WHY DOES GOD PERMIT SUFFERING?

Conclusion of A MALICIOUS CHALLENGE

Job, "a man blameless and upright,"  came under Satan's attack.  First, Satan imputed bad motives  to Job by raising the question, "Is it for nothing that Job has feared God?"  Then, the Devil cunningly maligned both God and Job by charging that Jehovah had bought Job's loyalty by protecting and blessing him.  "But, for a change," Satan challenged Jehovah,  "thrust out your hand, please, and touch everything he has and see whether he will curse you to your very face."  -Job 1:8-11. 

What Job serving Jehovah simply because of all the good that he received from God? Could job's integrity stand up under test?  In turn, did Jehovah have enough confidence in his servant to allow him to be tested?  These questions could be answered if Jehovah would permit Satan to bring upon Job the severest tests. Job's faithful course under the test allowed by God, as narrated in the book of Job, proved to be a thorough vindication of Jehovah's righteousness and man's integrity.  -Job 42:1, 2, 12. 

What happened in the garden of Eden and to the man Job, however has a deeper implication.  The issues Satan raised involve all mankind, including us today.  God's name was maligned, and his sovereignty was challenged. The uprightness of God's creation, man, was called into question. These issues had to be settled. 

Next time: WHY DOES GOD PERMIT SUFFERING?/HOW TO SETTLE THE ISSUES

From the book: KNOWLEDGE That Leads to Everlasting Life