This question might sound controversial, even making us feel uncomfortable: Did God create evil people? If God is good and full of love, why is there evil, even people who seem to be “evil from birth”? Let’s discuss this calmly but deeply, because it turns out this question has long been a struggle for many believers.
God Created Humans, Not Evil
First of all, it is important to understand that the Bible states God created humans in His own image (Genesis 1:27). God created humans with free will, meaning we can choose to obey or disobey. So, it is not God who created humans to be evil, but humans who use their free will to sin.
Isaiah 45:7 is often misunderstood because it says: “I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I am the LORD who does all these things.” However, in its context, this verse emphasizes that God is Sovereign over everything, including the consequences of human sin. It does not mean God creates evil in a moral sense, but He reigns over all consequences.
God Can Use Evil People for His Plans
One surprising thing in the Bible is that God can use evil people to accomplish His purposes. For example, Pharaoh in the story of Moses. Romans 9:17 says: “For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: ‘For this very purpose I raised you up, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.’”
Does this mean God deliberately made Pharaoh evil? No. Pharaoh was indeed stubborn, and God hardened the heart that was already hard to demonstrate His power. This is a way God uses human conditions, both obedient and rebellious, for a greater plan of salvation.
Humans Are Responsible for Their Choices
Throughout the Bible, humans are always called to choose what is right. Deuteronomy 30:19 says: “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today: I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life…” This means that every person remains responsible for their choices. No one can blame God for the evil we commit.
Even Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, was not a powerless puppet made “evil” by God. He had a choice, but he chose his own path. And God still used that choice in the extraordinary plan of salvation through the cross.
God’s Goodness Does Not Change
Do not forget, God never changes in His love and goodness. Psalm 145:9 affirms, “The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” The evil that occurs in the world does not come from God’s character, but from the misuse of human freedom.
So, did God create evil people? No. He created humans with great potential, including the potential to choose the wrong path. But He still gives grace to those who repent and return to Him.
In the end, it is all about love that allows room to choose. And in that choice, we are called to live righteously before Him, because God wants everyone to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4).
