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Why Was Sin Permitted?
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The loyal angels still urged him and his sympathizers to submit
to God, setting before them the inevitable result if they refused.
They warned everyone to close their ears against Lucifer’s deceptive
reasoning and urged him and his followers to seek the presence of
God without delay and confess the error of questioning His wisdom
and authority.
Many were inclined to repent of their discontent and seek to again
be united with the Father and His Son. But Lucifer now declared
that the angels who had joined with him had gone too far to return;
God would not forgive. For himself, he was determined never again
to acknowledge the authority of Christ. The only course remaining
was to assert their liberty and gain by force the rights that had not
been granted them.
God permitted Satan to carry forward his work until the spirit of
discontent ripened into active revolt. It was necessary for his plans
to be fully developed, that all might see their true nature. God’s
government included not only the inhabitants of heaven, but all the
worlds that He had created. Lucifer concluded that if he could carry
the angels with him in rebellion, he could also carry the worlds.
All his acts were so clothed with mystery that it was difficult to
see the true nature of his work. Even the loyal angels could not
fully understand his character or see where his work was leading.
Everything simple he shrouded in mystery, and by spinning the truth
he cast doubt upon the plainest statements of God. And his high
position gave greater force to his assertions.
Why God Did Not Destroy Satan
God could only use methods that were consistent with truth and
righteousness. Satan could use what God could not—flattery and
deceit. So it was necessary to demonstrate before the inhabitants
of heaven and all the worlds that God’s government is just, His
law perfect. Satan had made it seem that he himself was seeking
to promote the good of the universe. His true character must be
understood by everyone. He must have time to reveal his true self
by his wicked works.
[11]
He declared all evil to be the result of the divine administra-
tion and it was his own purpose to improve God’s law. So God