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Previous Study | Index | Next Study  The Origin Of Evil Download PDF of this page. In a recent demonstration of remote control by the United States Air Force, a pilotless jet aircraft wheeled onto the runway of an airport, taxied to a predetermined spot, turned into the wind, and took off. The plane went through a number of maneuvers, circled the field several times, and made an almost perfect landing. Those invited to view this demonstration looked on with admiration. Not one spectator thought that the plane was flying by itself. They knew that there was a master intelligence behind the maneuvers of that craft. As one views the daily sinister events of death, terror, and violence reported by television, radio, and newspaper, it is evident that a master intelligence is operating in this world. He is at war, not only with God, but with all that is just and good. While nations talk about peace, they prepare for war! While man plans for a world without crime, lawlessness skyrockets. While he searches for the means of stamping out death, new diseases and problems arise. More than one statesman has remarked, “There is something devilish at work in the world today.” In many circles today the devil has been voted out of existence. Many equate Satan with evil thoughts or a superstitious carry-over of a medieval fable. Christ and the prophets believed in the existence of an evil being. In the Bible he bears such names as the devil, Satan, the prince of this world, the deceiver, the serpent. Where did the devil originate? Why hasn’t God destroyed him? These and many other questions arise when he is mentioned. Let us turn to the Bible to learn the truth about Satan. 1.With whom did sin originate? I John 3:8 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 2. What kind of angel was Satan before his rebellion? Ezekiel 28:12 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Note: Under the figure of the king of Tyre, Ezekiel describes the activities of Lucifer. He was created “perfect,” but he abused his power of choice. From an angel of light he turned himself into the devil by an act of his own will. 3. What exalted position did Satan once occupy in the courts of heaven? Ezekiel 28:14 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Note: As a covering cherub he stood next to God. Psalm 80:1. 4. What higher position did this exalted being covet? Isaiah 14:12-14 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Note: Another motive behind his rebellion was pride of his beauty. Ezekiel 28:17. 5. What did God do when Satan’s rebellion led to war in heaven? Revelation 12:7-9 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 6. When he was cast out of heaven, whom did Satan then seek to deceive? Genesis 3:1-6 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Note: Satan used the serpent as a medium to attract the attention of the woman. 7. What does Satan now claim as his? Luke 4:5, 6 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Note: See also Job 1:6-8. Satan appeared at the gates of heaven claiming to be the representative of this world. The “sons of God” mentioned in these verses were the unfallen representatives of other worlds. 8. Who brings sickness and trouble upon mankind? Job 2:7; Luke 13:16 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 9. How will this evil one finally be destroyed by God? Ezekiel 28:16-19 The Bible Says: “I will bring thee to___________________earth (Verse 18). And never shalt thou_________________________________.” (Verse 19). 10. Why does the devil work so viciously now? Revelation 12:10, 12 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 11. How does Satan seek to disguise himself and his activities? II Corinthians 11:13-15 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 12. What is a man’s only defense against the devil’s deceptions? Ephesians 6:11, 12 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 13. How can we gain the victory over this archenemy? Revelation 12:11 The Bible Says: ________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Peter warns us, “Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” I Peter 5:8. Never have his deceptions been so effective in misleading and destroying men as they are today. He especially directs his anger against those who are loyal to God. The devil sought to overcome the Saviour before He could accomplish His mission of redemption. Christ was victorious in every battle fought with the deceiver. The Bible tells us that Christ did not sin. By His death on the cross of Calvary He earned the right to deliver those held in bondage by Satan if they will accept His death in their stead. By instigating Christ’s death, the devil signed his own death decree. Satan will soon be destroyed with all those who have yielded to his temptations to sin. The Bible assures us that his end will be complete. But now he seeks to deceive even the children of God. The same Redeemer who gained the complete victory in His battle with Satan is able to give you the victory too if you will place your life in His hands —hands that were pierced for your sins. Trust Him this day, and He will give you forgiveness for past sins and victory over future temptations.  I recognize Christ as my only hope of victory over the enemy.Previous Study | Index | Next Study |
