Is God Good? Understanding His Justice and Purpose

There is no doubt that our omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent God is good. He is the creator of the Earth, its diverse life forms, and the rest of the universe. As a loving Creator, He defined what is good, just, and right.

Tragedy and suffering in the world along with corruption and death are often seen as evidence of God’s unfairness. However, these events are a result of humanity’s disobedience and sin, particularly the sins of Adam and Eve, rather than God’s malicious actions.

God's Patience and Purpose

When humanity began to disobey God, the idea of questioning God’s goodness began to take shape. This is particularly evident in the Old Testament stories, where God repeatedly offers mercy and patience, desiring for individuals to repent and submit to His authority. These actions are crucial in understanding God's overall purpose.

Pharaoh’s Hardening of the Heart

One of the most famous examples of this intentionality is Pharaoh’s hardening of his heart in the biblical story of Exodus. God, recognizing the arrogance and cruelty of Pharaoh, hardens his heart in order to demonstrate His sovereignty and display His superiority over the false gods of Egypt.

Exodus 7:1-5

1 Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. 2 You are to speak everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his country. 3 But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in Egypt, 4 he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my people the Israelites. 5 And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it.”

Although this might seem unfair, it is important to understand the circumstances in which God acted. Pharaoh was a proud king who had been cruel to God’s chosen people.

God's Adversity and Humanity's Criticism

The creation does not have the right to judge the Creator, as the Scriptures clearly indicate. Whether it is humans or the potter, God is opposed to the proud and gives grace to the humble, according to the passage in James 4:6. The Bible also reminds us that the earth and its inhabitants are the creation of God:

The Words of Scripture

● But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it ‘Why did you make me like this’” Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use? — Romans 9:20

● “Woe to him who strives with Him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it ‘What are you making’ or ‘Your work has no handles’? Woe to him who says to a father, ‘What are you begetting’ or to a woman, ‘With what are you in labor’?” Thus says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and the one who formed him: “Ask me of things to come; will you command me concerning my children and the work of my hands? I made the earth and created man on it; it was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host.” — Isaiah 45:9-12

● “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. — Isaiah 55:8

God's Desire to Save

Despite the challenges faced by humanity, God's ultimate desire is that no one should be lost or separated from Him. His love and care for His children are unwavering:

1 Timothy 2:3-4

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Throughout scripture, God’s plan of salvation and His love for humanity are consistently highlighted, showing that He is not the source of tragedy and suffering but the one who seeks to bring hope and salvation to all.