-the-lane tidbit that has been perpetuated by misinformation and people just believing what they were led to believe. If you actually read the context of the entire chapter, "Lucifer" was just a term meaning Morning Star, used in a proverb against an arrogant Babylonian king. Nothing more.

 

[rockytopva]

Lucifer did not become Satan, that view is just a whisper-down-the-lane tidbit that has been perpetuated by misinformation and people just believing what they were led to believe. If you actually read the context of the entire chapter, "Lucifer" was just a term meaning Morning Star, used in a proverb against an arrogant Babylonian king. Nothing more.

Lucifer is a Hebrew word not a Babylonian, the name Lucifer means light bearer in the Hebrew. It is indeed the name of the fallen arch angel.

 

[CrystalDragon]

Lucifer is a Hebrew word not a Babylonian, the name Lucifer means light bearer in the Hebrew. It is indeed the name of the fallen arch angel.

"Lucifer" may be a Hebew name, but that was just one translation, and likely a later Hebrew translation. Another translation is "Morning Star", which does mean light-bearer and was used for those in a high position, including Pharaoh and Jesus. If you actually read the surrounding verses, it relates to no fallen angel. Not Satan, not an arch angel, not anything supernatural. Just a flawed arrogant human who saw himself as being greater than the humans he ruled over.

 

[rockytopva]

A Babylonian king would not give himself a Hebrew name.

 

[shadowhunter]

Isaiah 45:7 says:...45:7?

The word used can also mean 'calamity'.

God created and it was all good.
He created a system where you reap what you sow. The system is good.
He says he gives you what you want and lets you wallow in the consequences. Rom 1:18ff

Adam and Eve wanted to be like God, determining good and evil for themselves. So God let them. He even calls men gods, but warns them they will die like men.

As we act like gods, choosing what is good for ourselves, we reap what we sow; pain suffering and death.

The purpose of the pain, suffering and death is to be the schoolmaster to the flesh; to drive us to our knees and call out for God. When we say that things should not be this way, we are acknowledging that there is a way that it should be and a God who made THAT way.

He created the good system. We make choices where we reap what we sow. It is good.

But God created the calamity by creating the system where we reap what we sow.

 

[CrystalDragon]

A Babylonian king would not give himself a Hebrew name.

It never said the Babylonian king gave himself that name. It was jus used in the proverb, and in one translation. The proverb as it was told to the king may have just used "Morning Star" which is another translation that just means the same thing. In fact "Morning Star" is probably what the king was called when the proverb was given to him.

And if you're going to be so picky about names, then we shouldn't call Jesus "Jesus", we should call him "Yeshua". since "Jesus" is a Romanization of that.

 

[Heber Book List]

If you read it in context, from Chapter 10:12 to the end of Chapter 14 you will see that Assyria was intent on taking everything that belongs to G_d. The use of the term Bright Morning Star belongs to Messiah (Jesus) and is quoted in Isaiah so that we may see the folly of the King who wanted to be G_d, taking over the Temple Mount (Mountain of Meeting), the people, their riches etc. His ambitions are ridiculed by G_d who quotes what the King actually wanted: the title: The Morning Star, and so to take Messiah's place as well - the King of Assyria is reminded of what happens to Kings who threaten G_d. This was a no, no as far as G_d was concerned.

Always read the wider context to understand the full account.

 

[CrystalDragon]

If you read it in context, from Chapter 10:12 to the end of Chapter 14 you will see that Assyria was intent on taking everything that belongs to G_d. The use of the term Bright Morning Star belongs to Messiah (Jesus) quoted in Isaiah so that we may see the folly of the King who wanted to be G_d, taking over the Temple Mount (Mountain of Meeting), the people, their riches etc. His ambitions are ridiculed by G_d who quotes back to the King what the King actually wanted: the title: The Morning Star, and so to take Messiah's place as well. This was a no, no as far as G_d was concerned.

Always read the wider context to understand the full account.

Which only further accentuates my point, thanks.

 

[Theo Book]

Isaiah 45:7 says: 'I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.'
Yet Genesis 1:31 teaches that 'God saw every thing that he made, and, behold, it was very good.' I think God declared that everything he made was perfect. So how can He say that He created evil? I thought evil was not created, that it's not a creature, but the lack of God's goodness in the world.
Romans 5:12: 'Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.' Who gets the blame for evil? If sin entered by man, then what does 'evil' refer to in Isaiah 45:7?

It helps if you understand God is a God of opposites; i.e., Love and hate; justice, and Mercy; all the things that make for free will; and choices.

Man is made in God's image, and is given free will, which explains how good men can commit evil deeds, and evil men can do good deeds, all as a matter of expression of choices.

Everything is relative, such as "If any Man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26 KJV)

There are some who think God is wrong for allowing evil in a world where Humans struggle for a lifetime, to avoid temptations, and evil activities. But Man is not the judge of God, because only God has perfect knowledge, and no man is qualified to examine the activities of God with anything approaching balance or honest assessment.

God hates every evil way; God loves righteousness. Both are elements of God's basis for judgment.

But God does not judge Men secretly. He tells all men of His standards, His expectations; His allowances for ignorance; His patience; His love; and His provision for Man's forgiveness and salvation.

Then, He allows Man to decide for himself, and choose. Any one who does not think Heaven and its rewards are worth struggling for, needs to study the issues with more attention to results.

 

[Episaw]

Isaiah 45:7 says: 'I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.'
Yet Genesis 1:31 teaches that 'God saw every thing that he made, and, behold, it was very good.' I think God declared that everything he made was perfect. So how can He say that He created evil? I thought evil was not created, that it's not a creature, but the lack of God's goodness in the world.
Romans 5:12: 'Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.' Who gets the blame for evil? If sin entered by man, then what does 'evil' refer to in Isaiah 45:7?

God created satan and satan created evil so I guess God was owning up to what happened.

 

[zoidar]

Isaiah 45:7 says: 'I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.'
Yet Genesis 1:31 teaches that 'God saw every thing that he made, and, behold, it was very good.' I think God declared that everything he made was perfect. So how can He say that He created evil? I thought evil was not created, that it's not a creature, but the lack of God's goodness in the world.
Romans 5:12: 'Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.' Who gets the blame for evil? If sin entered by man, then what does 'evil' refer to in Isaiah 45:7?

"The One forming light and creating darkness, Causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the LORD who does all these." /Isaiah 45:7

This text should NEVER EVER be understood as God creating evil. The opposite of peace/well-being is not evil, it's calamity. From the beginning there was only good, God created everything very good. It's against his nature to create anything evil. What he can do though, is create calamity among people who turn against him.

Edit: God can also let calamity happen for a bigger purpose. Like allowing the crucifixion of his Son, to save mankind.

Evil comes from revolting against God. Lucifer was the first being revolting, bringing one third of the angels with him (Rev 13:4). Then he tricked men into sinning, and now the world is like it is. The bible says Lucifer was an holy angel, but he got proud and wanted to take God's place (Isa 14:14). Through free will he turned against God, and by doing so he became evil (the being Satan), the first evil that ever existed.

 

[Kutte]

Isaiah 45:7 says: 'I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.'
Yet Genesis 1:31 teaches that 'God saw every thing that he made, and, behold, it was very good.' I think God declared that everything he made was perfect. So how can He say that He created evil? I thought evil was not created, that it's not a creature, but the lack of God's goodness in the world.
Romans 5:12: 'Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.' Who gets the blame for evil? If sin entered by man, then what does 'evil' refer to in Isaiah 45:7?

Hi LinaBellus, good question.

The answer is simply this: Conditions without darkness are as blinding as conditions without light. We need both to find our ways.
Similar: Goodness can only be appreciated when having the ability to compare goodness with badness.
God bless