Lesson 2.1
Where did Sin originate? Could it have been prohibited? Why does sin exist today? Each of these questions can be answered. There need be no perplexity. What does the Bible say?
Did God create the devil?
There is not scripture to indicate God created a devil. All that God created was good and perfect.
Whom did God create?
“Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was
found in thee.”
What was Lucifer’s position before he sinned?
“Thou art the anointed cherub [Angel] 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.”
He is called the “covering cherub” in Ezekiel 28:16. Because of his position near to God’s throne he seems to have been the leader of the angels.
How did Lucifer become the devil?
“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.”
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 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: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.”
What did Satan’s apostasy lead him to do?
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels.”
What was the result of this battle in heaven?
“And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 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.”
This corresponds to what Jesus said, “And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.”
Where is the devil now?
“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.”
What is Satan doing on earth?
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
The controversy between Christ and Satan continues on earth. The devil is especially angry with the person who endeavors to keep God’s commandments (Revelation 12:17). The reason for this is clear because commandment keepers will enter God’s kingdom and live forever (Revelation 22:14). Since Satan is a “liar” and a “murderer” (John 8:44) it is unsafe to follow his suggestions. Therefore let us determine to heed Christ’s induction: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15