is a popular verse with profound theology. In it, Joseph said to his brothers, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”
FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH
EVIL Evil is that which is morally wrong, sinful, wicked, or an act that causes harm. “Anything that contradicts the holy nature of God is evil.” 38 Evil behavior can be sin committed against other people or against God. But evil can also be used by God. We see this in the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. Joseph’s brothers committed sinful acts against him including hating him, wanting to kill him, and selling him into slavery (Gen. 37). And yet, in Genesis 50:20 Joseph said, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Here we observe the dichotomy of sinful men committing evil deeds and being held accountable for their sins, and the providential con- trol of God, whereby His plans were accomplished. The murder of Jesus is another example: The most innocent human being who ever lived was crucified. Those who murdered Jesus would be held ac- countable for their sin; and at the same time, His death was ordained and predestined by God. Furthermore, the apostles attached no moral blame to God, as the actions resulted from the willing choices of sinful men (Acts 2:23).
Wayne Grudem in Systematic Theology teaches this:
• God uses all things to fulfill His purposes and even uses evil for His glory and for our good. • God never does evil and is never to be blamed for evil. • God rightly blames and judges moral creatures for the evil they do. • Evil is real, not an illusion; and we should never do evil, for it will always harm us and others. 39 Because God is sovereign, He will use all things to fulfill His purposes, in- cluding evil. Soon we will see how God’s providence overcomes the forces of evil in the story of Esther and the establishment of the Feast of Purim.
38 “What is the Definition of Evil?” Got Questions: Your Questions, Biblical Answers. March 2025. https://www. gotquestions.org/definition-of-evil.html 39 Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994) 327-329.
128 | Lesson 12
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