Understanding God: Answers from the Bible
A biblical Q&A addressing common questions about God, suffering, Jesus, and purpose — using Scripture as the foundation for understanding God's love, justice, and plan for humanity.
Understanding God: Answers from the Bible
The Bible reveals God’s character, purpose, and love for humanity.
Here are answers to some of life’s hardest questions — drawn directly from Scripture.
About God’s Existence and Nature
1. If God is real, why doesn’t He show Himself to everyone clearly?
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” — Psalm 19:1
“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made…” — Romans 1:20
God has already revealed Himself through creation, His Word, and through Jesus Christ. Those who seek Him sincerely will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).
2. How can we believe in God when there’s no ‘scientific proof’?
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1
“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God.” — Hebrews 11:3
Faith is not blind; it’s trust based on God’s revealed truth and His works in creation, history, and changed lives.
3. Why does God allow evil and suffering?
“God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.” — Genesis 1:31
“Through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin.” — Romans 5:12
Evil came because humanity chose to disobey God. God allows free will, but He will one day remove all evil (Revelation 21:4).
4. If God is good, why does He send people to hell?
“The Lord is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” — 2 Peter 3:9
“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe… shall not see life.” — John 3:36
God does not desire anyone to be lost. Hell is the result of rejecting His offer of salvation.
5. Is the God of the Old Testament different from Jesus in the New Testament?
“I the Lord do not change.” — Malachi 3:6
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” — Hebrews 13:8
The same God who judged sin also showed mercy. Jesus revealed God’s love, fulfilling what was written in the Old Testament.
6. Why does God require worship — is He proud or insecure?
“You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” — Matthew 4:10
“The Father seeks those who will worship Him in spirit and truth.” — John 4:23
God doesn’t need worship — we do. Worship aligns our hearts with truth and reminds us that life centers on Him, not ourselves.
About Suffering and Justice
7. Why do innocent people, especially children, suffer?
“Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” — Genesis 18:25
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” — Revelation 21:4
We don’t see the full picture now, but God promises justice and comfort. He cares deeply and will restore all things in His time.
8. Why doesn’t God stop wars, disasters, and pain?
“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33
“The creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption.” — Romans 8:21
Evil and suffering are temporary. God is patient, giving humanity time to repent before making all things new.
9. Why do bad people prosper while good people suffer?
“Do not fret because of evildoers… for they shall soon be cut down like the grass.” — Psalm 37:1-2
“Our light affliction… is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” — 2 Corinthians 4:17
Earthly success is temporary, but God rewards righteousness eternally.
About Jesus and Salvation
10. Why did Jesus have to die — couldn’t God just forgive us?
“Without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” — Hebrews 9:22
“He was wounded for our transgressions… and by His stripes we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5
God is both just and loving. Sin required judgment — Jesus took that judgment for us.
11. Why is there only one way to God through Jesus?
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” — John 14:6
“There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” — Acts 4:12
Jesus is the only mediator who reconciles humanity to God because He alone was sinless and divine.
12. What happens to those who never hear about Jesus?
“The Lord… is a righteous judge.” — Psalm 7:11
“The gospel… is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” — Romans 1:16
God is fair and merciful. Every person will be judged according to the truth they have received, but salvation is found only in Christ.
13. Why are some Christians hypocritical?
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 7:21
“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” — John 13:35
The Bible warns against hypocrisy. True followers of Jesus strive to live by His Spirit and love others sincerely.
About the Bible
14. Isn’t the Bible just written by men?
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” — 2 Timothy 3:16
“Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” — 2 Peter 1:21
Though written by men, the Bible’s ultimate Author is God Himself.
15. What about contradictions in the Bible?
“The words of the Lord are pure words.” — Psalm 12:6
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” — Matthew 24:35
Apparent contradictions arise from misunderstanding context; Scripture harmonizes when studied carefully.
16. How can we trust ancient manuscripts after so many translations?
“The word of our God stands forever.” — Isaiah 40:8
“Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.” — Psalm 119:89
God has preserved His Word faithfully across centuries and languages.
17. Why does the Bible contain violence and judgment?
“The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.” — Nahum 1:3
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne.” — Psalm 89:14
God judges evil because He is just — yet always offers mercy first.
About Life and Purpose
18. What is the meaning of life — why are we here?
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” — Ecclesiastes 12:13
“You are worthy, O Lord… for You created all things.” — Revelation 4:11
We exist to love, know, and glorify God, and to live in fellowship with Him forever.
19. Does God really care about me personally?
“Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7
“Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” — Luke 12:7
Yes — God’s love is personal and intimate. He knows you completely and calls you to Himself.
20. How can I find peace and forgiveness?
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” — 1 John 1:9
Peace begins when you turn to God, believe His Word, and trust in Jesus Christ.
21. How can faith make a difference in my life?
“The just shall live by faith.” — Romans 1:17
“Without faith it is impossible to please God.” — Hebrews 11:6
Faith brings hope, direction, and strength — because it connects you to the living God.
Conclusion
God’s Word answers the deepest questions of the human heart.
Through Jesus Christ, we see God’s justice and mercy meet — and His desire to restore all who believe in Him.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” — John 3:16