Why did God allow Satan and the demons to sin?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Not much is said about why God allowed Satan and the demons to sin, but from what we do know, God found it best to happen that way. God created Satan and the other angels with the ability to make decisions—to reject or respond to Him. Unfortunately, Satan desired what he did not have and wanted to be God. Other angels followed in his footsteps. Just as humanity is given the opportunity to reject or respond to Christ, so angels did as well. Although Satan and the demons sinned against God and continue to try and bring destruction today, their end is sure: the lake of fire. However, Christ came and died for our sins and brought salvation to humanity. God offers us salvation and to turn from our sin until our last breath; whereas, the angels were not given the opportunity for salvation.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Lucifer, who was most likely the highest of the angelic host (Ezekiel 28:12-18), desired to take God's throne and become God himself (Isaiah 14:12-14).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• It is commonly understood from Revelation 12:4 that a third of the angels were in support of Lucifer and followed him and were also cast out when he fell.
• God refers to the angels that did not fall as his "elect angels" (1 Timothy 5:21). Apparently, just as it is with humanity, the angels were found to have one of two responses to God: rejection or responding to Him. We do not know why God chose to do things this way. We can only assume that in His infinite wisdom, He deemed it to be the best way.
• The Bible makes it clear that God did not force the fallen angels to fall, for He cannot tempt anyone to evil and is not tempted to evil Himself (James 1:13), so the demons fell because when given the choice to rebel against God, they did what they desired to do.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

It is puzzling, from a human perspective, when we consider that God foreknew these things and still allowed them. However, God's nature is exhibited in everything. His wrath and justice, as well as His love and grace and mercy, are shown through the existence of evil and rebellion in ways that never could occur without them. If, as the Psalmist says, "His way is perfect" (Psalm 18:30), God has committed no wrong in allowing the angels to sin. In fact, this allowance is part of His perfect plan. Perhaps the best way to understand why God allowed the angels to sin is to remember that everything God allows will ultimately glorify Him in some way—even when a finite mind cannot understand how (Isaiah 55:8-9).

UNDERSTAND

• God created angels with free will, allowing them the choice to reject or respond to Him, leading to the possibility of rebellion.
• God's allowance of rebellion serves His greater plan, demonstrating His justice, mercy, and grace through the existence of evil.
• Unlike demons, humanity is offered salvation, highlighting God's justice in addressing rebellion and His mercy in providing redemption.

REFLECT

• How does the concept of free will in angels and humans impact my understanding of my own choices and responsibilities in my relationship with God?
• In what ways can I see God’s grace and mercy in my life, especially in light of the knowledge that I have the opportunity for salvation while demons do not?
• How do I reconcile the existence of evil and suffering with my belief in a loving and sovereign God?

ENGAGE

• What biblical examples can we find that illustrate God’s sovereignty in allowing rebellion, and how does this shape our understanding of His character?
• How do elect angels versus fallen angels challenge or affirm our understanding of God’s character and His choices in relation to His creation?
• In what ways can the existence of evil and rebellion ultimately glorify God, and how can we express this understanding in our faith and witness to others?