The Bible Answers Vital Questions

Shortly after the creation of our first parents, Adam and Eve, a powerful spirit creature approached the woman and challenged Jehovah's truthfulness and the rightfulness of his sovereignty. (Genesis 3:1-5) This creature, Satan the Devil, later alleged that humans would not stay loyal to God under adversity. (Job 2:1-5) How did Jehovah react to this situation? He allowed for the passing of time so that it would become evident that humans cannot successfully direct their steps independent of him. (Jeremiah 10:23) When creatures act contrary to God's laws and principles, the result is sin, which produces injurious conditions. (Ecclesiastes 8:9; 1 John 3:4) Despite these adverse circumstances, however, Jehovah knew that some humans could maintain integrity to him.

Since that woeful rebellion in Eden, some 6,000 years have elapsed. Is that too long? Jehovah could have destroyed Satan and his supporters centuries ago. But has it not been better to wait until every conceivable doubt about the rightness of Jehovah's sovereignty and the integrity of humans to him is dispelled? Is it not true of present judicial systems that a court case to prove who is right and who is wrong may take years?

In view of the importance of the issues facing Jehovah and mankind-universal sovereignty and the integrity of humans-how wise it was of God to allow for time to pass! Now we see clearly what happens when humans ignore God's laws and take charge of their own affairs. The result is widespread evil. And that is why so many innocent people suffer today.

Happily, though, God's Word indicates that wickedness will not last forever. In fact, Jehovah will soon put an end to evil and to those who cause it. "As regards the wicked," Says Proverbs 2:22, "they will be cut off from the very earth; and as for the treacherous, they will be torn away from it. On the other hand, those faithful to God can look forward to a time, now near at hand, when "death will be no more,neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore." -Revelation 21:4.

So,then, the Bible clearly explains why the innocent suffer. It also assures us that evil and suffering will soon end. As we experience life's present hardships, however, we need the answer to another vital question.

Next time: What is the Purpose of Life?

Watchtower, 1999