10. There are always some people dying from starvation, disease and other pains everyday, why is God just watching them suffering and dying, but doesn't save them?(Y.Z.)

Answer: To understand the reasons of human suffering we need to understand the nature of human sin and God's response to human sin. What is human sin? Genesis chapter three recorded the origin of human sin. Our first parents Adam and Eve disobeyed the clear command of God: "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die". (Gen. 2:16-17)

The devil deceived Eve saying: "You will not surely die, For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Gen. 3:4-5) Sin is the willful disobedience of God's command. Sin is blatant rebellion against God. Sin is pride, the desire to be like God. Sin is self-centeredness. Sin is covetousness.

After Adam's fall, human nature changed. Man began to have a sin nature and that sin nature passed on to all the descendants of Adam. Cain, the first son of Adam and Eve manifested his sin nature in killing his brother and lying about it (Gen. 4:8-9) Later in human history, sin manifested in pride, jealousy, lying, cheating, stealing, fornication, hurting, killing, coveting, worshipping idols, etc.

When men sin against one another, they inflict great pain and suffering upon one another. One example is that the Second World War caused 50 million people to die or be injured.

What is God's response to human sin? He punished human sin. He caused the women to have pain in childbirth. He caused man to toil to make a living. He also cursed the ground because of human sin. Nature had changed. The earth produced thorns and thistles. (Gen. 3:17-19) He allowed disease, decay and death to occur as He had warned: "you will surely die".

There are also natural disasters in the world such as thunder, lightning, storms, flooding, draught, insects etc. The world is no longer a paradise. Since mankind chose to be independent of God, God is no longer giving special favor and protection for mankind. In spite of His anger against human sin, God has not totally abandoned the human race. In fact He is still bestowing general grace to mankind. Acts 14:17 says: "God has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."

If mankind turn back to God and repent from their sins, a lot of suffering can be reduced. For example man can use his wisdom to protect the environment and develop the uncultivated lands. Man should evenly distribute the food supply. It is a shame that the American people throw away so much food while people in other parts of the world are starving to death. If all the money spent for war is used for food, no one will be starving.

If all the governments provide adequate health care to their citizens, the pain from illness and disease can be reduced. Other kinds of social problems can also be solved. If mankind loves one another and takes care of one another, a lot of the suffering and pain can be alleviated.

But if human race continue to indulge in all kinds of sins, they have to suffer the consequences of sin. Many people keep worshipping idols. Many people deny the existence of God. Many people are cheating and hurting others. Many people keep drinking, smoking and using drugs. Many people keep indulging in other kinds of sins. The sins of the human race are very offensive to God.

God is calling the people of the world to repent and turn back to Him. God loves those who repent and receive His salvation in Jesus Christ. He loves and cares for them. God's Spirit is everywhere. Providentially He will alleviate the suffering of His people. The believers have hope. The present suffering is only temporary. God will transform the bodies of the believers when Jesus comes back. There will be no more disease and suffering.

Rev. 21:3-4 says: "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."(G. Lee)