Why Doesn't God Wipe Out All Evil?

Understanding God's Mercy
By J. Stephen Lang

CBN.com -- "Don't get mad -- get even." This seems to be the usual way people view the world nowadays. We should be thankful that God takes a different view of things. Although the Bible makes it clear that God is the Great Judge who hates all evil-doing, he is also the Merciful One, who forgives and accepts people who turn to him.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
~ 1 Chronicles 16:34

Let the people turn from their wicked deeds. Let them banish from their minds the very thought of doing wrong! Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
~ Isaiah 55:7

"As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die?"
~ Ezekiel 33:11

God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's special favor that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ, and we are seated with him in the heavenly realms -- all because we are one with Christ Jesus.
~ Ephesians 2:4-6

Where is another God like you, who pardons the sins of the survivors among his people? You cannot stay angry with your people forever because you delight in showing mercy. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised with an oath to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago.
~ Micah 7:18-19

"If a shepherd has one hundred sheep, and one wanders away and is lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others and go out into the hills to search for the lost one? And if he finds it, he will surely rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn't wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father's will that even one of these little ones should perish."
~ Matthew 18:12-14

"Now turn from your sins and turn to God, so you can be cleansed of your sins. Then wonderful times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will send Jesus your Messiah to you again."
~ Acts 3:19-20

He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit.
~ Titus 3:5

Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.
~ Hebrews 4:16

The Book of God's Promises -- Copyright, 1999 by J. Stephen Lang. All rights reserved, used with permission.