The Origin of Sin: God or Free Will?
A university professor at a well-known institution of higher learning once challenged his students with the following question:
“Did God create everything that exists?”
A student bravely replied, “Yes, He did!”
The professor continued, “God created everything?”
“Yes, sir. He certainly did,” the student confirmed.
The professor responded, “If God created everything, then God created evil. And since evil exists—and according to the principle that our works define who we are—then we must conclude that God is evil.”
The student fell silent, unable to counter the professor’s logic. The professor, clearly pleased with himself, boasted to the class that once again he had proven the Christian faith to be a myth.
Another student raised his hand and said, “Professor, may I ask you a question?”
“Of course,” the professor replied.
The student stood and asked, “Professor, does cold exist?”
“What kind of question is that? Of course it exists. Have you never been cold?” the professor asked, as the other students chuckled.
The young man replied calmly, “In fact, sir, cold does not exist. According to the laws of physics, what we perceive as cold is merely the absence of heat. Every object or body can be studied based on whether it has or transmits energy—and heat is what makes matter energetic. Absolute zero (–460°F) is the total absence of heat, where all molecular motion stops and matter becomes inert. Cold is just a term we use to describe the lack of heat.”
He continued, “Professor, does darkness exist?”
“Of course it does,” the professor answered.
The student responded, “Again, you are mistaken. Darkness also does not exist—it is merely the absence of light. Light can be studied, measured, and quantified. We can use Newton’s prism to break white light into various colors and study their wavelengths. But you cannot measure darkness. A single beam of light can penetrate darkness and illuminate a room. Darkness is simply a term man uses to describe what occurs when there is no light present.”
Finally, the student asked, “Sir, does evil exist?”
Now uncertain, the professor replied, “Of course, as I’ve said. We see it every day—in the cruelty, violence, and injustice around us. These are all manifestations of evil.”
To this the student replied, “Sir, evil does not exist in and of itself. Evil is not a created entity; rather, it is the absence of God—just as darkness is the absence of light, and cold is the absence of heat. Evil is the result of what happens when we choose to separate ourselves from God. God did not create evil. Evil is what remains when God’s presence is rejected or withdrawn.”
Understanding the Nature of Evil
Scripture affirms that God alone is good (Matthew 19:17), and that every good and perfect gift comes from Him (James 1:17). This means that true goodness can only be found where God is present. If goodness is absent, then by default, evil remains. Evil is not a substance, but a condition—the condition of being disconnected from the Source of all good.
Wherever God is, goodness and light prevail. But when God is absent, what fills the void? Darkness. Corruption. Sin. In short: evil.
This is why God is described as light (1 John 1:5). Just as light drives out darkness, God’s Spirit drives out sin. As long as God is present and in control, evil cannot exist. But when His Spirit is grieved, resisted, or withdrawn, sin appears. Evil flourishes not because God created it, but because His presence has been rejected.
A Choice with Eternal Consequences
So the problem of evil is not rooted in creation—it is rooted in human choice. Just as the warmth of the sun can be refused by stepping into the shadows, God’s presence can be resisted. And wherever God is absent, evil inevitably follows.
Let us remember: God is not the author of evil. He is the fountain of goodness. If we walk in the light—as He is in the light—then His goodness will fill us, transform us, and radiate through us. But if we choose separation, we step into the domain where God is not—and where only evil can remain.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8