If God declared the world good after He created it, when did it become less than perfect?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: It’s hard to understand why God declared the world good after He created it when it became less than perfect pretty fast. How can this be reconciled? – P.I.
A: The garden of Eden is believed to be somewhere in present-day Iraq. The turmoil and war we have witnessed in that part of the world for many years still go on in the land where God established the only perfect civilization on earth. After God created the world, He declared it good, because He had made it exactly the way He had wanted it to be. He pronounced His creation “very good” (Genesis 1:31, NKJV).
But Satan came slithering onto the scene and tempted Eve, Adam’s wife, and the world was invaded by sin. Both Adam and Eve chose to believe Satan’s lies instead of God’s truth. This first couple had fellowshipped with God in the garden and walked in perfect harmony with Him; yet they turned their backs on God, giving the devil a listening ear. Sin – like a deadly cancer – took root in the human heart, and even the plants and animals became ravaged by sin and death.
The Bible tells us, however, that this sin-sick, fallen world won’t last forever. At the end of time, God will intervene, and the new heaven and new earth He will create will be free from all evil and pain, because Satan will be forever defeated. All followers of Jesus Christ look forward to the day when God makes all things new. But more important is the fact that we will enjoy being in the presence of Almighty God forever, for Jesus promised, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2, NKJV), and we will praise the Lord forever in glory and perfection.
(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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