What is the Origin of Evil?

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF EVIL? How is it that the Almighty God permitted it to enter into the world? This perplexing question is raised by many when they are hard pressed in their consciences, and want a convenient corner in which to hide. They are ashamed of their sins, but like them too well to give them up, and therefore they raise a great dust over this question, so as to hide themselves from the attacks of their conscience. Our somewhat rustic woodcut may suggest a far more profitable mode of procedure. The bullocks are in the field doing a world of mischief, and the boys are all squabbling as to how they got in, whether through a gap in the hedge, or because the gate was left open, or by crossing over the brook; but Farmer Brown is calling out to them, “Come along, boys, and get them out; don’t stand talking about how they got in, while the wheat is being spoiled.” Wisely said, friend Brown; and just so our business with evil is rather how to get it out of ourselves, than to enquire how it came to be permitted in God’s world. Nice questions about specific gravity will not save a man who is drowning, nor will doctrinal disputes save our souls.

Reader, Jesus who gave his life for sinners, has power to save us from our sins. The blood and water which flowed from his wounded side are sin’s perfect and certain cure; he who by faith rests in these is no longer under bondage to evil. Jesus, by his Spirit, can drive out the evil of our hearts, however deep-seated and powerful it may be; and if we seek him by prayer and faith, he will do it. Leave, then, all critical questions, and be in earnest to obtain an interest in him. This text is plain enough, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

Spurgeon, C. H. (1867). The Sword and Trowel: 1867, 323. (Public Domain)