The Paradox of Free Will: Understanding Why a Loving God Allows Satan to exist

In grappling with the profound mysteries of faith and existence, one question perennially surfaces in the hearts and minds of believers and skeptics alike: Why would a loving God create Satan, knowing his fall would bring sin into the world? This question, deeply woven into the fabric of theological discourse, is explored with poignant clarity in Dr. Robert Bohannon’s “Perspectives: From Tragedy to Triumph,” particularly in the compelling section titled “The I Am.”

The Purpose of Free Will

At the heart of this dilemma is the concept of free will, a gift bestowed not only upon humanity but upon all sentient beings in the universe, including angels. Free will is intrinsically linked to the nature of love and relationship. For love to be genuine, it must be chosen, not coerced. God, in His infinite wisdom and love, created beings with the capacity to choose, fully aware of the potential outcomes of those choices.

The Role of Choice in Divine Creation

The presence of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden symbolizes this profound ability to choose. Without such a choice, Adam and Eve’s obedience would be mechanical rather than relational. The tree, alongside the Tree of Life, stood as a testament to God’s desire for His creations to freely choose communion with Him over separation. When Eve, followed by Adam, chose to eat the forbidden fruit, it was a manifestation of this free will—an exercise of autonomy that God permitted because true love does not restrict freedom, even when that freedom can lead to fall.

Satan’s Role in the Divine Plan

Lucifer, created as a pinnacle of beauty and perfection, was endowed with free will, which he exercised through his descent into pride and rebellion. His transformation into Satan and his role in human history as the tempter underscores a larger narrative at play—God’s overarching plan for redemption. If Satan represents the ultimate rebel, his existence also serves as a foil to highlight the glory of God’s mercy and the depth of His grace towards humanity.

The Necessity of Redemption

God’s allowance of evil, personified in Satan, sets the stage for the greatest act of divine love: redemption. God Himself, through Jesus Christ, entered into the brokenness of human experience. By walking in our shoes, suffering, dying, and resurrecting, Jesus bridged the chasm that sin had created between God and man. This sacrificial act not only displayed the depth of God’s love but also His commitment to restore what had been lost through sin.

The Choice Before Us

The existence of Satan and the presence of evil in the world serve as a backdrop against which the brilliance of God’s plan for salvation shines. Believers are given a stark choice—a life with God, embracing the salvation offered through Jesus Christ, or a life separated from His presence. This choice underscores the purpose of free will: to engage with the Divine in a relationship founded on genuine love and willing submission.

God’s ultimate plan is not for destruction but for restoration. He envisages a future where those who choose Him will reign with Him in eternal glory, a promise that makes the trials and tribulations of this world pale in comparison. The existence of evil is temporary, a difficult yet essential part of the journey towards a new creation where sin will have no place.

The narrative in “Perspectives” invites readers to view the existence of Satan not merely as a historical misstep but as a vital component of God’s larger redemptive purpose. It challenges us to look beyond the present evil and focus on the promise of eternity—an eternity that is accessible to everyone who chooses to accept the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. In this divine drama, each individual holds the pivotal role of choosing their eternal destiny. The power of this choice, endowed by free will, reaffirms the profound love of the Creator, who desires not automatons but loving partners in the everlasting kingdom.

In understanding why God allows evil, we find a deeper appreciation for the incredible scope of His love and the profound nature of our own existence—beings created not only to enjoy His presence but to participate actively in His divine narrative.