Introduction
Where did sin originate? Could it have been prevented? Why does sin still exist today?
Each of these questions can be answered from the Bible. God has not left us in doubt or confusion about the origin of evil.
1. Did God Create the Devil?
There is no scripture indicating that God created a devil.
Everything God made was good and perfect. Evil did not come from God.
2. Whom Did God Create?
“Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.”
Ezekiel 28:15
Note:
In this chapter, the Prince of Tyrus represents Lucifer. Although the prophecy originally referred to the literal king of Tyre, a careful study shows a broader application because of statements such as:
“Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God.”
Ezekiel 28:13 (first part)
Lucifer was not created as a sinner. He was a perfect being who later chose rebellion.
3. Lucifer’s Original Position
“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.”
Ezekiel 28:14 (first part)
Lucifer is called the “covering cherub” in Ezekiel 28:16, which suggests he stood in a place of high honor near God’s throne.
He appears to have been the leader of the angels, entrusted with great responsibility and beauty.
4. How Lucifer Became 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.”
Ezekiel 28:17 (first part)
“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.”
Isaiah 14:12–14
Note:
Here, Satan is presented symbolically as the King of Babylon.
Just as God was the true King behind Israel’s throne, Satan worked behind the pagan thrones of Tyre and Babylon. These rulers at times reflected Satan’s pride, ambition, and rebellion.
Lucifer’s fall began with self-exaltation—pride in his beauty, wisdom, and position. His desire to be equal with God led to open rebellion.
5. The Result of Satan’s Rebellion
Question: 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.”
Revelation 12:7
Lucifer’s rebellion turned into a cosmic conflict — a war between Christ (Michael) and Satan (the dragon).
6. The Outcome of the Heavenly Conflict
“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.”
Revelation 12:8–9
This corresponds with Jesus’ own words:
“And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.”
Luke 10:18
Satan and the angels who followed him were expelled from heaven and cast down to earth.
7. Satan’s Present Location
“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.”
Revelation 12:12
While heaven rejoiced at his removal, earth became the new arena of Satan’s activity. Knowing his time is short, he now works with intense anger and deception.
8. Satan’s Work on Earth
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
1 Peter 5:8
Satan’s goal is to destroy faith and lead souls away from God.
He is powerful and relentless, but believers are called to remain alert, faithful, and dependent on Christ’s strength.
Conclusion
The great controversy between Christ and Satan continues on earth today.
The devil is especially angry with those who keep God’s commandments:
“And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed,
which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
Revelation 12:17
This is because commandment keepers will enter God’s kingdom and live forever:
“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”
Revelation 22:14
Since Satan is both a liar and a murderer (John 8:44), it is unsafe to follow his suggestions.
Therefore, let us faithfully obey Christ’s instruction:
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
John 14:15
Summary of Key Points
- God did not create a devil—Lucifer was created perfect but chose sin.
- Pride and self-exaltation led to Lucifer’s fall.
- War in heaven resulted in Satan and his angels being cast to earth.
- Satan now works on earth to deceive and destroy, knowing his time is short.
- Those who obey God’s commandments remain under Christ’s protection and will ultimately triumph with Him