The query of why God allowed the death of His only Son, Jesus Christ, for the redemption of humanity’s sins while seemingly allowing the continued existence of His adversary, Satan, is a profound theological conundrum that many believers encounter on their faith journey. To address this, it’s essential to take a more in-depth have a look at biblical scripture, which provides key insights into God’s nature, His purposes for humanity, and the cosmic battle between good and evil.
In Christian theology, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is central to God’s plan for humanity’s salvation. John 3:16 succinctly expresses this: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” The sacrifice of Jesus is seen as the final word expression of God’s love and mercy. It serves multiple purposes. Primarily, it’s an atonement for sin.
According to Romans 3:23-25, all humans have sinned and fall in need of the glory of God. Jesus’s death is viewed because the atonement for these sins, offering reconciliation between humanity and God. Moreover, Jesus’s sacrifice fulfils quite a few Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah who would suffer and die for the sins of humanity (Isaiah 53). By rising from the dead, Jesus conquered death and provided a way for everlasting life (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). This sacrificial act shouldn’t be nearly paying the worth for sin but in addition about demonstrating God’s profound love and justice. It addresses the issue of sin and the separation it causes between humanity and God. Romans 5:8 proclaims, “But God demonstrates his own love for us on this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This act of sacrifice bridges the gap between divine holiness and human sinfulness.
Yet, despite this monumental act of affection, Satan, sometimes called “the adversary” or “the accuser,” continues to exist and operate on this planet. Christian theology posits that Satan’s continued existence serves several purposes inside God’s sovereign plan. God created humans with free will, allowing them to make a choice from good and evil. Satan’s presence provides the context for moral testing and the exercise of free will. This alternative is significant for real love and obedience to God. Without the choice to decide on otherwise, love and obedience could be devoid of true meaning.
The existence of evil and Satan ultimately highlights the contrast between God’s goodness and the pervasiveness of sin. Through the struggle against evil, God’s righteousness and justice are more fully revealed. The presence of evil provides a backdrop against which the goodness of God shines more brilliantly. This cosmic struggle underscores the truth of free will and the character of ethical struggle inherent within the human experience.
Christian eschatology teaches that there will likely be a final judgement where Satan and all evil will likely be decisively defeated (Revelation 20:10). This event is a component of God’s sovereign design, demonstrating His ultimate justice and the restoration of creation. The final judgement ensures that justice prevails, with Satan and all evil being eradicated. This paves the best way for the restoration of creation, where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13).
2 Peter 3:9 provides insight into God’s patience and long-term plan: “The Lord shouldn’t be slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he’s patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come back to repentance.” God’s delay in destroying Satan is an expression of His desire for all people to have the chance to repent and switch to Him. This divine forbearance underscores God’s desire for all to be saved and are available to a knowledge of the reality (1 Timothy 2:4).
Faith in Jesus Christ transforms lives and empowers believers to withstand evil. Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the “armour of God” that Christians are called to wear to face against the devil’s schemes. This metaphor illustrates that, while Satan exists, God equips believers with the spiritual resources to beat his influence. Christians are equipped with the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to live victoriously amidst spiritual warfare (Romans 8:11). The reality of everlasting life through Christ and the understanding of God’s ultimate justice compel believers to share the gospel and show God’s love in tangible ways, fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).
The crucifixion of Jesus and the continued existence of Satan each serve to spotlight different points of God’s character and His plans for humanity. Jesus’s sacrifice is the head of God’s love, offering redemption and everlasting life. Meanwhile, Satan’s presence underscores the truth of free will, the character of ethical struggle, and the final word triumph of fine over evil. In Christian theology, God’s patience and sovereignty are paramount, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled in ways in which bring concerning the biggest good and reveal His glory.
To experience this revelation is subsequently right down to us, resulting from the alternatives we make, the behaviour we adopt, and the pathways in life we decide to follow. Living in the sunshine of those theological truths, believers are encouraged to pursue holiness, resist evil, and spread the message of the gospel. This understanding deepens our comprehension of God’s character and encourages us to live faithfully and purposefully, knowing that our struggles are part of a bigger, divine narrative that culminates within the restoration of all things.
