During the reign of Christ, Adam and his children in general will receive their first real experience with “good.” This will complete their education respecting the importance of the standards of right and wrong. Though perfect when created, Adam did not have sufficient knowledge to prevent his transgression. But like Job, Adam and his race will “see” God as a result of their experiences.

The God they will then “see” will be the one they have longed to know and to serve. They will recognize the value of their experience. They will realize that the few short years of hardship through which they passed were as nothing compared with the eternity of joy then stretching out before them under the panoply of divine love. No wonder they will say, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him … we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”—Isa. 25:9

At the conclusion of the harrowing experiences which Job passed through, he was restored to health, and his family was also restored to him. This partially illustrates the great blessing which lies ahead for all mankind during the reign of Christ.

As we have seen, this loving provision for the human race includes those who have fallen asleep in death. This is the key to an understanding of why God permits evil, for it means that his viewpoint of human experience is not dependent upon man’s present short span of life. God is viewing this as a lesson which in the resurrection can be compared with all the good which will then be showered upon the people.