Short
Essay on Angelology and
Satanology
Ethical
dualism is the belief that there are two opposing forces in the
universe. One is good and the source of all good, the other evil and
the source of all evil. The two forces are said to be eternal and
equally matched; locked in never-ending struggle. Dualism asserts a
cosmic balance; like yin and yang or sacred and profane. Most
religions are influenced by some form of dualism.1
The Christian world view accepts a “modified moral dualism”
recognizing God as good by nature, and Satan as inherently sinful and
bent on thwarting and perverting the plans of God in every way.2
The difference between the two is the Christian affirmation of God
as eternal and uncreated, and Satan as a created being fallen from
grace and destined for destruction.
The
Biblical account of the fall of Satan contradicts the popular belief
in ethical dualism. If Satan was created, he cannot be eternal or
equal to God. Ezekiel tells of the day Satan was created, how he was
beautifully adorned and full of wisdom.3
At some point in history, unrighteousness developed in the heart of
Satan, and he sinned. Isaiah says he sought to ascend to the throne
of God. In his heart he said, “I will make myself like the Most
High.”4
At the fall of Satan, his eternal destiny was sealed. Ezekiel tells
us that God cast him to the ground, consumed him with fire, and
turned him to ashes. Ultimately he “shall be no more forever.”5
This sure eternal destiny exposes the falsehood in the idea that God
and Satan are equal, and that their struggle will continue eternally.
Many
theologians object to this interpretation of Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah
14:12-17 because they are addressed to earthly kings. Ezekiel 28 was
written to the king of Tyre, Isaiah 14:12-17 to the king of Babylon.6
These passages, however, transcend any earthly being. No earthly
creature could ascend to heaven, as Isaiah describes, or approach the
throne of God apart from the aid of God himself.7
Ezekiel asserts that the recipient of this prophecy was anointed
“guardian cherub” and “placed on the holy mountain of God.”8
The word “cherub” is proof this passage is speaking of an
angelic creature, and no man could have been placed on the holy
mountain of God. Finally, consideration must be made that both
Babylon and Tyre are an integral part of Satan's kingdom on earth,
and were monuments of his power.9
Evil
originated in Satan, and was not part of God's creation. Satan was
created perfect and holy, but with free will. In order for a being
to truly worship God, it must have free will.10
The will to choose allowed Satan's heart to turn from The Most High
to seek personal gain. Thus, evil came from the heart of Satan.
Everything that proceeds from the hand of God is good, as his nature
is good. Corruption comes with the choice to turn from God to sin.
Satan
has a vast dominion, but he is neither omniscient, omnipresent, or
omnipotent. As a created being, Satan is subservient to God. He
cannot operate outside the permissive will of God. Job gives us a
picture of Satan appearing before the throne of God and receiving
permission to persecute Job.11
Satan cannot truly usurp God's will. Even the evil done by Satan
plays a part in God's redemptive plan. Commenting on the treachery
of his brothers, Joseph enlightens them on God's sovereignty, “you
meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about
that many people should be kept alive.”12
All of Satan's best efforts serve only to further the ultimate plan
of God.
In
light of all this, man is still responsible for his or her own sin.
Satan is the originator of evil, but man is accountable for his
choices. David tells us that it is against God alone that sins are
committed, for God is man's judge.13
God has given his creatures free will, and endowed them with the
choice to chose obedience or rebellion. This matter, the decision to
trust in Christ or reject his saving grace, is a matter strictly
between man and God. Sin carries the consequence of death because of
God's wrath against sin. Only one can stand in the place of a man,
and take God's wrath due sin; He is Yeshua Ha'mashiach...Jesus the
Messiah.
1Elwell,
Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. 2001.
pg. 357
2Ibid.
3Ezekiel
28:12-13 ESV
4Isaiah
14:12-14 ESV
5Ezekiel
28:17-19 ESV
6Elwell.
pg. 1054
7
Isaiah 14:13 ESV
8Ezekiel
28:14-16
9Elwell.
pg. 1054
10Towns,
Elmer. The Gospel of John: Believe and Live. pg.
366
11Job
1:6-12 ESV
12Genesis
50:20 ESV
13Psalm
51:4 ESV