Why do God allow evil?

The question of why a loving God allows evil in the world is a profound and challenging topic. One way to approach this question is to understand God’s sovereignty and His divine purposes. 

As emphasized in Balaam's oracle in Numbers 23:19, "Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" This underscores that God’s promises and purposes are unchanging. While God allows human actions, including evil, to unfold, He ultimately works to bring about His greater purpose, which is aligned with good.

The concept of repentance can be misunderstood when attributing it to God. When Scripture refers to God "repenting" (like in 1 Samuel 15:11 regarding Saul), it expresses a change in His response to human actions rather than a change in His nature or ultimate plan. Unlike humans, whose repentance implies regret and a change of heart about past decisions, God's "repentance" signifies His adjustment in dealing with humans based on their choices.

God’s allowance of evil can serve several purposes:

1. **Free Will**: God grants humanity the freedom to choose. This freedom means that people can choose good or evil, which is vital for genuine love and relationship. Without free will, love would not be authentic.

2. **Growth and Refinement**: Trials and adversities often act as catalysts for spiritual growth, character development, and a deeper reliance on God’s goodness.

3. **God’s Sovereignty**: Even when evil appears to triumph, God can turn it to good, using it to achieve His purpose (Romans 8:28). This does not mean that evil is good, but that God can bring about good outcomes from painful experiences.

4. **Ultimate Redemption**: The presence of evil allows for a fuller understanding of grace and the need for salvation. In Christian theology, the ultimate resolution to the problem of evil is found in Jesus Christ, who provides redemption and hope.

The belief in God's goodness means trusting that even when circumstances are dark and incomprehensible, He is still working toward the ultimate good. It reflects the idea that God's methods may not always align with human understanding, but His plan is perfect and just. Thus, while God allows evil, He never endorses it, and He makes provisions through grace and redemption for humanity to return to Him and experience His love.

Difference in the Atonement and Purification Blood of Christ.

Numbers 19:14 describes how when someone dies in a tent, anyone who enters the tent and everything inside becomes unclean for seven days. This highlights the concept of uncleanness, which comes from merely being in the presence of death. In our world, believers are exposed to sin and uncleanness, and thus must continually seek purification through Christ, paralleling the red heifer's symbolism.

Isaiah 6:5-7 gives an example of Isaiah recognizing his unclean state before God and being cleansed by a live coal, symbolizing forgiveness and purification. Similarly, in 1 John 1:7-10, believers are reminded of the need to walk in the light and confess sins to maintain fellowship with God, as He cleanses us from unrighteousness.

It's important for believers to purify themselves not for salvation, which is secured through Christ’s sacrifice (as Hebrews 9:12 highlights), but for ongoing fellowship with God. Salvation is a one-time event through faith in Christ’s atoning blood, granting eternal life. Purification, however, is part of our daily walk with God, ensuring that we can serve and connect with Him.

In Romans 7, Paul touches on the struggle between the desires of the flesh and the desire to serve God, emphasizing that while salvation is secure, believers must actively seek spiritual cleansing to overcome the limitations in their flesh. This cleansing cultivates a clear conscience and strengthens the believer's fellowship and service to God.