Did God create Satan? And if so why does He not just get rid of him?

About God, All Questions

Did God create the devil? And if so, why does He not just get rid of him?

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God,   All Questions

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Jan 11, 2025

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The Bible tells us that God is loving, gentle, kind, and just. If so, how could God create Satan?

Firstly, we must note that God did not initially create ‘the devil,’ but He made the perfect, holy angel who later became the devil.

Ezekiel 28:15 (NKJV)

You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you.

What led to Satan’s dramatic transformation? Satan’s transformation was the result of his rebellion, not a consequence of a flaw in God’s creation. It was His pride, greed, arrogance, and desire to be worshipped, which led to his fall, originating from within himself.

Consider what could happen to a human being if he/she were extremely beautiful, intelligent, and highly influential in the world, both in business and politics.

Needless to say, such a person would become intensely proud of their accomplishments and even desire greater power, wealth, and prestige.

Satan was considered the most beautiful angel ever created and was even tasked with leading Heaven’s worship. However, his pride, greed, arrogance, and desire to be worshipped equally and greater than God led him to become the devil.

Why hasn’t God destroyed Satan yet?

Is God able to remove Satan at this time if He desires? Yes, and we know this because He will do so one day by throwing him into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). However, the real question is why didn’t He do this yesterday, and if He had, we wouldn’t have been tempted the way we are today.

So why does God not just take him out? If He has the power and right to do so, why doesn’t He? Although the Bible does not explicitly answer this question, there are snippets of Scripture that talk about God’s eternal will in permitting Satan to live. This is part of His sovereign plan, where He uses even evil for His ultimate purposes.

Pastor John Piper in one of his interviews answers this question:

“God has ordained for satan to live in this world but with a leash which God is holding on. God knows that when we walk in and out of temptations struggling with the physical as well as the moral effects it brings, then more of God’s glory will shine through rather than if He would have taken satan out yesterday.”

Our struggles with sin or suffering caused by satan provide an overwhelming evidence of God’s grace, patience, and mercy. While Satan himself is evil, God uses him to accomplish His good purposes. This is evident in how believers grow through trials and temptations, learning to trust deeply in God’s sovereignty and grace.

A great example of this can be seen in Paul’s life, where Satan tormented him, but ultimately it worked to Paul’s advantage and helped keep him from being exalted beyond measure, as recorded in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

As we can see, God allows satan to exist in order for His glory, mercy, justice, grace, and wisdom to shine through more brightly.

While God will remove Satan at the appointed time, He has not left us empty until then.

As Christians, we have forgiveness through Jesus, God’s words, and the power of the Holy Spirit to live victoriously for God’s glory in the world. Eventually, yes, God will remove Satan from the world, but until then, Satan is allowed to surface as much as God allows.

While Satan himself is evil, God uses him to accomplish His good purposes.

Why would a loving God allow suffering?

About God, All Questions

Why would a loving God allow suffering?

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God,   All Questions

Last Updated

Jan 11, 2025

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One of the most profound questions that confront believers and skeptics alike is the presence of suffering in a world in light of the teaching that God is a loving God.

The Bible tells us that God created a “very good” world (Genesis 1:31), yet we find ourselves grappling with the reality of pain and suffering.

The beginning of suffering can be traced back to mankind’s choice – Adam and Eve’s decision to reject God’s rule, introducing sin, suffering, and death into the world.

We now live in a fallen and imperfect world that affects us all, reminding us that we “are but dust” (Ps. 103:14) and one day “to dust (we) shall return” (Gen.3:19). Irrespective of how careful or health-conscious people are, sickness and death are inevitable.

The Lord Jesus Himself did not conceal the fact that this world is filled with suffering:

John 16:33 (NKJV)

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

To get a deeper background for this question, we will look at two points of view – Man and God.

From man’s point of view pain is unnecessary, and no one deserves to suffer through it. From God’s eternal perspective, pain is a part of this earthly life (resulting from mankind’s rebellion against Him). Even so, God accomplishes His plans and purposes through it, which are all for His glory.

Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

In what ways does God use suffering in our lives?

It is necessary for God sometimes to allow suffering in our lives so that we might cry out to Him and ask for mercy. Suffering can also soften a person’s heart, allowing them to see their hopelessness without Christ by evaluating their lives.

Experiencing suffering also helps us relate to others who experience similar difficulties.

However, one of the great things about the Christian faith is that it was founded on the suffering of the Son of God. Because of that, He is able to sympathize with us as we go through our trials and tribulations.

If we look at the cross, we can see how God allows immense suffering for infinite good.

Because we live in a fallen world, the world’s sins are gathering momentum, causing more suffering, but suffering has one good side effect of humbling us.

As Christians, we’re called not only to endure suffering but to grow through it. It’s an opportunity to deepen our reliance on God and to develop resilience. We are also called to comfort others in their suffering, extending the compassion and empathy we receive from Christ.

Lastly, we should also note that in the end, the Scriptures promise a new world with no suffering;

Revelation 21:3-4 (NKJV)

And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

As a result, Christians should not shy away from this topic of suffering, but rather use it to explain to unbelievers why suffering exists, as well as to demonstrate to the world that we have been redeemed through Christ’s suffering and are promised an eternal life where there will be no affliction.

I HAVE TOLD YOU THESE THINGS, SO THAT IN ME YOU MAY HAVE PEACE. IN THIS WORLD, YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE. BUT TAKE HEART! I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD.

John 16:33

Does God change His mind?

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Does God change His mind?

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God,   All Questions

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Jan 11, 2025

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One of God’s attributes is His ‘immutability’, meaning “God is unchanging in His character, will, and covenant promises.”

In Exodus 3:14, God said, “I AM that I AM,” signifying His eternal sameness and sovereignty. Furthermore, the Bible says that God is “from everlasting to everlasting” (Psalm 90:2); meaning He cannot change His moral character, love, omniscience, omnipresence, or omnipotence.

In Malachi, God also clarified His unchanging nature by saying:

Malachi 3:6 (NKJV)

For I am the Lord, I do not change;

The book of numbers also contrast’s God’s nature with that of men.

Numbers 23:19 (NKJV)

God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do?  Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

According to these scriptures, it is clear that God does not change His mind. However, there are a few passages in scripture that people often use to argue that God changes His mind.

An example of this is found in Exodus 32, when Moses spends 40 days on the mountain and when he returns with the ten commandments, he finds the people worshipping a golden calf. Consequently, there was a great trial and trouble to come to Israel, and God was going to wipe them out. But when Moses reminded God of His covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, the scripture records the following about God’s reaction;

Exodus 32:14 (NKJV)

So the Lord relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people.

Some translations use the words ‘changed His mind,’ or ‘comforted,’ which is also an appropriate word for interpreting the passage in context. This implies that God was comforted in that He did not have to execute justice because somebody mediated, confessed, acknowledged the wrong, and appealed to God’s covenant faithfulness. At the outset it might look as though God changed His mind but we need to note that God is unlike us.

Consider it this way, when someone changes their mind, it’s either because they have new information or because circumstances have changed, making a change in attitude or action necessary. But, because God is all-knowing, He cannot learn something new. Therefore, when the Bible speaks of God changing His mind, it refers to a change in circumstances or situations—not a change in God Himself.

When the scripture passages (Exodus 32:14 and 1 Samuel 15:11-29) speak of God changing His mind, it simply describes a change of dispensation and outward dealings towards humanity based on their actions.

God’s ultimate purpose would still be accomplished, but not through severe punishment. Even though there were always consequences the people of Israel had to face, they were not completely eradicated overnight.

The providence of God is unrelenting, but His permissive will (in how He arrives at His providential outcome) may change. Not God’s providence but the permissive will in how He gets there.

The above statement might sound confusing, but in simple words, God is going to do what He is going to do. The question is, how will He get it done? And God does not prefer severe discipline, but He will do it if that is necessary.

In addition, it is imperative to remember that the Bible is written from the viewpoint of an observer. In our view, it looked as though God was angry with the people of Israel, and when Moses prayed, it seemed to have changed God’s mind. But God always knew Moses would pray, and He always knew He would relent based on what Moses did. This scene is written from an observer’s viewpoint, like how we say the sun rises and sets instead of saying the earth revolves around it. We use observational language, and the Bible uses it too.

So God doesn’t change; we do, and He is always angry with sin and pleased with those who turn to Him for help. And what essentially happens is that we move from one aspect of God’s wrath when we sin and into grace when we trust in Him.

Our choices are also not surprising to God, nor does He have to adapt to our errors or plans. Every action He takes is guided by the counsel of His will.

GOD IS GOING TO DO WHAT HE IS GOING TO DO.

Why pray if God will do everything in His will anyway?

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Why pray if God will do everything in His will anyway?

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God,   All Questions

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Jan 11, 2025

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To answer this, we must first understand that God is righteous and just, and His will is paramount. While believers may receive their hearts’ desires, it is essential to remember that God will not allow anything that contradicts His divine plan.

In the Bible, God is depicted as sovereign, orchestrating the end of all things. Yet, He has ordained prayer as a vital means for achieving His providential purposes. This perspective is crucial in understanding why prayer is important.

Getting back to the topic, the Bible verse from which this question arises is the following;

Psalm 115:3 (NKJV)

But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.

If God will do all He pleases what benefit is there in asking God for things we desire? This type of reasoning misunderstands the true nature of prayer.

We should ask ourselves why do we eat every day before questioning the purpose of prayer. Just as food is essential for physical life, prayer is vital for spiritual life and intimacy with God.

It’s through prayer that we experience life as God intended, in constant communion with Him. Prayer is also important because Jesus Himself prayed to commune with the Father. He explicitly taught that the essential focus of prayer was to be in accordance with God’s will.

Matthew 6:9-10 (NKJV)

In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.

Moreover, prayer is a means of getting our hearts in line with God, not the other way around. In a world full of challenges, adopting God’s perspective through prayer transforms our own.

CS Lewis, a famous Christian author, said it well: “I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because I’m helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time – waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God – it changes me.”

This quote underscores how prayer enhances our awareness of God’s work in our lives, helping us to grow in gratitude and understanding.

Are our prayers capable of altering God’s sovereign plan? No. However, we also understand that God uses the prayers of His people as part of His sovereign will. Prayer is not about changing God’s mind; it’s about God involving us in His divine purposes.

Therefore, we are encouraged to pray. It is through prayer, that we participate in God’s work, grow in our relationship with Him, and find guidance and comfort. Prayer is an essential practice for every believer, vital for spiritual growth and understanding God’s will in our lives.

THE PRIMARY GOAL OF PRAYER IS TO GET OUR HEARTS CONSISTENT WITH GOD

How Can a Loving God Kill People in the Old Testament?

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How can a loving God kill people in the Old Testament?

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God,   All Questions

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Jan 11, 2025

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Christians are often accused by critics of serving a “crazy” God who would destroy innocent nations in the Old Testament. In order to support their arguments, skeptics cherry-pick bible verses to portray God as an immoral bully; however, this is untrue.

Let’s look at two essential facts to help us answer this question:

(1) No one is truly innocent

Romans 3:23 (NKJV)

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

(2) No one will be without excuse before God

Romans 1:20 (NKJV)

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

One does not have to be a Christian to know right from wrong; it is built inside everyone one of us; therefore, no one will be able to excuse their actions in front of God.

In addition, judgment has always been God’s last resort (after prolonged periods of patience and warnings). Here are a few examples from the Old Testament:

      • Sodom and Gomorrah: God was willing to spare these cities if only ten righteous people were found, as Abraham interceded (Genesis 18:32).
      • Noah’s Time: Humanity was given a 120-year warning period, during which Noah preached righteousness (2 Peter 2:5).
      • The Canaanites: God’s judgment came after 430 years of their sinful practices.
      • Israel’s Captivity: Despite centuries of rebellion, God continually sent prophets to guide the nation back to righteousness.

Likewise, in the Old Testament, God sent prophets to warn the people of impending judgment, which illustrates His mercy by giving them a chance to repent and change.

These examples highlight God’s mercy and reluctance to impose judgment, preferring repentance and reform.

While God’s call for destruction was never based on ethnic cleansing, it was focused on purging nations of idol worship, immorality, and total rejection of God. We sink to the depths of sin when we reject God, resorting to all manner of evil thinking and practices. It is these kinds of corrupt people that God judged to be killed.

In conclusion, as we delve into the Old Testament, we see a profound display of God’s sovereign justice. It’s clear that His judgments are neither arbitrary nor cruel. They stand as a testament to His unwavering holiness and righteousness.

God, in His infinite patience, offered ample opportunities for repentance before enacting judgment. These historical accounts; are divine lessons in the gravity of sin and the holiness of God. They must drive us to the foot of the cross, where God’s justice and mercy meet.

If we want to understand the sovereign power of God, we must first look at it in His providence.

Why does God harden hearts?

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Why does God harden hearts?

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God,   All Questions

Last Updated

Jan 11, 2025

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This is a question that often arises when one reads through the biblical account of Pharaoh in the book of Exodus.

In this narrative, despite the repeated warnings of God through Moses to release the Israelites, Pharaoh stubbornly refuses, which ultimately lead to the hardening of his heart.

Exodus 8:32 (NKJV)

But Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also; neither would he let the people go.

When we look at the entirety of the book of Exodus, we can see how God’s sovereignty and human responsibility play out in the world. Ten times in the book, God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (4:21; 7:3; 9:12; 10:1, 20, 27; 11:10; 14:4, 8, 17) and ten times, Pharaoh hardened His own heart (7:13–14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 34–35; 13:15).

In other words, when the Bible says that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, it does not necessarily mean that God actively did something to make Pharaoh’s ‘soft’ heart hard. Instead, God removed His spirit of grace, and influence that had kept Pharaoh from fully hardening his heart, which was his natural disposition.

It is not that God made Pharaoh evil and vindictive; rather he always was. He was a brutal dictator overseeing the terrible abuse and oppression of the Israelites, who likely numbered over 1.5 million at that time. Nevertheless, God prevented Pharaoh from completely hardening his heart, and when God stepped back, Pharaoh did as he naturally would.

God does not come into the world and say, “I am planning to make this person do an evil thing,” but instead, God says, “I am going to step back and let you do what you were naturally inclined to do anyway; make the free choices that you would make.

Also, you might wonder how Pharaoh could have been so foolish to witness God’s miraculous power yet not listen to Moses. It is because Pharaoh made up his mind before the plagues even began. It was impossible for him to believe that someone was greater than him. This stubborn unbelief made his heart so hard that even a major catastrophe was unable to soften it. It took losing his son for him to realize God’s authority. Even then, he wanted God to leave and not rule his country.

As Christians, we should not wait for calamities to compel us to turn to God, but rather open our hearts and minds to His direction and calling today.

Hebrews 3:15 (NKJV)

while it is said: “Today if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

Continual rejection of God can lead to a progressively hardened heart. However, the call of Hebrews 3:15 is a reminder that it’s not too late to heed God’s calling. By turning to God, acknowledging our shortcomings, and seeking His guidance, we can find our hearts softened and realigned with His will.

IF YOUR HEART HAS BEEN HARDENED IN ANY SPECIFIC AREA, YOU SHOULD GO TO GOD, AND HE WILL GLADLY SOFTEN IT.

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