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.