2007-07-10 08:48:45 · 39 answers · asked by Vitish 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am assuming you are asking why the God of the Hebrew and Christian bible allows the devil to exist?
Moving forward on that assumption, there are several reasons. But all of those reasons should be understood with the knowledge that the devil's days are numbered. God has already stated that the devil's days will come to an end and in the end things don't turn out so well for Lucifer.
Begin with the notion that God created men and angels alike with the ability to choose whether or not to worship him. Satan used this ability to rebel against God and for that reason he was cast out of heaven.
Satan is given reign on this earth as an example to men and all creation of the consequences and results of sin- i.e. living outside of God's perfect plan for each and everyone of us.
God will intervene in His own time to end this and punish the adversary for his actions and his temptation of men. But for now it is essential that we see how sin corrupts destroys all it touches.
A very complex subject.
2007-07-10 09:01:50 · answer #1 · answered by jkaiseresquire 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when Satan lied to Adam and Eve, he had challenged Jehovah God's sovereignty and had said that GOd is a liar. If God had destroyed him instantly, HIs power would have been proved but then Satan's challenge would not have been answered. consider this illustration: a teacher solves a question on the board and a student claims that the teacher is wrong. if the teacher sends the kid out of the class, the other kids would wonder if the teacher is actually wrong so the wisest thing would be that the teacher hands the student the chalk, and ask him to prove that the teacher is wrong and that is exactly what God is doing. He has given Satan time to prove his point because one of God's main attributes is Justice! So at the end of the time frame, when Satan is proved wrong, God's sovereignty will be regained and Satan will be destroyed. God's four main attributes are LOVE, POWER, WISDOM AND JUSTICE and he exercises al these in perfect balance as the book of Isaiah brings out.
for more info you can either e-mail me or visit WWW.WATCHTOWER.ORG
2007-07-10 08:59:16 · answer #2 · answered by Lady 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my beleif,there is no free ride, what we do right and wrong is accountable in the end, faith and temptation and our choices define our character. I do beleive all things happen for a reason, those unexplainable devastating events as well as the happiest ones all have a purpose. We have a purpose.
I beleive GOD has a purpose in allowing the devil to exist. Reading all the responses, your answer is there, if your a beleiver.
2007-07-10 09:52:42 · answer #3 · answered by rainydaze 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The devil used to be an angel, but turned against him. With the devil, there's no sin, and without the possibility of sin, there's no free will for humans. God gave humans free will.
They both exist, by the way!!!
2007-07-10 08:53:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
God and the devil have been around for all time. He was thrown away from the presence of God from heaven because he rebelled against God. He exists to turn people away from God, and Christ defeated him when he rose from the dead. He exists now just to tempt and deter people away from God. He eventually will have no more power when Christ comes back and establishes the new heaven.
2007-07-10 08:53:22 · answer #5 · answered by Go Blue 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The devil is a tool in God's toolbox. He allows him to exist because he is not finished testing his children.
When exam time is over, Satan will be destroyed.
Edit:
DwayneWayne nailed down the correct answer for you and should be voted best answer. Naturally, ignorant people are giving him a thumbs down vote because he is telling you the truth.
2007-07-10 08:52:25 · answer #6 · answered by Automation Wizard 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If your God was omnipotent and omniscient as claimed, then he would have wiped out the Devil (and any other evil) with no problem.
Unfortunately he doesn't exist so he is unable to do anything - unless he is being deliberately cruel!
2007-07-10 08:53:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Same reason Winnie The Pooh allows the Wizard of Oz to exist, and vice versa.
Fictional characters have no power over each other.
2007-07-10 08:52:41 · answer #8 · answered by kent_shakespear 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think that jkaiseresquire gave a very good answer. In order to have free will we MUST have the ability to choose.
The options are the same ones that Adam & Eve had...we can follow God & listen & obey what He asks...or we can listen to the "tempter" & follow his sinful ways...
We can KNOW the outcome of either choice we make..as the Bible CLEARLY states the total outcome of either choice.
2007-07-10 09:12:59 · answer #9 · answered by maranatha132 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bible says the Devil is the god of this world.
The Bible says he can come in the form of an angel of light so most people think the Holy Spirit is talking to them but actually it is SATAN.
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2007-07-10 08:53:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋