Sympathy for the Devil - Was/Is the Devil truly evil or does he just do his job really well?

Question

Was the Devil and does the Devil do God's work in testing the faith of humanity in God (IE - Eden, Job)? Is he the adversary of God or the adversary of Man? How do we know - to understand God's purpose for testing man through temptation, would we not have to understand God's plan which is impossible?

Was he expelled because the act of eating from the tree of knowledge actually defined the difference between good and evil, thus making hell and the Devil as God's adversary a requirement of the plan? Surely God knew this in advance so wouldn't that mean the Devil is angry because he knows he got played? (no matter how vital that was to the plan)

This, for arguments sake, casts Satan/Lucifer as the role of tempter. Perhaps he did fall, or is that just part of the story to create a choice for man to make between good and evil?

Perhaps Satan/Lucifer is in heaven with God right now, both knowing there is no hell, but us humans believing it exists is a vital part of the great plan?

Answer 1

Maybe Satan is God and God is Satan and God (who's really Satan) is really good at making Christians think that Satan (who's really God) is Satan. Understand?

Answer 2

Satan got to where he is by using his free will to decide that he didn't want to be submissive to God. He is not God's adversary. That would put him on an equal footing with God. He is man's adversary. God does not use Satan to test humans but you can see in the book of Job that God will sometimes step aside and allow Satan to test humans. Satan does what he does while he can because he knows his fate - and it's not good.

Answer 3

First, it's not impossible to understand God's plan. He wants His creations to join Him in Heaven. Plain & simple.

Second, good & evil was already defined. Otherwise, Adam & Eve would have had nothing to be punished for.

Third, I can think of no other word for the absence of God - Hell.

Both know there is such a condition. Satan seems to think it'd be a wonderful time. He, however, has never been separated from God's presence either. So, technically, he has nothing to compare it to, good or bad.

Answer 4

Lol, i do not assume those who can't imagine above the point of the Philosophers to ask such questions. ok, i'm merely going to throw this very insulting, both to the human race, and to at least something of introduction, question with one unmarried, very valid element. You look to communicate as in case you knew who God is, and whoever the devil human being is likewise. You look in words with them as you'll along with your mothers and fathers or friends. You search for suggestion from with them typically? you already know both aspect of the tale? No, you do not, you actually understand from a third party source. I help neither aspect thoughts you, yet i can't STAND even as illogical human beings enable themselves to voice their imaginary reviews to all of us else. also, might want to each person finally end up in hell "in the journey that they were good, variety and being concerned human beings"? so some distance as i can see in this Earth, really those who're evil and selfish finally end up suffering...i don't believe of it's going to be any diverse elsewhere too. also, btw, devil did not exist, a minimum of did not exist earlier guy change into created. in truth, guy created devil. God is making an attempt to guard you out of your own darkish introduction. what's devil then? One celebration of it truly is human lack of expertise and stupidity, so we attempt to shrink down on that by not speaking a lot. thanks.

Answer 5

Fabulous question or should I say questions!
First, the Devil's main job in heaven was that of "accuser," not of 'tester.' If you're referring to GOD and Satan's conversation Job1:8 it is GOD not Satan that set the testing for Job's faithfulness. Satan has never been appointed by GOD to do anything for us to have understanding of GOD's plan . . . GOD's plan is simply to choose HIM over the Evil.
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Job1:6-7 One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan the Accuser came with them. "Where have you come from?" the LORD asked Satan. And Satan answered the LORD, "I have been going back and forth across the earth, watching everything that's going on."

Re 12:10 Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, "It has happened at last – the salvation and power and kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ! For the Accuser has been thrown down to earth – the one who accused our brothers and sisters before our God day and night.
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Second, Satan was expelled from Heaven not because of the Tree of Knowledge incident, but because of his great jealousy of of GOD and HIS love for HIS son Jesus. Satan made war in Heaven with GOD and HIS holy angels and he lost and was thrown down to earth - where he is ruler until Jesus comes back to claim all that is HIS. When Satan tempted Jesus he said to Jesus "I will give it all to you" (Matt 4:9) and that's because this world at this time belongs to Satan - but GOD is in control!
Third, the Devil is GOD's adversary as well as mans and yes a part of GOD's divine plan from the begining. But, Satan also had the same choice as we do - to choose GOD's way so, he didn't get played nor is he controling GOD's plan.
Fourth and very important, Satan is here on earth just as scripture tells us, he is not nor will he ever be back in Heaven - he was kicked out for a reason. Satan will be delivered to hell and all that it entails along with his angel and human followers . . . and I would most certainly believe without doubt that hell DOES exist! Do you really believe that GOD who is so holy that even saying HIS name brought fear to the Israelites would allow the Evil one and his followers to escape from HIS powerful wrath? I think not. No sympathy for Satan!
May GOD Bless You

Answer 6

The Devil, aka Satan, Lucifer, is evil, pure and simple. Sad thing is, at one time he was an angel in Heaven, but he wanted power and therefore, made his own bed.

Answer 7

Here's my take on the Devil:

If he ever did exist, we've taken his job over by now.

Answer 8

Careful....your mythology is showing, and it's pretty disgustingly dirty. Perhaps you ought to take it out and let it get some of the old crud off of it.

Es gibt keinen Teufel.