Did God create the devil?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: If God created everything, does that mean He also created the devil? Or does the devil even exist? Maybe the idea of an evil supernatural being is just something we dreamed up to try to explain all the bad things that go on in the world. -- Z.S.
A: No, the devil isn't just an idea that people dreamed up to explain why there is so much evil in the world. The devil is real, and ultimately, he is behind all the sin and evil of this world.
What is the devil? The Bible says he is a very powerful and evil spiritual force -- far more powerful than any human power or authority. The Bible points out that he is our adversary or opponent, and his all-consuming goal is to block God's work and take over as the ruler of the universe (and of our lives). The Bible says, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him" (1 Peter 5:8-9).
Although the Bible doesn't answer all our questions about Satan, it indicates that before the world began he was an angel of highest rank, created by God to serve Him. But he led a rebellion against God and tried to put himself in God's place -- and since that time, he has been in constant conflict with God. This spiritual battle will continue until the end of the present age. Then Satan will be defeated, never to bother us again.
The real question, however, is this: Whom are you serving? Are you serving the devil (even if you don't realize it) -- or are you serving God? Don't be on the losing side, but turn your life over to Jesus Christ and make it your goal to live for Him every day.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
