Presenting Biblical answers to tough questions
Q: Why would a good God allow demons to exist?
A: Let me begin with some background. For those who don’t know, the Bible tells us that there are a multitude of spiritual beings called angels who dwell with God in heaven (Psalm 103:20; Daniel 7:9-10). The Bible also indicates that a powerful angel rebelled against God in the distant past and deceived a third of the angels into joining him (Revelation 12:3-9). These beings would come to be known as Satan and his demons; the spiritual enemies of God and His people.
Now to the question: why doesn’t God just wipe these rebels out? If God had crushed the rebellion in its infancy it might’ve given the impression that Satan and the demons were a threat to him. It would also have indicated that God rules by brute force rather than divine wisdom and sovereignty. The truth of God’s superiority is far more profound. Any created being who tries to stand against God will find themselves pathetically outmatched (II Samuel 22:27; Job 5:13).
The gospel is the perfect example of this. In the Old Testament God promised to send a Messiah who would crush Satan and end his schemes once and for all (Genesis 3:15). Because of this, Satan was determined to prevent God’s plan from reaching fulfillment by any means necessary. When Jesus appeared Satan threw everything at him that he could muster; temptations (Matthew 4), assassination attempts (Matthew 2:16-18; Luke 4:28-30), and political plots (John 6:15). Finally, Satan corrupted one of Jesus’ 12 disciples and arranged for a betrayal, fake trial and crucifixion (John 13:26-27 and following). However, Satan failed to realize he was accomplishing God’s purpose by slaying God’s sinless son as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, thus freeing us from Satan’s control (Luke 4:16-21). God tricked Satan into releasing his captives! The gospel was God’s ultimate demonstration of superiority over Satan and the demons (Col 2:13-15). Now God only waits for the good news of the gospel to reach throughout the earth before condemning Satan to his fiery punishment (Revelation 20:10).
If you have a question you would like a Biblical answer to you can send it via email to [email protected] or by mail to Formoso Church; P.O. Box 66; Formoso, Kan. 66942
Reader Comments(0)