Does God Bring Evil?

Does God Bring Evil?

As I was trying to explain from scripture that God loves us and wants all of us to be saved, a friend showed me this text: (Isa 45:7 KJV)  “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.”  I’d never come across that verse before, and didn’t know what to say.  How would you respond to something like that?

God bless, G, Melbourne, Australia


Thanks for the question. This is an example of the danger of taking one passage, from one translation, and building a beliefs system around it. Let’s read a little more broadly.

Does it help to read the same passage from the English Standard Version?

“I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things. “

Or the NIV?

“I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things. “

Several points to be understood when reading this text:
  1. In Scripture God is often credited with doing that which He permits to occur. God did not stop King Saul from committing suicide, yet Scripture states God put Sault to death:
    • Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and run me through and abuse me.” But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it. When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died with him. So Saul and his three sons and his armor-bearer and all his men died together that same day. 1Sam 31:4-6.
    • Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. 1Chronicles 10:13,14.

Likewise, this passage can be understood as God being credited for the evil He permits to occur during this conflict with Satan.

  1. The Hebrew word ra’ can refer to moral evil occurring within the character of a being or external trouble that occurs outside a being. In this case the text is referring to the latter. God does, at times, use His power to bring disasters upon nations and individuals for the fulfillment of His overall healing plan of love. God brought the 10 plagues upon Egypt, but for what purpose? To expose the impotence of their pagan gods and turn their hearts toward Him. Sadly, many didn’t respond. Yet we can say that God brought calamity upon them.
  2. Finally, the passage was written in reference to King Cyrus who was a pagan ruler called by God to release Israel after 70 years of captivity. Pagan gods are esteemed in relation to their power. The more powerful the god, the greater he is believed to be and the more esteemed by the worshipper. Therefore, God is speaking a language designed to reach the mind of a pagan ruler, reminding Cyrus that the God of heaven has all power.

When compared with the rest of Scripture, we know that this text does not mean evil, sin, darkness, suffering, pain, or death originate, arise from, or are found within the heart of God.

God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 1John 1:5

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; James 1:13

God is love 1John 4:16

The more widely we read Scripture, taking all 66 books together, not leaving anything out the more balanced our understanding and the more clearly we will see God!

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Testimony 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA

Testimony 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

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Testimony 34

I was introduced to Come and Reason Ministries by accident, via a passing comment made in a bible study class we were visiting. I checked this website out and my life was changed. The understanding of the truth of God’s character, and how we apply it, is so right. The tricky part is consistently applying which “lens” to look through. As I began to understand, I started sharing the basics of this understanding with a discussion group I was leading and, suddenly, a lot of things started to make sense that never used to. At the same time, I enjoyed an amazing opportunity. I was able to conduct a full bible study at WORK! What an amazing experience! It is such a joy to share the truth about God and to share how it all fits in the war between God and Satan. So many people benefit when we have a correct understanding about how God works and who He really is! Thank you for this transformational understanding. Keep up the good work! God Bless you!

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Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

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Testimony 42

I am just writing to say that I have been so blessed by the teachings of Come And Reason Minitries recently. I watched last week’s bible study lesson on Youtube and am thankful that the error in the printed lesson guide you use was pointed out and this week’s study was of equal benefit, if not more so. My understanding of God’s nature has been very confused of late and I am so grateful for clarity in this matter. I have never really fully understood previously how a good God can cause bad things to happen and now I realise that He doesn’t, it’s a natural consequence of sin. May the almighty Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to bless your ministry.

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Testimony 27

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

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Testimony 66

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Testimony 37

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Testimony 40

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Testimony 46

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Testimony 55

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Testimony 71

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Testimony 20

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