Deprivation

The belief that negative circumstances represent a deprivation of God’s goodness—or that they occur outside His will as a reaction to an independent force—carries significant philosophical and theological consequences. Some liken darkness to the absence of light, cold to the absence of heat, and evil to the deprivation of good. However, suggesting that God reacts to or permits forces that corrupt His intentions implies that He is not fully in command. This view leads to dangerous theological waters, undermining the biblical portrait of God’s sovereignty.

Scripture counters this notion. In Job, God’s absolute authority is affirmed: “But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does. For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind” (Job 23:13–14).[^1] Similarly, Job 9:24 asks, “If it is not he, then who is it?”[^2] These passages, along with the entirety of Job 9, assert that God is sovereign over all events, not a bystander reacting to external forces.

If God voluntarily or unintentionally cedes control to a depriving force, He is not truly God. This perspective posits a negative force creating a void that overshadows God’s good creation, suggesting His sovereignty is limited by events He did not plan. A biblical view, however, affirms that a perfect, omnipotent God governs all scenarios. Placing harm outside God’s intention implies He reacts to circumstances rather than orchestrates them, rendering Him less than omnipotent and allowing external forces to override His will.

This casts God as a sympathetic figure who loves us and desires our good but lacks control over negative events. In this view, He is not responsible for bad circumstances, as they stem from an external force He permits but does not cause. Such a perspective conflicts with the biblical understanding of God’s sovereignty and Christ’s redemption, as well as God’s revelation to Habakkuk.

Critics argue that attributing tragedy to God’s command tarnishes His goodness, claiming it is blasphemous to suggest He participates in suffering. However, this objection assumes God must conform to human rational categories. Is God a mere Santa Claus or genie, bound by our understanding? Must He meet our expectations? The issue lies not in God’s involvement in tragedy but in the arrogance of assuming we can fully comprehend His wisdom or dictate His nature. God is God, and we are not.

Consider the cross, the greatest injustice in history. God did not merely “allow” it; He orchestrated it. If a malicious third party could override God’s will, what would prevent it from negating redemption itself? This is nonsensical. Scripture affirms God’s command over all things, including the cross (Acts 2:23).[^3] The question is whether we can submit to His sovereignty, even when it challenges our understanding. A God who controls all creation, not a force that deprives His will, offers hope and assurance in every tragedy.

[^1]: The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2016), 642.

[^2]: The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2016), 627.

[^3]: The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2016), 1360.