Hello! Some think these 2 are the same but there is a major difference between them.
Evil is obviously the opposite of good and it can also include sin, which of course is not good. There are 2 kinds of evil….that from non-human sources (hurricanes, etc) and that from humans who are sinning. Hurricanes and the like always bring bad news as does sinning, in one form or another.
Sin can ONLY involve human actions. A hurricane cannot “sin”, only be “evil” by its nature. Literally, “sin” means to “miss the mark”, make a mistake, fail of the ideal (Concordant Literal New Testament Concordance). This could never apply to non-human sources (hurricanes) as they have no choice in the matter. Only humans can sin.
As for why God can allow both of these to exist and cause great suffering in the world (please see the Post on “Suffering”), it is because He uses BOTH to bring about the BEST for all mankind….EVENTUALLY. At the end of the ages, it will all come to a glorious end for the ENTIRE CREATION when God will be “All in All” (1 Corinthians 15:28). Eventually, the ENTIRE creation will benefit and come into its glory when God is finally ALL IN ALL! This will take place in different stages as set forth in the Chapter “God’s Eonian Plan and the Present Secret Administration”.
Here is an example of how God can use sin and/or evil for the most glorious good. The crucifixion of our Lord was the GREATEST sin and evil EVER committed…..the creation murdered its Creator. Yet, God, turns it around and uses it as the creation’s GREATEST BLESSING!! Because God allowed this greatest of all sins and evil to happen, Christ Jesus will now be able draw ALL unto Himself: ” I, if I be lifted up out of the earth will draw ALL (things) unto Myself”. John 12:32….Rotherham’s Emphasized Bible. (“things” is a footnote rendering….the emphasis is mine) Please reference the Chapters on “All Creation Will Be Saved” and “God’s Eonian Plan and the Present Secret Administration” for further explanation and crystal clear verification of this.
If God can bring about the GREATEST BLESSING from the MOST SUPREME and GREATEST sin and evil, using all the lesser sins and evil to bring about blessings and good are a “piece of cake” for Him!
Hope to see you later.
Fred
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