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I think this may be of interest to those useing this site.
Please feel free to comment on this document, I would be pleased to hear from all.
Blessings.
God and Satan
GOD ALONE IS SELF-EXlSTENT. He was First of all things. This being a Bible truth, all else must have come into being by Him.
Satan who was first called the Serpent, is a product of God’s own hand. Genesis 3:1 tells us that the serpent became the craftiest of all field life which was made by Yahweh Elohim. This is the same serpent that talked to the woman in the garden of Eden.
“Travailed has His hand with the fugitive serpent” (Job 26:13).
“And I, I created the ruiner to harm” (Isa.54:16).
It is important that we give this matter of God making the serpent some serious thought, for in it lies the whole cause of sin’s entrance into the world. God is a God of purpose, and He says, “All my counsel will be confirmed, and all My desire will I do” (Isa.46:10).
Did God make this serpent (Satan or the devil) just as an experiment? Or did He know, being an all-wise God, just what would be the result?
Yes, He knew what the outcome would be, and it was, just as He had planned it. God did not create a world and then turn it loose, as a boy does his balloon, and stand off to see what the world would do. No, He worketh all things after the council of His will. Yes, He watches each one of His creatures so closely, that even the hairs of their heads are numbered. There is nothing that occurs without His fore-knowledge, and God knew it would occur from the beginning of time, just as though it had already occurred. His knowledge is unlimited, knowing the end from the beginning (Isa.46:10).
God in His wisdom saw He needed an adversary, someone to work counter to His plans and purpose, and undertake to overthrow His ultimate plan of the salvation and praise of all of the human family. So we see that Satan and sin was in God’s plan. Without opposition God could never have shown His superiority. This fact is simple when we think of it. God needed sin and wickedness in order to have an opportunity to show to the world His mighty power over Satan and his satellites. If King Pharaoh had not been motivated by a satanic spirit he would not have held the children of Israel in bondage for more than four hundred years, but it all occurred that God might show to the world His power over Satan. Paul says Pharaoh was raised up for this very purpose. There are many events recorded in Scripture, where God used Satan in carrying out His purpose.
Evidently Judas of himself would not have been strong enough to have betrayed our Saviour, but he was fortified by the entrance of Satan. Then he was able to betray Him, and God’s plan was completed, in that particular case.
We would never appreciate the good, if it were not contrasted with the bad. Had we not known darkness, we would not appreciate the light. We must first be hungry to enjoy a good meal.
God could never have worked out His great purpose without contrast, which is sin and wickedness. A physician would not receive any praise in his profession if he found no one sick. Neither would God be praised for the deliverance from sin if no one had been lost in sin. Nothing can be accomplished without contrast. But the comforting thought is that God, by whom all things exist, is not only able but will transmute all evil, wickedness and sin into good. No wonder the Scriptures tell us, He maketh the wrath of man to praise Him (Psa.76:10).
Christendom would have us believe that Satan was first created an angel and fell and lost his first estate. John says that he sinned from the beginning. If he was created an angel, and then fell without God’s knowledge or attention, an independent act of his own, I ask with all sincerity, Would the inhabitants of heaven ever be safe at any time, not knowing when another one of the angels might of his own authority decide to become a devil, and thus destroy the whole of God’s plan and purpose?
We are told in the Scriptures to let God be true, and every man a liar.
Let’s believe that God is working all things in accord with the counsel of His own will (Eph.1:11). All things? That is what it says. Then God is operating the whole universe, and is in full control, and is directing each occurrence.
Why try to shield God’s associating Himself with evil, when He says, “All is contrived by Yahweh for His response, And even the wicked one is being kept for the day of evil.” (Pro.16:4). “Maker of welfare and Creator of evil, I, Yahweh Elohim, make all of these things” (Isa.45:7).
Satan, who is cunning and crafty, would deceive the very elect if possible. He will never succeed in undoing anything that God has purposed to do. “His are the erring and the causer of error” (Job 12:16).
Satan is like a chained dog. He can only go the length of his chain. In the case of Job’s afflictions, God told Satan just how far he could go, and Satan could not go any farther. In each instance where God told him what to do, he obeyed. He is a subject of God and is absolutely under His control.
Dear reader, let us keep in mind that Satan is a product of God’s hand, and his career is only temporary, and will end at the consummation.W. D. THOMPSON
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(all other rights reserved by copyright holder).Chosenone This is rather a lenghty post about Satan. Let me say this first. When God created the World by Jesus Christ it was beautyful and all Angels shouted of joy. You think that they would have shouted for joy for a void and empty place? God had created the world long before He recreated the earth again. There is no prove for this, but I believe when lucifer who was put here on earth to keep this planet rebelled against God and wanted to take Gods place in Heaven and trow Him of His seat.
Remember that Lucifer was very beautiful. So there was a fight in Heaven and God through Lucifer down to earth and that is when He became Satan. He became the God of this world and we are in
bondage of this world. Remember what Satan said to Jesus that He would give Him this world if He would bow down and worship Him.
It is all in God's Plan. Since the Angel that is 1/3 of them that went with lucifer rebelled, God wants to make sure that this will never happen again, so He has this plan to test us through Satan.
God is still in charge, He is greater then all. Over God Satan has no power. God will only let Satan do what He wants Him to, to test us. One day He will not be around anymore and to that day I am looking forward to.
Peace and Love Mrs.Hi Mrs.
Thanks for your reply, very interesting, you put a lot of thought into it. I'm not sure I understand your description that Lucifer was an angel and God thew him down to earth etc. I would be pleased if you would give me the scripture that describes this event, so I may look at it myself, it sounds like very interesting reading. Thanks again.Blessings.
Quote Did God make this serpent (Satan or the devil) just as an experiment? Or did He know, being an all-wise God, just what would be the result? I don't believe God made “Satan” (resister/opposer) or “devil” (slander) any more than a parent “makes” a criminal. The child itself chooses that way of life and eventually becomes a criminal.
Yes, God made the angels and this angel rebelled (becoming or making itself a “resister”/”opposer” because it wanted what God had. It was proud, and thought too much of himself, and wanted the worship that belonged rightfully to God.I believe that God has the ability to see the future, but doesn't always use that ability. When the angel now called Satan did what he did, Jehovah immediately set on a course that he knew would correct the action.
Because the rightfullness of God's soverienty was called into question (his right to rule and the rightness of his rule) and since all spirit creation was watching, he couldn't just destroy the rebels. Because what if satan was right. Or what if Adam and eve and their offspring would be better on themselves? Only time could tell them and everyone. But Jehovah knew the result.
Suffering and wickedness are not God's will. Nor is it the will of a father to see his son undergo a painful operation. But both know it is for the longterm wellfare of their children. It is what must be done. But it is not God's will that bad things happen.
Yet, because of his justice, he allows these things…for a time.Hi David
Thanks for replying, much appreciated, I enjoy all points of view. We do not neccessarily have to agree on all things, but enjoy discussing these subjects in a friendly manner.
Did you know that God created evil, and made the wicked? Isaiah45:6-7 I am Ieue Alueim, and there is none else. Former of light and Creator of darkness, Maker of good and Creator of evil. I, Ieue Alueim, made all these things.
Proverbs16:4 The Lord has made all things for Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom.
Also see Romans 9:21 Or has not the potter (God) the right over the clay (mankind), out of the same kneading to make one vessel(man) for honor, yet one for dishonor? You see, God makes all things, good and bad. He is in complete control. Thanks again.Blessings.
Blessings.
Revelation 12
1And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
2And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
3And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
4And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
5And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
6And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
7And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9And 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.
10And 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.
11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
12Therefore 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.
13And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
14And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
15And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.
16And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
17And 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.
Isaiah 14
12 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! {O Lucifer: or, O day star}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.
16They 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;
Genesis 3
1Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
2And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
3But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
4And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
5For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
6And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
7And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
8And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
9And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
10And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
11And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?
12And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.
13And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
14And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:
15And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
16Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
17And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
18Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
19In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
20And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.
21Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
22And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
23Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.
24So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
So, we see some scripture that pertains to this here.
I can not stand here and tell you that I know and understand the fullness of GOD and all of his plans…because I don't.
Here are some things that we do know about GOD from reading the bible though:
1.) He created everything, and without him nothing was created.
2.) He is all present.
3.) He is all knowing.
4.) He is holy, without sin, and can't fellowship with sin.
5.) He is in complete control of all things.
6.) He is Loving.
7.) He sees all.We know that the bible does not contradict itself.
I sense that this is a subject that Satan might try to use to corrupt the minds of GODS creation. Satan uses stuff like this very thing all the time to confuse people and get them started thinking about things to try to turn them against GOD.
You have to wonder…how was Satan thrifty enough to turn a third of
the Angles against GOD?
I would imagine with insane topics such as this very one was some of the way he was able to do this.Quote Did you know that God created evil, and made the wicked? Isaiah45:6-7 I am Ieue Alueim, and there is none else. Former of light and Creator of darkness, Maker of good and Creator of evil. My Bible translates that word as “calamity.” And for those who he casts judement on, it is certainly that, and can be perceived as evil or bad.
But he is not the originator of bad, nor does he do “evil” things as that word is most usually understood. The criminal might look upon his imprisonment as an “evil” thing, for example, but it is justice and good on the part of the righteous that God does such things. It cannot be considered “evil” as you most often see that word used.
I think a search of that Hebrew word would be good.
Quote Proverbs16:4 The Lord has made all things for Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom.
Often, chosenone, one scripture helps us to understand another.A case in point is the Pharaoh on whom Jehovah, through Moses and Aaron, served notice for the release of the enslaved Israelites. God did not make this Egyptian ruler wicked, but he did allow him to continue living and also brought about circumstances that caused Pharaoh to manifest himself as being wicked and deserving of death. Jehovah’s purpose in doing this is revealed at Exodus 9:16:
“For this cause I have kept you in existence, for the sake of showing you my power and in order to have my name declared in all the earth.”The Ten Plagues visited upon Egypt, climaxed by the destruction of Pharaoh and his military forces in the Red Sea, were an impressive demonstration of Jehovah’s power. (Ex 7:14–12:30; Ps 78:43-51; 136:15) For years afterward the nations round about were still talking about it, and God’s name was thus being declared throughout the earth. (Jos 2:10, 11; 1Sa 4:8) Had Jehovah killed Pharaoh immediately, this grand display of God’s power to His glory and for the deliverance of His people would not have been possible.
Jehovah God makes use of circumstances in such a way that the wicked themselves unwittingly serve his purpose.
The criminal might look upon his imprisonment as an “evil” thing, for example, but it is justice and good on the part of the righteous that God does such things. It cannot be considered “evil” as you most often see that word used.
Hi Co,
You article says
“God in His wisdom saw He needed an adversary, someone to work counter to His plans and purpose, and undertake to overthrow His ultimate plan of the salvation and praise of all of the human family.”I think it is the ultimate narcissistic vanity of men
that the ultimate plan of God was all about puny man.Well whatever GODS plan actually is…its working.
And will continue to work.
Because everything GOD does …works.
So whats the problem? GOD has everything under control. We need not be worried about it.
AMEN!Perhaps it was part of the plan for us (humanity) not God to have an adversary? Sometimes we learn of something through it's opposite. The concept of “positive evil”, is that evil which ultimately serves God's plan by allowing us dragons to slay, a chance to be actively and not merely passively good. It provides the temptation that when overcome grants experience and strength. It is unfortunate but nonetheless true that we often learn more from bad experiences then from good. This is opposed to the concept of negative evil that instead of providing friction to overcome and then advance our spirits, seeks to pull us down like quicksand for in truth misery loves company. Which of these does Satan fall into, I do not know. I think when it comes to Satan we often confuse what is truth with fiction ala Milton and countless others.
Quote (Nick Hassan @ Mar. 16 2008,19:58) Hi Co,
You article says
“God in His wisdom saw He needed an adversary, someone to work counter to His plans and purpose, and undertake to overthrow His ultimate plan of the salvation and praise of all of the human family.”I think it is the ultimate narcissistic vanity of men
that the ultimate plan of God was all about puny man.
Greetings Nick…..I think Gods plan is all about the recreation of himself and man is the vehicle by which he intends to accomplish it….Satan was created as a spirit with the freedom to serve or not….Iniquity was found in lucifer and it manafests itself as pride (the very first sin )his ambition was to be as the most high…
With reference to Gods plan as it applies to man it can be said that man has a free will and in that he can choose to do good or evil at a risk of over simplifying the plan for mankind God cannnot recreate himself in programed beings for that reason our free will causes us to sin and because we sin we need forgiveness and a savior….
In the final analysis we will all have the opportunity to be converted to spirit beings once we see Gods plan for us and we repent….There will be those who choose not to they will suffer the second death….This as I see it shows that our God is a loving ,Mercifull God who wants all of us to partake of his kingdom…Hi TJ,
God was not created so cannot be recreated.
But Scripture does reveal problems in God's creation.Satan as a powerful adversary capable of miracles who wanders the earth but has access to heaven.
Rebellious angels who tamper with women, also one third of those in heaven who follow Satan.
Satan gaining control of men through sin and his demonic kingdom in them.God kept in touch with imprisoned man by sending him an external law.
But it was only a stop gap measure reflecting His greater final planGod tolerated the situation for a long time but had a secret plan.
He would use pathetic man to shame the angels.God wanted to cleanse heaven and earth.
So he sends His obedient Son to be a son of Adam under the law.
The second Adam fulfilled the Law, cleansed men and gave them light and eternal life.Conjoined with God in Spirit he returned to God and was given all authority.
He begins by cleansing heaven and expelling all sin and sinful angels.
Then he returns to finish the cleansing and restoration of earth.
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