Is the presence of Evil mentioned in the Bible anything to be concerned about?

Following are six examples from the New Testament confirming its existence:

First we should look to what authority mentions it and secondly where it is found. The bible becomes the collection of stories that is here for our understanding about God, his Son who came to redeem us, and the warnings that are placed for our spiritual protection.

The authority is God himself and because it isn’t a future incident that could attack us, we believe God is eternal and always is seen in a present tense. Therefore, the warnings are compiled for our safety and the only way to avoid eternal damnation through the actions of Satan.

When the Holy Trinity agreed to create man he knew how weak this entity of humanity would be. The divine presence prepared a safety regime which is himself to save this new eternal companion called mankind. (Gn 1: 26).

When God created the angels he gave them the gift of free will so that they would seek to always serve their creator.

First we look to God’s creation of angels whose main focus would be to watch over humanity.

As purely spiritual creatures angels have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness. (CCC 330).

Behind the disobedient choice of our first parents lurks a seductive voice, opposed to God, which makes them fall into death out of envy. Scripture and the Church’s Tradition see in this being a fallen angel, called :Satan” or the :devil.” The Church teaches that Satan was at first a good angel made by God. “The devil and the other demons were indeed created naturally good by God, but they became evil by their own doing. (CCC 391).

This brings us to the question regarding the evil that lurks within our presence to cause humanity to fall as well. The first example is found when Satan tempts Jesus in the wilderness as he tempts Jesus to throw himself down from the temple and he will send his angels to support you. Jesus answered him saying, “”You shall not put the Lord to the test.” (Mt 4: 6 - 7).

Then the devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world, promising them to him if he would prostrate himself to Satan’s will: At this Jesus said, “Get away, Satan! It is written; “The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.” (Mt 4: 10).

“Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” (Mt 25: 41). A condemnation to those who, in spite of outward works of charity who neglected the real honor to Christ.

Jesus and Abraham and the premise that the Pharisees use to give them some status about their position. Jesus explains, “You belong to your father the devil and you willingly carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in truth, because there is no truth in him.” (Jn 8: 44).

Demonic possession of one man is not unheard of in the world we struggle with evil in all its manner of destroying mankind. “Crying out with a loud voice, the demoniac said, "What do you have to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” Jesus said to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit.” It shows Jesus has the Ultimate Authority over the devil and his group of angels. (Mk 5: 7 - 8). Evil does in fact exist and will be the entity that Christ will deal with.

The seventy-two returned with joy saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name.” Jesus then said, “Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you.” (Lk 10: 17 - 19). The evil that exists requires the Church to stand tall beside Christ to win the battle of powers and principalities that threatens the followers of Christ. This sixth example portrays the power of God to overcome the devil and his followers, in the end.

Yes to the concern regarding evil mentioned in the bible. It always was and has not dwindled. We must be aware of its power to enter our lives and without the grace of God has the ability to overcome us.

Ralph B.Hathaway