Perceived Problem:
According to Isaiah 45:7, GOD creates evil (cf., Jeremiah 18:11; Lamentations 3:38; Amos 3:6). But many other Scriptures inform us that GOD is not evil (1John 1:5), cannot even look approvingly on evil (Habakkuk 1:13), and cannot even be tempted by evil (James 1:13). So, is GOD the author of evil?
Solution:
The Bible is clear that GOD is morally perfect (Deuteronomy 32:4; Matthew 5:48), and it is impossible for Him to sin (Hebrews 6:18). At the same time, His absolute justice demands that He punish sin. This judgment takes both temporal and eternal forms (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:11-15). In its temporal form, the execution of GOD’s justice is sometimes called “evil” because it seems to be evil to those undergoing it (Hebrews 12:11). However, the Hebrew word rā (rah) used here for “evil” does not always mean moral evil. In fact, it is used elsewhere throughout Scripture in a few different ways and also translates to trouble, affliction, and adversity. Indeed, the context of this passage indicates that it should be translated as “calamity,” as is the case in the NASB. Thus, GOD is properly said to be the author of “evil” in this sense, but not in the moral sense— at least not directly.
Further, there is an indirect sense in which GOD is the author of moral evil. GOD created moral beings with free choice, and free choice is the origin of moral evil in the universe. So, ultimately, GOD is responsible for making moral creatures who are responsible for moral evil. GOD made evil possible by creating free creatures, but the free creatures made evil actual. Of course, the possibility of evil (i.e., free choice) is itself a good thing. So, GOD created only good things, one of which was the power of free choice, and moral creatures produced the evil. However, GOD is the author of a moral universe and in this indirect and ultimate sense is the author of the possibility of evil. Of course, GOD only permitted evil, but does not promote it, and He will ultimately produce a greater good through it (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28; Revelation 21-22).
The relation of GOD and evil can be summarized this way:
|
GOD IS NOT THE |
GOD IS THE |
| In the sense of sin | In the sense of calamity |
| Moral evil | Non-moral evil |
| Directly | Indirectly |
| Actuality of evil | Possibility of evil |
Whereas dualism explains the existence of evil in the world by positing two eternal entities seemingly at war with each other, the Bible teaches that GOD is in control over all things and there is no other eternal being other than GOD. Now, an example of calamity that GOD brings would be when GOD allowed Babylon to bring judgment on the Israelites because of the Israelites’ sins. But another example is when GOD allowed Cyrus the Great to punish Babylon for their wickedness. Both events fulfilled prophecy (Jeremiah 25:12). And when GOD permitted those calamities, it was both discipline for His children and punishment for the wicked. And after His people had been humbled, GOD restored them back to their land in order to give them another opportunity to live faithfully and righteously.
(Proverbs 15:10)
“Grievous [rā] punishment is for him who forsakes the way; he who hates reproof will die.”
(Hebrews 12:10-11)
“He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”
Conclusion:
The calamity mentioned in Isaiah 45:7 does not imply moral evil; rather, rā is used as the antithesis of shalom (shaw-lome’), which means “peace; welfare; well-being.” When GOD purposely withdraws His powerful hand, resorting to providence and sovereignty, and leaves the situation to ungodly men, GOD has created a situation wherein peace and wholesomeness will not stand. GOD is responsible for making evil possible, but free creatures are responsible for making evil actual. However, in GOD’s omniscience, GOD knows what’s going to happen and then uses the bad to further create good.
Recommended Reading:
Quest For Truth 
4 thoughts on “Is GOD The Author Of Evil?”