16-Possible reasons for the existence of evil; the existence of hell; and conclusion

Although many people think that we are central, and God must have created the world to bring about the best state for humanity, that is incorrect. God is the greatest good that could possibly be, and he created the world primarily for his own glory. Sin and evil are necessary in order that all aspects of God's nature and character are properly revealed. Humans are very important in-and-of-themselves and to God. God could not eliminate evil without at the same time eliminating human beings and the world as we know it. Further, the evil that God allows and ordains ultimately serves to bring about the greater good of creation, which will be fully revealed at the consummation. Even now, however, evil serves as part of the testing, discipling, disciplining, sanctifying, and other processes for people. This lecture also discusses the existence of hell, which can be viewed both as a matter of justice and of God's respect for human integrity and choice, and is not inconsistent either with God's justice or his goodness.