Theological Reflections on Absence:

Throughout history, the nature of evil and its relationship to God’s creation has been a subject of deep inquiry. One profound framework considers evil as an “absence” rather than a force in itself. This understanding parallels observations in the physical world: cold is the absence of heat, and darkness is the absence of light. In the spiritual realm, evil can be seen as the absence of holiness—a departure from God’s perfect will. This idea aligns with scriptural teachings and provides insight into humanity’s fall, Lucifer’s rebellion, and God’s overarching plan for redemption.

In the physical realm, cold and darkness do not exist as independent entities; they are merely the lack of heat and light, respectively. In the same way, evil is not a substance or force but the absence of God’s holiness and goodness. Augustine of Hippo captured this concept by describing evil as a privation, a lack of the good intended by the Creator. God, as the ultimate source of light and holiness, shines throughout creation. John 1:5 emphasizes this: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Darkness, like evil, has no power of its own but exists where light is absent.

This understanding is especially evident in the spiritual accounts of Lucifer’s fall and humanity’s rebellion. Lucifer, created as a worshiping archangel, turned from God, rejecting his intended purpose and choosing pride. His rebellion in heaven represents the first instance of sin, not as a created force but as a void where holiness and submission to God once resided. In a similar way, Adam and Eve’s disobedience introduced sin into the human experience, leaving humanity separated from God. Their choice to eat from the forbidden tree was an act of stepping into absence—turning away from God’s command and design.

Although sin introduced this absence of holiness, the story of Scripture reveals God’s plan to restore creation. Christ’s redemptive work not only bridges the gap between humanity and God but also sets the stage for a future where holiness will fully replace the absence of good. Revelation 21:23-25 offers a picture of this restoration: the New Jerusalem is illuminated entirely by God’s glory, with no need for sun or moon. In this eternal kingdom, darkness, and by extension evil, no longer exist because God’s presence permeates all.

This framework also invites reflection on the relationship between worship, free will, and God’s ultimate plan. Lucifer, created for worship, chose rebellion, demonstrating that true worship must involve free will. Likewise, humanity, born into sin, must freely choose to seek God’s holiness. Through worship, individuals reclaim their created purpose, anticipating the restoration described in Revelation. As God brings His creation back to the “Garden” relationship described in Genesis, worship transforms into an unbroken reflection of holiness, free from the shadow of sin.

The parallels between physical absence—such as cold and darkness—and spiritual absence provide a profound lens for understanding evil. Both are temporary conditions, overcome by the active presence of their opposites. Just as light dispels darkness and heat overcomes cold, God’s holiness drives out evil. The biblical narrative unfolds as a story of restoration, bringing light to a world shrouded in darkness and holiness to a creation marred by sin. This ultimate restoration fulfills God’s promise to dwell among His people, eradicating the absence of good and restoring His creation to its intended glory.