DID GOD CREATE THE DEVIL ?

Recently, someone asked me this very interesting question that many people may be wrestling with.

While many believe the devil to be merely a mythical figure, the Bible says that he is very real. Known as Lucifer in the beginning, he was created by God, as were all the other angels.

This is how he is described in Ezekiel 28 :12, 13, 15. « You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. Every precious stone was your covering… You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you. »

Lucifer was described as one of these highly exalted angels. His beauty was flawless and breathtaking. His brightness was awe-inspiring.

So what led him to sin and what sin did he commit ?

Ezekiel 28 :17 answers this question : « Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty ; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor ».                                                                       

Isaiah 14 :13, 14 tells us : « You have said in your heart : ‘I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will be like the Most High’. »

Pride, jealousy, and discontent arose in Lucifer’s heart. He soon began to desire to unseat God and to demand that everyone worship him instead.

Ezekiel 28 :15 is careful to say that Lucifer was created “blameless,” and his sin was of his own doing (Ezekiel 28 :16–18). While it is true that God created Lucifer, He did not create him with sin already present in him.

Lucifer became Satan (name for adversary) and chose his own path. God is holy and does not create anything that is contrary to His own nature. God never causes sin, even though He created a world in which sin is possible.

He created heavenly beings and gave them the same free will that He gave to mankind. He created the angel Lucifer as a perfect, sinless being with free will, but Lucifer made himself into a devil.

Can we say a mother is responsible for giving birth to a murderer or a thief ? No ! The child grows up and chooses to commit these crimes because he has free will. I personally gave birth to seven children but I am not responsible for the choices they are making in their lives.

The freedom to choose is a fundamental principle of God’s government. God did not want robots — beings incapable of choosing — because they would not reflect His nature or desire for authentic relationships. For love to be authentic, there must be a choice.

If you want a world without evil, you need a world without free will. And you cannot truly love God or anyone else if you can't choose to love them willingly.