What do Christians believe the purpose of evil is?

Answer 1

Well for one thing, there are many types of Christians that believe differently about the purpose of evil. However, the true Christian who relies on The Bible can easily learn what the purpose of evil is. Such as for example at Psalm 92:7 says: "When the wicked ones sprout as the vegetation and all the practice's of what is hurtful blossom forth, it is that they may be annihilated forever."

Yes, as it was in Noah's day, the present proliferation of evil is evidence that God's judgement is impending, not just against wicked humans but also against Satan and his demons, who will be hurled into an abyss of inactivity as a prelude to their eventual destruction. (Read 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and Revelation 20:1-3, 7-10)

So who will execute that judgement? Well, none other than Jesus Christ, about whom we read: "For this purpose the Son of God was made manifest, namely, to break up the works of the Devil."-1 John 3:8. Of course, we need to ask the question, Do we yearn for an end to evil? If so, then you can take comfort in the promises contain in the Bible. You see, no other book exposes the very author of evil, Satan, and no other book shows how he and all his wicked works will finally be eradicated. So we urge you to just take in accurate knowledge of the Bible so as to protect yourself against Satan's evil influences now and to secure the hope of living in a world free from evil. Just read Psalm 37:9,10. Addendum: Here is an extended look at Mr. Guzman's fine answer-According to some Christian Theologists, they believe evil exists because God gives them "free will" . Christianity opines that because Adam and Eve disobeyed God, it caused mankind to draw away from Him. It is said that suffering exists not only because God exerts justice on the evil of mankind but also because He can allow people to grow to make them stronger Christians through suffering . Beth Davies-Stofko,who writes for Patheos Library says, in part: Human suffering takes many forms: emotional(lonliness,anxiety,grief); natural(earthquakes,floods,tsunamis,forestfires);moral suffering(breaking God's commandments-sinning). Irenaes, an early church father of the 2nd century formed an argument to show evil is necessary for human moral and spiritual developement so that Christians can strive and grow into fellowship with God.

Answer 2

There is no simple answer to this question. True evil has no purpose but is senseless and in opposition to any meaningful purpose. This sort of intentional evil has its origin in human sin. Much of what we call "evil" is morally neutral, such as violent storms, accidents and disease. There is no conscious will in such things with any evil intent. Other difficult circumstances can be regarded as ultimately beneficial, in the sense that testing, discipline and training can be painful but strengthening.

Answer 3

For this Christian, the framework for the existence of evil from a biblical perspective is as we are simply told in the Genesis account, God made everything good - with no presence of evil. Because He created man with moral freedom -with the ability to choose between good and evil, it was by deceit and temptation from the father of all evil - ha Satan - that evil/sin entered into this world. God did not create evil. He created us with free will. Its ultimate purpose is to lead as many as possible away from God and His promised gift of eternal life as a son or daughter in His spiritual family.


A perusal of the Scripture will consistently explain evil as rebellion against God and His way of selfless, outflowing love for others. In a word, God is giving. However, evil is self-absorbed and uncaring of others or said another way, it is the way of taking or getting - the way of Satan and what we call human nature (actually Satan's nature).


The Creator God of the Bible expresses the best way of life in His law of love, and evil is the violation of that law. Thus evil is synonymous with sin (see 1 John 3:4). One must clearly differentiate calamities - brought on by ourselves (most war, suffering, poverty, sickness) or allowed by God - is done as an act of love - at times testing His potential son/daughter of God.