People often believe that the Bible states God controls the world, but how can that be true when the world seems so out of control? It is filled with pain, suffering, poverty, disaster, sickness, and death. How could a loving God be responsible for all of this? (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 2021, pp. 108-110). 

1 John 4:8, “Whoever does not love has not come to know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:8, New World Translation)

James 1:13, “When under trial, let no one say: “I am being tried by God.” For with evil things God cannot be tried, nor does he himself try anyone.” (James 1:13, New World Translation)

What the Bible says may surprise you: it claims that the evil one controls the whole world. In other words, there is an evil power behind the world's problems, someone pulling the strings behind the scenes. This is why, no matter how hard we try, humans cannot solve the world's problems (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 2021, pp. 108-110). 

1 John 5:19, “We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19, New World Translation)

Luke 4:6, “Then the Devil said to him: “I will give you all this authority and their glory, because it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.” (Luke 4:6, New World Translation)

As discussed in the previous article, "Why Does Evil and Suffering Exist? (Part 1)," Adam and Eve were perfect and lived in Paradise. However, they listened to Satan and rebelled against Jehovah, God. When Satan told the first lie, he slandered Jehovah’s reputation as a fair and loving Ruler (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 2021, pp. 108-110). 

Genesis 3:1-6, “Now the serpent was the most cautious of all the wild animals of the field that Jehovah God had made. So it said to the woman: “Did God really say that you must not eat from every tree of the garden?” At this the woman said to the serpent: “We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden. But God has said about the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden: ‘You must not eat from it, no, you must not touch it; otherwise you will die.’” At this the serpent said to the woman: “You certainly will not die. For God knows that in the very day you eat from it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and bad. Consequently, the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was something desirable to the eyes, yes, the tree was pleasing to look at. So she began taking of its fruit and eating it.” (Genesis 3:1-6, New World Translation)

Without Jehovah God as the Ruler of this world, what has happened? Following the rebellion, the world became filled with sin, suffering, and death (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 2021, pp. 108-110). 

Romans 5:12, “That is why, just as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned —.” (Romans 5:12, New World Translation)

Ecclesiastes 8:9, “All of this I have seen, and I applied my heart to every work that has been done under the sun, during the time that man has dominated man to his harm.” (Ecclesiastes 8:9, New World Translation)

2 Timothy 3:1-5, “But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power; and from these turn away.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5, New World Translation)

Luke 21:10,11, “Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in one place after another food shortages and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and from heaven great signs.” (Luke 21:10,11, New World Translation)

God will put an end to all human suffering. Jehovah will eliminate sin, suffering, and death. Once again, humans will be perfect and live in Paradise. When Jehovah eradicates human suffering in the near future, he will vindicate himself, proving that his rulership is truly the best. The vindication of Jehovah’s name is a matter of the utmost importance in the universe (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 2021, pp. 108-110). 

Matthew 6:9,10, “You must pray, then, this way: “Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth. “ (Matthew 6:9,10, New World Translation)

Isaiah 65:17, “For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart.” (Isaiah 65:17, New World Translation)

Revelations 21:3,4, “With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” (Revelations 21:3,4, New World Translation)

Some people say, "Suffering is part of God's purpose for us." What do you think?

Satan the Devil and the first two humans are primarily responsible for the evil in the world. Jehovah cares deeply about our suffering, and he will soon put an end to it (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 2021, pp. 108-110). 

What will God's Kingdom, which we pray for according to Matthew 6:9-10, soon accomplish on earth?

In the next article, let's explore some of the wonderful things you can look forward to soon under God’s rule.

Quiz: How Deeply Do You Understand the Causes of Evil and Suffering?

1. What is the common belief about God controlling the world? 

a. That God is responsible for everything, including suffering.

b. That the world is out of control and God has no role.

c. That God allows suffering as part of His plan.

d. That God is indifferent to human suffering.

2. According to 1 John 4:8, what is the nature of God? 

a. God is judgment.

b. God is love.

c. God is power.

d. God is justice.

3. How does James 1:13 clarify God's role in temptation and trials? 

a. God causes trials and temptations.

b. God cannot be tried with evil things, nor does He try anyone.

c. God allows trials to test our faith.

d. God sends trials to punish us.

4. Who does the Bible say controls the world, according to 1 John 5:19? 

a. God controls the world through His laws.

b. Humans control the world through their actions.

c. The wicked one controls the world.

d. God allows humans to control the world.

5. In Luke 4:6, who claims authority over the world's kingdoms? 

a. Jesus.

b. The wicked one (Devil).

c. God.

d. Humanity.

6. What led to the suffering in the world, as described in Genesis 3:1-6? 

a. A mistake made by humanity.

b. A rebellion against Jehovah by Adam and Eve.

c. An accident in the Garden of Eden.

d. The actions of Satan and his followers.

7. What is the result of Adam’s sin, as stated in Romans 5:12? 

a. All men will be saved.

b. Sin entered the world, bringing death.

c. God erased all sin from the world.

d. Humans became aware of good and evil.

8. How does Ecclesiastes 8:9 describe man's rule over the world? 

a. Man rules with love and fairness.

b. Man dominates man to his harm.

c. Man lives in harmony with nature.

d. Man controls all aspects of the earth.

9. What will happen when Jehovah’s Kingdom comes, as stated in Revelation 21:3-4? 

a. Humans will live in peace with each other.

b. God will end suffering, wiping away every tear.

c. Death will be eradicated by humans.

d. Only those who believe in Jehovah will be saved.

10. Who is primarily responsible for the evil in the world, according to the article? 

a. God’s plan for the world.

b. Satan and the first humans (Adam and Eve).

c. The actions of modern-day rulers.

d. Natural disasters and events beyond human control.

Answer Key

1. a. That God is responsible for everything, including suffering.

2. b. God is love.  

3. b. God cannot be tried with evil things, nor does He try anyone.

4. c. The wicked one controls the world.

5. b. The wicked one (Devil).

6. b. A rebellion against Jehovah by Adam and Eve.

7. b. Sin entered the world, bringing death. 

8. b. Man dominates man to his harm.

9. b. God will end suffering, wiping away every tear.

10. b. Satan and the first humans (Adam and Eve).

For more free, Bible-based answers to everyday topics, please visit jw.org.

Bibliography

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. (2013). New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. (2021). Enjoy Life Forever! -- An Interactive Bible Course. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.

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