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The Grand Demonstration: A Bibical Study of the So-Called Problem of Evil
Why is there sin, rape, drisease, war, pain and death in a good God's World? Every Christian asks--but rarely receives an answer. The Grand Demonstration penetrates deeply into scriptural teaching regarding the nature of God. Moving into territory others fear to tread, Jay Adams maintains that a fearless acceptance of biblical truth solves the so-called problem of evil.
119 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1999
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About the author
Jay E. Adams
230 books148 followersJay Edward Adams is a Reformed Christian author. He has written over 100 books and these have been published in sixteen languages.
He received a Bachelor of Divinity from Reformed Episcopal Seminary, a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from Johns Hopkins University,a Masters in Sacred Theology from Temple University, and a PhD in Speech from the University of Missouri.
Adams' book Competent to Counsel launched the nouthetic counseling movement, a movement whose aim was to use strictly biblical counseling methods. He is the founder of the Intitute for Nothetic Studies.
He received a Bachelor of Divinity from Reformed Episcopal Seminary, a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from Johns Hopkins University,a Masters in Sacred Theology from Temple University, and a PhD in Speech from the University of Missouri.
Adams' book Competent to Counsel launched the nouthetic counseling movement, a movement whose aim was to use strictly biblical counseling methods. He is the founder of the Intitute for Nothetic Studies.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 18, 2012
This is a book on the problem of evil that I fully agree with, though not many Christians even those who are Reformed are willing to accept readily. The only other book that I can think of that is in similar vein is Gordon Clark's God and Evil. If you want to see a treatment of theodicy that takes God's sovereignty into account and the issue of where does one get the standard of right and wrong from in the first place, this book is for you. The book does not appeal to the free will argument for the problem of evil which I feel is rather inadequate as a remedy (philosophically and biblically). Jay Adams also note how those who are Reformed sometimes stop short and appeal to mystery with the problem of evil when there are more that Scripture reveal on the matter. I've always thought Job 38-42, Romans 9 and Habakkuk have been underutilized in formulating a biblically centered theodicy. Focusing chiefly on Romans 9 (though there was mention of Job) the author points out that why God allow evil is really for a grand demonstration of His Holy wrath and also for the elect it is a contrast to demonstrate God's mercy, grace and patience. Of course, Jay Adams picks up the Apostle Paul's attack on humanistic autonomy which sets up it's own standard against God such as those who wish to prohibit God from doing things that Scripture itself does not say God cannot do. Jay Adams notes from James 4:11b that if we judge the Law we are not living it. This work also explains the differences between fatalism and predestination in a clear and concise matter. Here are some notable quotes from the book:
“To begin with, the very fact that Paul indicates that this question will be asked proves that what I am teaching about the matter in this book is the same thing Paul taught. Paul says that whenever this truth is taught people will ask that question” (44).
“After all, what is fairness? And from where does your sense of fairness come? Fairness is based on a standard of right and wrong. But it is God, Himself, Who has given us that standard” (46).
Difference between decretive and directive will of God: “To speak of the decretive will of God means that the writer is telling us what God will do. One perspective has man in view as the actor; the other, God” (59).
Fatalists and Predestinarian distinguished: “Fatalists say, ‘If I’m going to be hit by a truck on the corner of Fifth and Main on July 5, 1992, it will happen—no matter what I do.” Que sera sera. But in stark contrast, predestinarians say, ‘If I’m going to be hit by a truck on the corner of Fifth and Main, on July 5, 1992, it will happen—because of what I do.’ It will be because you were watching that attractive blonde rather than the traffic. Fatalists say ‘in spite of’; predestinarians say ‘because of.’ The former view destroys responsibility; the latter establishes it” (68).
“God does not have to ‘overrule’ what man does in order to bring about His purposes (as Hughes supposes); rather, He works out these purposes by means of human beings who are ordained to freely choose and decide in a responsible manner” (68-69).
“To begin with, the very fact that Paul indicates that this question will be asked proves that what I am teaching about the matter in this book is the same thing Paul taught. Paul says that whenever this truth is taught people will ask that question” (44).
“After all, what is fairness? And from where does your sense of fairness come? Fairness is based on a standard of right and wrong. But it is God, Himself, Who has given us that standard” (46).
Difference between decretive and directive will of God: “To speak of the decretive will of God means that the writer is telling us what God will do. One perspective has man in view as the actor; the other, God” (59).
Fatalists and Predestinarian distinguished: “Fatalists say, ‘If I’m going to be hit by a truck on the corner of Fifth and Main on July 5, 1992, it will happen—no matter what I do.” Que sera sera. But in stark contrast, predestinarians say, ‘If I’m going to be hit by a truck on the corner of Fifth and Main, on July 5, 1992, it will happen—because of what I do.’ It will be because you were watching that attractive blonde rather than the traffic. Fatalists say ‘in spite of’; predestinarians say ‘because of.’ The former view destroys responsibility; the latter establishes it” (68).
“God does not have to ‘overrule’ what man does in order to bring about His purposes (as Hughes supposes); rather, He works out these purposes by means of human beings who are ordained to freely choose and decide in a responsible manner” (68-69).
January 21, 2024
Everyone should read this book! A simple, straightforward explanation of the problem of evil!
April 8, 2009
Good plus.
November 14, 2017
I just finished Unspeakable: Facing Up to Evil in an Age of Genocide and Terror, and this was a perfect next read.
Clears up questions, backing answers up with the Bible.
Clears up questions, backing answers up with the Bible.
October 26, 2019
This is the worst piece of Calvinist clap-trap I have ever had the misfortune of reading. His argument is internally incoherent. He contradicts himself and then glosses over the contradiction in ways are infuriatingly shallow and self-serving. There is an under-tone of smug, condescension that reeks of elitism.
January 30, 2022
A good beginner book discussing theodicy and the sovereignty of God. Recommend for those new to theology as it is small and easy to read.
November 9, 2022
Good, concise information with abundant and helpful biblical reference.
February 7, 2022
A very helpful read covering a very tough issue: That being the so called problem of evil. Adams does a reasonably good job of taking on this issue and throughout the pages, he provides much fodder for discussion and contemplation for the reader.
Adams opens the book by helping the reader understand the issue to be discussed. What is the problem of evil? Adams provides a landscape of the issues that he hopes to cover. He takes the reader into an understanding of the whole scope of God's plan for why evil exists and how He plans to deal with evil. He takes the reader into Romans 9 which is very critical for the discussion about a sovereign God allowing evil to exist while also maintaining His infinite goodness. Adams addresses issues such as, the question of whether God is fair or not; Does God fulfill HIs Will?; and whether man is truly free. Towards the end of the book, Adams spends several chapters talking about election, the gospel of the grand demonstration, the issue of angels-elect and evil, and the realities of the riches of His (God's) glory along with the issue of the wrath of God.
I really enjoyed this book and believe it is a great starting point for answering some very hard questions that are put forward regarding the problem of evil. I'm guessing that it will leave some questions unanswered but can be a helpful starting point in working to unpack a topic that many try to avoid or dole out simplistic answers that do not satisfy the curious learner or the skeptic. I highly recommend this book.
Adams opens the book by helping the reader understand the issue to be discussed. What is the problem of evil? Adams provides a landscape of the issues that he hopes to cover. He takes the reader into an understanding of the whole scope of God's plan for why evil exists and how He plans to deal with evil. He takes the reader into Romans 9 which is very critical for the discussion about a sovereign God allowing evil to exist while also maintaining His infinite goodness. Adams addresses issues such as, the question of whether God is fair or not; Does God fulfill HIs Will?; and whether man is truly free. Towards the end of the book, Adams spends several chapters talking about election, the gospel of the grand demonstration, the issue of angels-elect and evil, and the realities of the riches of His (God's) glory along with the issue of the wrath of God.
I really enjoyed this book and believe it is a great starting point for answering some very hard questions that are put forward regarding the problem of evil. I'm guessing that it will leave some questions unanswered but can be a helpful starting point in working to unpack a topic that many try to avoid or dole out simplistic answers that do not satisfy the curious learner or the skeptic. I highly recommend this book.
March 22, 2018
This is an excellent little book on the problem of evil. In short, evil exists because God ordained it in order to demonstrate His goodness, grace, and justice. While many people, including Christians may find this difficult to accept, I believe it to be what the Bible teaches.
Does this make God responsible for evil? According to Dr. Adams it does not. As good as this book is, I still find Adams' explanation of how God could ordain evil and yet not be responsible for it less than satisfactory. His explanation is that responsible created beings (angels and men) willing choose to sin without being compelled by God. According to the Biblical account, this is certainly true. But how could a being, which was good when created by a good God, ever desire to do evil? I believe this is exactly the question the theologian he castigated in chapter one for giving inadequate explanations was getting at and that Dr. Adams misunderstood him.
I have never read a good explanation for how a good creation could desire evil and I do not believe that Dr. Adams addressed the question.
Does this make God responsible for evil? According to Dr. Adams it does not. As good as this book is, I still find Adams' explanation of how God could ordain evil and yet not be responsible for it less than satisfactory. His explanation is that responsible created beings (angels and men) willing choose to sin without being compelled by God. According to the Biblical account, this is certainly true. But how could a being, which was good when created by a good God, ever desire to do evil? I believe this is exactly the question the theologian he castigated in chapter one for giving inadequate explanations was getting at and that Dr. Adams misunderstood him.
I have never read a good explanation for how a good creation could desire evil and I do not believe that Dr. Adams addressed the question.
September 27, 2014
This book was a short read but full of truth. Jay Adams gave the logical biblical conclusion of the so called problem with evil. I highly recommend this book.
April 20, 2015
It was good. Gave an insightful look at how we look at sin and it's origins.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews