Short Essay 4
Angelology and Satanology

Kati Bowlin
Theo 201-D27

Religious dualism is the belief that teaches that the world consists of two basic forces; good and evil. God is viewed as the representation of good, Satan is the representation of evil. This belief is widespread and the majority of people would probably say that this is just the way things are. The eternal battle between God and Satan is constantly portrayed in movies and television as two equal forces battling over the souls of man. Satan is viewed as a fallen angel carrying a big hatchet against God. On the flipside, God is seen as the control freak who just sends His angels to do whatever He needs done. While this view can make a good movie, it’s contrary to what the Bible teaches. Unlike what pop culture would have us believe, God and Satan are not equal in their power and the battle between good and evil was won a long time ago.
The Bible teaches that Satan is a created being. He was originally created as one of God’s angels, possessing all of the attributes of an angel, the power of personality and the freedom of choice. He let his pride get in the way of reason and he convinced himself that he was worthy of God’s throne and glory. He also failed to believe that if he committed a sin that God would punish him. He rebelled and God punished him by casting him out of heaven along with the angels who rebelled with him. In Isaiah 14:12-17, we are given some insight into the fall of Satan and his subsequent banishment from God’s presence. “You said in your heart, I will raise my throne above the stars of God… I will make myself like the Most High” Isaiah 14:13-14. Lucifer’s sin wasn’t just his pride but also his disbelief that God would punish any kind of sin. He convinced himself that he could really take the throne of God. In Ezekiel 28 we see God’s reaction to the King of Tyre when he, with the same attitude as Satan, viewed himself as being divine. Most people probably wouldn’t see the significance of these passages. Instead they choose to believe that even though God may be the Creator, somehow Satan is equal in power and ability. Anytime created beings think of themselves as equal to the Creator, there are problems that come with that thought process. “For by Him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him.” Colossians 1:16. This passage tells us that all things were created by God and that everything is subject to His authority. Since Satan is a created being, he is also under the authority of God. He is not omniscient, omnipresent, or omnipotent. Satan has limitations to his power and is subservient to God.
The argument seems to be for most people that since God created Satan, He also created evil. This argument as absolutely no merit at all. God did not create evil; He created free will. The angels were created with the ability to choose. God could not have created anything evil. Satan was created with the power of personality and the freedom of choice. He was an angel with an apparent honor and leadership in heaven. When Satan let his pride take control of him, he exercised his freedom of choice in rebellion against God and he was cast out of heaven for it. “For God did not spare his angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into the gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment” 2 Peter 2:4
I have heard several people, Christians included, blame Satan for their sin. Apparently they seem to see him everywhere. Yes, Satan tempts us, but ultimately it’s our choice that leads us to sin. We have free will. We choose to sin. So when we sin, the responsibility is ours, not Satan’s. With free will, we have the ability to choose to do right or wrong. It’s really up to us to decide what we will do with our free will. We can run from the temptation or we can give in. It’s up to us to decide. “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

Bibliography

Towns, Elmer. Theology for Today. Mason, OH; Cengage Learning, 2008,2002
Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House Company, 1984, 2001