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Chapter 24—Origin of Evil
To many minds the origin of sin and the reason for its existence
are a source of great perplexity. In their interest in these questions,
the truths plainly revealed in God’s word and essential to salvation
are neglected; and the fact that the Scriptures furnish no explanation,
is seized upon as an excuse for rejecting the words of Holy Writ.
It is impossible to explain the origin of sin, or to give a reason
for its existence. It is an intruder, for whose existence no reason can
be given. It is mysterious, unaccountable; to excuse it, is to defend
it. Could it be excused, could a cause be shown for its existence, it
would cease to be sin. Our only definition of sin is that given in the
word of God; it is “the transgression of the law.”
Sin originated with him, who, next to Christ, stood highest in the
favor of God, and highest in power and glory among the inhabitants
of Heaven. Before his fall, Lucifer was the covering cherub, holy
and undefiled. The prophet of God declares, “Thou wast perfect in
thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found
in thee.” [
Ezekiel 28:15
.] Peace and joy, in perfect submission to the
will of Heaven, existed throughout the angelic host. Love to God
[317]
was supreme, love for one another impartial. Such was the condition
that existed for ages before the entrance of sin.
But over this happy state there came a change. Says the prophet,
addressing the prince of evil, “Thine heart was lifted up because
of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy
brightness.” [
Ezekiel 28:17
.] Though God had created Lucifer noble
and beautiful, and had exalted him to high honor among the angelic
host, yet he had not placed him beyond the possibility of evil. It was
in Satan’s power, did he choose to do so, to pervert these gifts. He
might have remained in favor with God, beloved and honored by all
the angelic throng, presiding in his exalted position with generous,
unselfish care, exercising his noble powers to bless others and to
glorify his Maker. But, little by little, he began to seek his own
honor, and to employ his powers to attract attention and win praise
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