God permits both good and bad seed in the church to fulfill His sovereign purpose and to reveal His glory.
According to Matthew 13:24-30, one reason God allows bad seed in the visible church is to fulfill His sovereign will. This mixture of good and bad serves several purposes: Firstly, it demonstrates God's long-suffering and patience, granting time for the wicked to repent. Secondly, it refines the faith of His people through trials and challenges that accompany false teachings and persecutions. Romans 2:5 warns that the wicked store up wrath against themselves, while God's righteousness ultimately prevails. This tension reinforces the hope and faith of believers as they cling to Christ amid adversity. Ultimately, it is a divine strategy to display God's mercy and justice in the consummation of His kingdom.
Scripture References:
Matthew 13:24-30, Romans 2:5
Commentary