The reality of evil is seen as prevalent throughout the OT and the NT. It was part and parcel of the journey of the  chosen people, who struggled with their relationship with Yahweh, the Covenant-Maker.  Even with the Resurrection and the coming of the Spirit, the people of the New Covenant also had to face the reality of evil in their relationship to the Triune God.

But the saving grace of the revealed Word of God gives us God’s answer to evil. For immediately after the sin of Adam and Eve God revealed his plan from all eternity. He would deliver them from the power of evil through and in the person of a redeemer: Speaking to the evil one in the guise of the serpent, God promises: “I will put enmity between you and the woman,  and between your offspring and hers;  He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel" (Gen 3:15). This redeemer is the Word made Flesh, the Word of God who became one like us in all things but sin.

In spite of the fact of Paul’s admission of not being able on his own to be freed from the bondage of sin, from the slavery which sin brings about in all human beings--”Miserable one that I am! Who will deliver me from this mortal body?” the apostle of the Gentiles came to the faith conviction of the role of Jesus the Messiah. Without missing a beat he responds with joyful acclamation: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom 7:25). Yes, only Jesus has won the power to deliver us. For this we praise and thank him. (To be continued)