devil and free will

[Aida]

Before God created earth, there was heaven, correct? Then Lucifer decided to rebel against God. I do not understand this. If he was an angel, and all was perfect, how could the devil , who was once God's angel, rebel? Another question: Why did God decide to create earth? I know that some of the things I am asking we do not know, but for those out there who do know the answers..PLEASE ANSWER! So when He created earth, did he ultimately know that Adam and Eve would sin, or if not them, that someone would? Because when He created earth, the devil was lurking around somewhere???? So, God did know the course of what was to happen? Why did God not stop the devil from being on this earth, and just cast him down to hell then? I know that when the world ends, He will take us Christians with Him. Is there any chance of another rebellion of that type? I mean, did God foresee that the devil would rebel like he did, and that all this would happen>? I know that God is mighty and powerful, and He controls EVERYTHING, but I guess my question is, why didn't He stop Satan from inhabiting our earth?? I have several more questions that are along this same subject, but I will wait to see what replies I get. Thanks!

[Dad Ernie]

Greetings Aida,

You are asking a good number of questions that would exhaust one person or even one post to respond to them all. The Bible gives you all the answers to your questions, and if you haven't taken time to read it through a few times and really study it, then I would suggest that you do.

Very simply put, I believe that "heaven" is a created place, only different from this creation. It is where God presently dwells along with all his angels. It is where His throneroom currently is and Christ is now at the right hand of the throne of God.

Satan was "the cherub that covereth". Until pride was found in him, he was the most powerful of all the angels.

God foresaw his fall, as well as man's, and has responded to them - all in their own time. He uses Satan, even as He uses all his creation. In the end, Satan after being bound for 1,000 years, shall be loosed again to lead the rebellious to come against the "city of the Saints of God where Christ reigns on this earth." Christ will then utterly destroy them forever and cast them into the Lake of Fire.

When you have finished reading the Bible a few times, then the answers to all your questions will come much easier. Please do this for your own benefit in learning and getting to know Christ. Put what you read into action in your daily walk.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie

[Adstar]

Hello Aida

The Questions that you ask are very deep. All we have at the present time to answer these questions is the bible. i believe there are some answers that will not become available to us until we are in eternity.

1 corrinthians 13

9For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 11When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

This does not stop us dwelling on these mysteries and coming up with possibilities we may even find explanations that satisfy us. But in the end we cannot be sure of anything that goes beyond what has been revealed by God in the scriptures. So maybe after you read all the word and dwell on these things you to will come to know possible explanations partial answers that satisfy you. But in the end we must realize that the only foundation is the Word and if God, All we need to know has been given to us maybe we want to know everything that

[Leonard]

First, where does the Bible ever tell us that Lucifer is the devil, or satan?

[Dad Ernie]

First, where does the Bible ever tell us that Lucifer is the devil, or satan?

Greetings Leonard,

I believe it is a matter of deduction. We know that Michael, the archangel "durst not bring railing accusation against the Devil." This puts the Devil pretty high on the totem pole of the angelic heirarchy. We also know that the "temptor" or the "devil" tempted Jesus in the desert. Jesus also addressed him as Satan "get thee hence Satan". We also know that it was Satan who "fell from heaven". We also know that Satan is the "Prince and Power of the Air", now confined to this earth roaming around as a roaring lion "seeking whom he may devour. We also know that the Dragon in Revelation is Satan, that old serpent that tempted Adam in the Garden. Lucifer means "the shining one". He was the "cherub that covereth" and if you recall the "ark of the covenant", you will see that it was he that covered the ark. He had the preimmenence and was essentially God's "right hand angel" till he fell.

So if it is not plainly stated in the verses I referenced, I do not believe any other deduction can be made. All of this pretty much came off the top of my head, so if you find an error in it, please let me know.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie

[Atalyah]

Aida, I LOVE your questions! They're pretty much exactly the same as the ones I found myself asking a few years ago, and spent much time studying them out. I'm excited to try to help you, showing you what I've found, but unfortunatly won't have time to start doing so until tomorrow.

Glad to see you have such a questioning mind

[Pilgrim7]

AIDA,

First of all, God Creates all His creatures with a free will, the ability to choose. As quoted already, Lucifer was lifted up in pride, not content with his position and wanted to worshiped like God.

God has no robots, only those who follow Him out of love. All are free to revolt and rebel at any time. This is the reason for the lake of fire.

God created the earth because He is a creator. A creator creates. He loves to share Himself with others. Since His love is boundless, He wanted others to love.

People with a free will need to choose to follow God out of love. God gives us all a test to allow us to choose to worship and obey Him. Adam and Eve were tested. The devil is the one who tempts us to choose another path. Since we now have a carnal nature because of the fall of Adam, the temptation of the devil is necessary for us to choose the right and develop a righteous character. For now Satan serves a purpose, soon the time is coming when he will be cast into the lake of fire and peace and harmony will be restored. All things work together for good fo those who love the Lord.

I would suggest that you not rely to heavily on the opinions of man, but go to God yourself in prayer and study of the word for He is waiting to teach you these things Himself. This is the only knowledge that will endure to the end.

God bless and keep,

Dennis

[gypc]

First, where does the Bible ever tell us that Lucifer is the devil, or satan?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Is14:12How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

13For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

14I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

15Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

Luke 10:18And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

[Pilgrim7]

AMEN GYPC,

Here are a few more verses. Scripture is learned line upon line, here a little and there a little. This assures that Spiritual things will be Spiritually discerned. God hides His truth from those who are wise in their own eyes.

REV 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the

Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out

into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation,

and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his

Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused

them before our God day and night.

2COR 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of

light.

11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as

the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to

their works.

EPH 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against

principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of

this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Here is the whole quote of Isaiah.

ISA 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer (lightbearer), son of the morning!

how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! (who weakens the nations through deceit and temptation if not Satan)

14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will

exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the

mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

14:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the

most High.

14:15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

14:16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider

thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did

shake kingdoms;

14:17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities

thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? (who else makes the world a wilderness but Satan and his angels)

14:18 All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every

one in his own house.

14:19 But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and

as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword,

that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under

feet.

14:20 Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast

destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall

never be renowned.

14:21 Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers;

that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill the face of the

world with cities.

14:22 For I will rise up against them, saith the LORD of hosts, and cut

off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew,

saith the LORD.

EZEK 28:14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and

down in the midst of the stones of fire.

28:15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created,

till iniquity was found in thee.

28:16 By the multitude of thy merchandise (pride and sin) they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.

28:17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.

28:18 Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine

iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth

a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring

thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.

God has told us that Satan is Lucifer fallen, yet only those who search for truth as for hidden treasure under the inspiration of the Spirit of Holiness will understand. Instead of looking for a Scripture that says that Lucifer is Satan, lean not to your own understanding and ask God through the Spirit and He will be glad to lead you into all truth.

God bless and keep,

Dennis

Edited July 2, 2005 by Pilgrim7

[Remnantrob]

Love the post guys, but did you know what Lucifer was saying in his heart when he said it.

Is14:12How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

13For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

Romans 10:6 says:

6But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)

He really hated Christ. So much so that He was willing to bring him down from above. I found that interesting.