While it’s clear that the Devil represents evil, constantly working against God's will, it's essential to explore why God allows the Devil to exist and what their true relationship really is. Understanding the role of free will is key to unraveling this complex issue. You might have wondered: Why did God create us with free will, knowing we might sin? Or why did He allow the Devil to exist, even though He has the power to stop him? These are challenging questions that touch on God's sovereignty, the nature of good and evil, and the purpose behind creation.
The Bible gives us insight into these matters, revealing that the existence of free will—including both humans and the Devil—is part of God's divine plan. In this article, we will explore the relationship between God and the Devil, the significance of free will, and why God allows evil to exist, even when it seems to contradict His nature as good and just.
The Relationship Between God and the Devil
Let's first clarify that God and the Devil are not in any kind of partnership. The Devil was originally a powerful angel named Lucifer, who rebelled against God due to his pride and disobedience (Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:12-17). While God created the Devil as an angel, Lucifer’s fall was the result of his own choices—just as humans have the ability to choose between good and evil.God created all beings, both angels and humans, with free will. Free will is essential to the nature of love, trust, and obedience. If God had made us like robots with no choice but to obey, love would be meaningless. True love and loyalty come from a decision to follow God, not because we have to, but because we choose to (Joshua 24:15, Deuteronomy 30:19). The Devil, through his free will, chose to rebel, and humans, likewise, have the option to follow God or give in to temptation.
Why Did God Create Us with Free Will?
You may still wonder: If God knew we could choose to sin, why did He give us free will in the first place? The answer lies in understanding God's desire for genuine relationships. In Revelation 4:11, the Bible tells us that God created all things for His pleasure. This means that everything God created, including humans, was designed with purpose and intentionality. He wanted beings capable of love, loyalty, and obedience, but for that to happen, there must be choice.Without the option to choose, there would be no real decision to love or follow God. God’s creation is not a mistake, and our free will is not a flaw in His design. He made us this way because it was His will to do so. Free will allows us to make decisions, and through this process, we can either choose to honor God or reject Him.
The very existence of free will introduces the possibility of evil because, with free will, there must be the possibility of choosing wrongly. But this does not mean that God is the author of evil. Evil entered the world through the choices of those with free will—first through the Devil, and then through humanity (Genesis 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19).
Why Does God Allow the Devil to Exist?
The answer lies in God's gift of free will to all beings, including humans, angels, and the devil himself (Genesis 2:16-17, Deuteronomy 30:19). This gift allows each being to choose between good and evil, and it is this freedom that enables us to have a genuine relationship with God. However, with this freedom comes the possibility of disobedience, which leads to sin. Sin is not the devil's creation, but rather an act of disobedience to God's will.For instance, the devil, once a righteous angel, chose to disobey God, and his disobedience led to his fall (Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:12-17). Similarly, humans have the capacity to choose evil, and it is this choice that leads to sin (James 1:14-15). While the devil's existence may influence human choices, it is not the primary cause of sin. God permits the devil's existence because He values the freedom He has given to all beings.
Moreover, ending the devil's existence would not eradicate sin, as beings would still have the capacity to choose evil. Ultimately, God has appointed a time to judge the devil, and he will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). This serves as a reminder that God's timing and purposes are sovereign, and His allowance of the devil's existence is part of His larger plan.
God's Sovereignty in the Midst of Evil
Despite the Devil’s active role in promoting evil, God remains sovereign over all things. Evil does not defeat God or thwart His ultimate plan. In fact, God uses the existence of evil to bring about a greater good. Through the Devil’s temptation and deception, God is refining His people, purging sin, and proving the power of His grace. God's ultimate purpose is not to destroy evil instantly, but to allow the process of redemption and salvation to unfold.It is also essential to recognize that evil is not merely the result of the Devil’s influence. We, as humans, possess the capacity to make decisions—both good and bad. Our minds, shaped by our choices, lead us to sin (Romans 1:21-23). The Devil may tempt us, but sin ultimately comes from within, from the choices we make when we exercise our free will.
Conclusion
The relationship between God and the Devil is not one of partnership, but one of conflict. The Devil rebelled against God and introduced evil into the world. However, God’s allowance of the Devil’s existence is not arbitrary. He permits the presence of evil to preserve our free will, which is necessary for true love and obedience.
The Devil’s ultimate defeat is certain, but in the meantime, God uses the presence of evil to refine His people and fulfill His plan of redemption. As believers, we must understand that free will is a gift from God, and with it comes the responsibility to choose wisely. Evil is a reality, but it does not have the final say—God’s sovereignty and ultimate victory through Jesus Christ are assured.
