Why Did God Allow the Holocaust: Divine Purpose Revealed
Posted on 15 June 2024
God's Allowance of Evil in the World
The problem of evil is a challenging issue that many believers grapple with. We often ask ourselves, "Why does God allow evil to exist?" This question becomes even more difficult when we consider atrocities like the Holocaust. Could God have prevented such a horrific event? The answer is yes, He could have. However, it is essential to understand that God's allowance of evil does not mean He approves of it. In fact, God is grieved by the sinfulness and hardness of human hearts (Genesis 6:6; Mark 3:5).
The Mystery of God's Ways
God's ways and thoughts are infinitely higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). His sovereign plan encompasses the entire scope of history, including every possible cause and effect, potentiality, and contingency. We cannot fathom the intricacies of His design. It is a matter of faith to trust that His plan is the best possible way to restore fallen humanity and a cursed world to righteousness and blessing.
God's Permission and Approval
It is important to differentiate between God's permission and His approval. Just as God allowed Adam to eat from the forbidden tree without approving of his action, God permits evil actions to occur while disapproving of them. The Holocaust was a result of mankind's continued rebellion against God. While nothing can justify the evil of the Holocaust, we can find solace in knowing that God has done everything possible to redeem humanity from sin.
The Role of Human Responsibility
The blame for the Holocaust lies squarely on the shoulders of sinful humanity. It was the product of sinful choices made by individuals in rebellion against a holy God. The rise of Nazism and the subsequent horrors were facilitated by millions who followed Hitler and his destructive policies. Additionally, the silence and acquiescence of many churches and world leaders during this time allowed the Holocaust to unfold. The question then becomes, not why did God allow it, but why did we?
Freedom of Choice
God has given mankind freedom of choice. We can choose to follow Him and stand for righteousness or rebel against Him and pursue evil. The problem lies in the heart of man, which is deceitful above all things and beyond cure (Jeremiah 17:9). Until humanity's heart turns to God, the world will continue to witness acts of evil like ethnic cleansings, genocides, and atrocities such as the Holocaust.
Why This Matters
The question of why God allows evil is a significant theological issue that challenges our understanding of His nature and His role in the world. Wrestling with this question deepens our faith and forces us to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty. It can also lead us to reflect on our own responsibility in the face of evil and injustice, encouraging us to take a stand for righteousness and justice.
Think About It
- How does understanding God's permission versus approval help you reconcile the existence of evil in the world?
- Reflect on the role of human responsibility in allowing evil to occur. How can we learn from history to prevent similar atrocities in the future?
- Consider how your understanding of God's sovereignty affects your faith. How does trusting in His plan bring comfort even in the face of evil?
