Darkness and Evil—Not Created, but the Result

When we open the very first chapter of the Bible, one theme repeats again and again: “God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1) Everything God created was good. Yet today, we live in a world filled with both darkness and evil. So where did they come from? Did God create them?

The Bible says, “God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5) That is an important truth. God did not create darkness. Darkness is simply what exists when light is absent. Wherever light is pushed away, darkness takes its place.

The same is true of evil. God is holy and perfectly good. James 1:13 makes it clear: “God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.” Evil was not created by Him—it came as the result of rebellion. Lucifer chose pride over obedience (Isaiah 14, Ezekiel 28). Adam chose disobedience over trust (Genesis 3). Evil is not a created object—it is the absence of good, the result of rejecting God’s way.

Think of it this way: God made light. Darkness is what you get when the light is gone. God made good. Evil is what you get when His goodness is rejected. Neither darkness nor evil were created by Him, but both are the tragic result of turning away from Him.

This truth should remind us that God alone is pure, holy, and good. He did not bring evil into the world—sin did. But the good news is this: just as light drives out darkness, Christ drives out evil. “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not grasp it.” (John 1:5)

Darkness and evil may be real, but they are not final. They only exist where God’s light and goodness are rejected. The answer is not found in human strength or clever solutions—it is found in Christ. When His light shines, darkness must flee. When His goodness rules in our hearts, evil loses its grip. That is the hope every believer carries in a corrupt and broken world. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)

______________________________________________________________________________

“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.

Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)