Comfort in the Accurate Knowledge of God-The Origin of Evil

In contrast with what religious leaders may say, the Bible does not portray God's permission of evil as incomprehensible.  A key point for understanding the question of evil is to recognize that Jehovah did not create a wicked world. He created the first human couple perfect, without sin. Jehovah looked upon his creative work and found it to be very good." (Genesis 1:26, 31) It was his purpose  for Adam and Eve to extend the Paradise of Eden earth wide and to populate it with happy people under the protection of his loving sovereignty. -Isaiah 45:18. 

Evil began with a spirit creature who, though originally faithful to God, developed  a desire to be worshiped.  (James 1:14, 15) His rebellion manifested itself on earth when he influenced the first human couple to join him in his opposition to God. Instead of submitting to God's clear instruction not to eat or touch   the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Adam and Eve took some and ate it.  (Genesis 3:1-6) In so doing, they not only disobeyed God but also showed that they desired independence from him.  

Next time: Comfort in the Accurate Knowledge of God-A Moral Issue Was Raised

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002