Real Questions. Honest Answers Series – Week 2

Week 2: When Abuse Meets Sovereignty – How Does Sexual Abuse Work with Pre-Determination?

“God is a loving God, but how and why does this become allowed in our lives?”

This is one of the heaviest questions we received and it deserves a careful, compassionate answer. For some students, this isn’t theoretical. It’s painfully personal. And that means our response must reflect both the justice and the kindness of God.

Summary Answer

Abuse is evil. God hates it, condemns it, and will judge it. It was not part of His original design, and those who harm others will be held accountable. Yet Scripture also teaches that God is sovereign over everything, even evil acts, and that He can bring about redemption through what others meant for harm. That doesn't make the abuse good, it makes God's grace bigger. God's sovereign will never excuses evil, but it anchors us in knowing that evil won't have the last word.

Talking Points

1. Abuse is evil. God condemns it.

The first thing that must be said clearly: abuse is never excused, justified, or minimized by God's sovereignty. God hates evil. He hates injustice. He will hold every abuser accountable. In fact, Jesus had some of His harshest words for those who harm children (Matthew 18:6). This is not just “a hard part of life,” this is wickedness, and Scripture doesn’t look away from it.

"God never does anything, nor allows anything, without having a purpose for it. And His purposes, however mysterious and incomprehensible they may be to us, are always for His glory and our good." – Jerry Bridges, Trusting God, Ch. 4

2. God’s control doesn’t mean He approves of evil.

This is the hard part. If God is truly in control of all things and Scripture says He is (Eph. 1:11; Isaiah 46:10), then we’re faced with a tension: How can He be sovereign over something as terrible as abuse? The answer isn’t that He causes it or delights in it. Rather, God permits evil in a fallen world, while never ceasing to be righteous. He allows it, but He never excuses it.

“God’s plan and His ways of working out His plan are frequently beyond our ability to fathom and understand. We must learn to trust when we do not understand.” – Jerry Bridges

3. God can use even evil for good.

One of the most powerful truths of Scripture is that God is able to redeem what others meant for harm. This doesn’t mean the abuse was part of His "original plan," or that it’s somehow good in disguise. It means God is never thwarted. Joseph’s words in Genesis 50:20 capture this perfectly: "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good." That doesn’t diminish the pain, it means pain doesn’t get the last word.

“God’s providence may be bitter, but it is never wrong.” – Jerry Bridges

4. God is near to the brokenhearted.

Psalm 34:18 says, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." That’s not poetic fluff. That’s a promise. God is not distant or indifferent to suffering. He draws near. He hears. He sees. And He stays.

“God’s sovereignty does not mean we will never suffer; it means He will never abandon us in our suffering.” – Jerry Bridges

5. God’s justice will prevail.

Evil will not go unpunished. Every wrong will be dealt with either at the cross or in judgment. This gives hope to those who’ve been hurt: no injustice will be ignored, and no abuser escapes God’s justice.

“God's justice and love are not at odds. In His justice, He punishes sin. In His love, He sent His Son to bear that punishment for those who trust in Him.” – Jerry Bridges

What We’re Committed to at Cornerstone

Churches have too often mishandled abuse. Whether by minimizing it, covering it up, or refusing to walk with survivors, many have failed to reflect the character of Christ. We are committed to doing better. At Cornerstone, we:

• Take all reports of abuse seriously

• Report abuse to authorities immediately

• Support and walk with victims in love and safety

• Teach clearly that abuse is evil, not excusable

You are not alone. If you or someone you know is carrying the weight of abuse, please know that this church is a safe place to begin the journey toward healing.

Key Scriptures

• Genesis 50:20 – What was meant for evil, God used for good

• Romans 8:28 – God works all things for the good of those who love Him

• Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is near to the brokenhearted

• Isaiah 61:8 – “I, the Lord, love justice”

• Matthew 18:6 – Warning to those who cause harm to children

• Revelation 21:4 – One day, no more pain or tears

Recommended Resource

Trusting God by Jerry Bridges (especially chapters 3–4) offers one of the most balanced, Scripture-rich explanations of how God’s sovereignty intersects with real-life suffering. It's wise, honest, and full of comfort for those who are hurting.