Evil

In the biblical context, "evil" is understood as that which is morally wrong, sinful, or wicked. It is often depicted as the antithesis of God's nature and His will for creation. The concept of evil is introduced early in the Bible, with the fall of man in Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve's disobedience leads to the entrance of sin and evil into the world. The serpent, representing Satan, tempts Eve, leading to the first act of human rebellion against God.

The Bible frequently associates evil with the works of Satan and his influence over the world. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Satan as "the evil one" (Matthew 6:13) and warns of his deceptive nature. The Apostle Paul speaks of the spiritual battle against evil, urging believers to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes" (Ephesians 6:11).

Evil is not only external but also internal, residing in the human heart. Jeremiah 17:9 states, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This highlights the inherent sinfulness and propensity for evil within humanity. The Bible calls for repentance and transformation through faith in Jesus Christ as the remedy for this condition.

Throughout Scripture, God is portrayed as opposing evil and ultimately triumphing over it. The Psalms often depict God as a righteous judge who will punish evildoers and vindicate the righteous (Psalm 37:9-10). The ultimate defeat of evil is prophesied in Revelation, where Satan and his followers are cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).

Good

"Good" in the Bible is fundamentally linked to the character and nature of God. God is described as the ultimate standard of goodness, and His actions and decrees are inherently good. In Genesis 1, after each act of creation, God declares it "good," culminating in the creation of humanity, which He declares "very good" (Genesis 1:31).

The Bible calls believers to emulate God's goodness. Micah 6:8 summarizes this call: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This verse encapsulates the moral and ethical behavior expected of those who follow God.

Goodness is also a fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23 : "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." This passage emphasizes that true goodness is a result of the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life.

The New Testament further reveals that Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God's goodness. His life and ministry exemplify perfect goodness, as He went about "doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil" (Acts 10:38). Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection provide the means for humanity to be reconciled to God and to partake in His goodness.

Believers are encouraged to pursue good and resist evil. Romans 12:21 instructs, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." This reflects the transformative power of good in overcoming the darkness of evil, aligning with God's redemptive plan for the world.