2.3 Why Did God Permit Sin_

Lesson 2.3

Many have been perplexed because sin and its author, Satan, still exist. Some even charge God with the responsibility for it since He permitted sin. God is good, merciful, and all powerful but He is also love. Each created being was endowed with freedom of choice. God wants people to serve Him because they choose to do so and not because they cannot do otherwise.

Why didn’t God kill the devil when he first sinned and prevent sin from entering this world?

“God is love” 1 John 4:8.

Note: The government of God is based on love. If God had destroyed Satan immediately heavenly beings would have served him through fear. Free moral agents were given time to judge the nature of Satan’s rebellion

Read Hebrews 2:14 and 1 John 3:8

Note: Christ’s life and death exposed Satan’s true nature and the results of sin. Thus in the proper time God will be able to destroy Satan and sin with the consent of the universe

Will the devil be destroyed?

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.”

Hebrews 2:14

Note: Since Christ has not yet returned, the time has not come for Satan’s destruction. God is permitting Satan to run his course. Furthermore, the destruction of the devil will not take place until everyone has had the opportunity to choose to accept Christ and live forever. Satan’s destruction will take place before the earth is recreated after the second coming of Jesus

Can we be successful in the battle against the devil, if so, how?

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Ephesians 6:10, 11

Note: Read Ephesians 6:12-18 where the apostle talks of the necessity of putting on the entire armor of God. It is made up of seven parts and is the assurance of victory. It consists of truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Bible, and prayer

How can we overcome the devil’s temptations?

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

James 4:7

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Philippians 4:13

Note: You can live right even though the devil is constantly around to tempt

But how? You can be victorious by surrendering your will to Christ. Take courage, Christ was tempted in all points, yet He never sinned. There is victory over the devil by following the instruction found in Isaiah. “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.”

Isaiah 45:22

Conclusion

God’s original purpose will one day be fulfilled. There will be a sinless world. God’s hand has been placed upon the nations as the Bible says “This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations. For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? And his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?” Isaiah 14:26, 27. As the conflict between Christ and Satan continues God’s purpose and plan for man is being developed. Read John 3:16, 17. Put your will on God’s side for victory over sin “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

2.2 How Man Sinned 2.4 Gods Plan For Restoration Of Man