Why Isn't the World More Evil Than It is?

Three times the New Testament, all in John’s Gospel, calls Satan, “the prince of this world” (John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11). The Apostle Paul also labels him (2 Cor 4:4), “the god of this world.” Satan wields power in this world, being called, “the evil,” meaning, “the evil one.” He has evil demons helping him accomplish this in the world. With those truths, I could wonder why the world is not more evil than it is, that our lives should be much worse. Why isn’t it?

Many different forces, working against Satan, also operate in this world system. Even though God allows for Satan, He doesn’t give him absolute free reign. We see that in the book of Job in the first two chapters. Satan does not work in a unilateral way without God impeding him. Other forces operate.

One, men are born in a default position with God’s law written in their hearts (Rom 2:15).

Two, every man has a conscience (also Rom 2:15). The conscience still operates based on the highest perceived standard.

Three, the Holy Spirit works in the world. 2 Thessalonians 2:7 speaks of the Holy Spirit a Restrainer, using the word “let,” which means “restrain.” He functions in numbers of ways to restrain evil, but partly through His work through believers. He is greater than Satan (1 John 4:4). This work of the Spirit acts as light in darkness and as a preservative of what is right, called salt (Matt 5:13-16).

Four, the Word of God, still available because of God, is powerful (Heb 4:4). The Holy Spirit uses the Word of God through believers through preaching. These among many others make life livable in the world still.