Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages

Origin of Evil

“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” ~ Revelation 12:9

Like it or not, you have a sworn enemy. He has drawn a line in the sand. You are in a war for your eternal soul and you must fight or you will be destroyed.

The introduction to the God of all creation and lover of His highest creation—mankind, is of supreme importance. And so is realizing and understanding the existence of the most wicked and iniquitous being in this universe. He is one of the major themes and realities in this record of mankind’s beginning. The Word of our God unveils creation’s account, leading to our present day and into the eternal future. What is set forth in the book of Genesis would set the stage and affect all of the history that would follow.

This book of origins is about that fatal falsehood which emanates from the Garden where it all began—a garden that was sinless bliss and perfection until the lie was introduced and acted upon by the first two people.

Of this very archenemy of the Most-High, from whom all lies originate, the Word states: “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God” (Ezek. 28:13). The serpent, animated by the vilest of all beings, was allowed to slither into the innocence and purity that originally existed in the sanctuary of creation. This was due to the fact that perfect divine wisdom has seen fit to allow His creation to have the opportunity of choice between good and evil (Deut. 30:19; Josh. 24:15; Job 12:16; 1 Cor. 11:19).

Satan has a purpose. Since love is volitional by its very nature, our Creator has seen fit to permit this evil and beguiling villain to remain present amidst those professing sanctuary in the LORD. Life on earth is a test for all—all humans are on probation. Love is a choice and so is rebellion. The Maker of all made man with free will so that the choice could be made to love or not to love Him. Among volumes of other Scriptures found in Holy Writ which demonstrate this, the following words from on high make plain that the LORD made Man with free will: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Josh. 24:15).

Such a statement would not have been spoken by the LORD if He had not made man with the ability of choice. Man was created with the ability to “choose” every “day” whom he will serve, and this choice is ongoing while men are upon the earth in this temporal life.

It would be remiss to attempt discussing the very lie of the ages without opening the grand subject of the one whom Christ said was the father (originator) of all lies. Of Satan, the Son of God informed us, as He spoke to the rebellious religionists of His day:

“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” ~ John 8:44

All men are born in sin and are “by nature” the “children of disobedience.”

“Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” ~ Ephesians 2:2-3

There are, at this moment only two classes of people in the earth—those who have relationship with the One who made us all, and those who don’t. According to this passage (Ephesians 2), all those who have not been brought into the kingdom of God through Christ, have as their father, the devil. The reason the Son of God came to the earth was to sever the ties and claim of Satan from mankind. He came to deliver men from this relationship of fear, domination and bondage that is only enabled by sin.

“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” ~ Acts 26:18

“Who (God the Father) hath delivered us from the power of darkness (Satan), and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” ~ Colossians 1:13-14

The mission of Christ was to reconcile or restore the relationship that had been severed by the sin of the first man and woman which caused death (separation) to fall upon all men, the whole race (Romans 5:12). He fully accomplished His mission and is now seated at His Father’s right hand, enforcing this victory (Heb. 4:14-16; 7:25-26).

From the dawn of the creation and fall of mankind, all evil, tragedy and pain in history has been caused by Satan and enabled by man’s sin (Prov. 26:2). Only the LORD, the One whose holiness is violated when sin is committed, can save, restore and heal (Jer. 17:14; 1 Cor. 15:57; Rev. 21:4).

Victory was obtained through the precious blood of Jesus (1 Pet. 1:18-19). Being forgiven and released from all sin and its evil effects and the dominion of Satan, comes through Christ alone. Jesus utterly conquered His enemy on the cross (Col. 2:13-15; 1 Jn. 3:8). Blessed forgiveness and spiritual power enables the individual disciple to serve the LORD without fear and bondage to sin. Sin enables Satan’s rule and only those who are free from it by Jesus Christ can rule over His enemies (Ps. 8:6; 17:4; Jn. 8:31-36; 1 Jn. 4:4). Christ triumphed over the enemy of all souls with His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. Read the following passage for all it’s worth:

“For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel.” ~ Colossians 1:19-23

The Son of God accomplished complete victory in bringing God and men back into perfect union by “the blood of His cross” (Col. 1:20).

“And you, being dead (separated) in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened (made alive) together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show (sport; spectacle) of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” ~ Colossians 2:13-15

The “serpent” who was in the Garden of creation and still “walketh about” in the midst of the earth, is specifically identified as Satan and the devil (1 Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12:9; 20:2). This ultimate enemy of all that is good took control of the serpent in his attack against man. The serpent, animated by the enemy of souls himself, was used as the instrument that led to the fall of mankind and the righteous retribution of the holy Creator. Yet, Jesus Christ accomplished mankind’s redemption through “the blood of His cross” (Col. 1:20).

Know Your Enemy

Allow me to parenthetically say here that if one does not personally believe in a literal devil (Satan) and his insidious work of evil among men, then perhaps that person will do well to begin to search God’s Word for the volumes of Scripture which identify and describe him along with unveiling his wicked purposes. The LORD inspired the Scriptures and has much to say about His enemy—our enemy. It is interesting to discover that the word “devil” appears 57 times in the Bible. The word “Satan” appears 50 times. These are the most utilized terms to describe this darkest of fallen beings, and yet there are several more which identify this enemy of all souls who is the personification of evil, such as “serpent,” and “adversary” (1 Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12:9).

“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” ~ Revelation 12:9

His goal may be summed up this way: Satan’s complete and total purpose that underlies all that he does is to cause men to fall from grace just as he himself did and was banished from fellowship with the life-giving God. There is a horrible prison of fire which will be the eternal home of all who leave this earth apart from a personal and intimate relationship with the One who died for sinners.

On Judgment Day, that Great and Terrible Day of separation between the righteous and the unrighteous will include these horrible words “from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away”:

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” ~ Revelation 20:11-15

To those whose existence in this temporal life ends disconnected from the only Savior, the following will be the verdict delivered to them in Judgment: “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41).

Hell is a place of indescribably horrid eternal punishment and was created by the LORD for his archenemy and all those who are not His.

Back to the enemy, the one who wants you dead and in hell: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8).

One may find great intrigue in uncovering this iniquitous fallen foe and gain much insight into the dark world of demons and deception along with gaining perception into the real battle in the spirit realm that rages over mankind.

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” ~ Ephesians 6:11-12

By the volume of information about His enemy included in His Word, we know that the LORD intended for us to know our enemy—His enemy.

Believers are to give him no place: “Neither give place to the devil” (Eph. 4:27).

Believers are to set themselves against him: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (Jas. 4:7); “Stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11).

Believers are to know his scheming goals and ways and avoid them lest he gain advantage of us: “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:11).

The devil seeks to trip up, war against, wear out and devour the sheep of the LORD’s pasture. He has come to wreak havoc among the Lord’s highest creation: “The thief (devil) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

Power Over All the Power of the Enemy

Believers are warned to live in obedience to the Word of God in order to escape falling into “the condemnation of the devil” and being caught in “the snare of the devil” or giving an “advantage” to him (1 Tim. 3:6-7; 2 Tim. 2:26; 2 Cor. 2:11).

The enemy of our souls prospers through the ignorance of God’s people—he is shut out and his work nullified by the knowledge and obedience of God’s people.

“By the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” ~ Psalms 17:4

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” ~ Psalms 91:1

Disciples of Jesus are kept from being destroyed by the enemy in obeying the Word of God. Holy Writ informs us that Jesus came to successfully “destroy the works of the devil” and that “greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 Jn. 3:8; 4:4).

Christ promised power to those who are truly His:

“And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” ~ Luke 10:17-20

Jesus Christ, the eternal Word, became flesh so that He might destroy the works of the enemy of our souls:

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” ~ Hebrews 2:14

Believers are told to be of a sober mind and diligent in light of the proactive and evil plans of Satan to destroy them:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world”. ~ 1 Peter 5:8-9

Here’s what the Bible says about Satan’s work in the last days:

“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Revelation 12:12

As foretold here, the work of the evil one is accelerating in this late hour before the destruction of all rebellion and return of our LORD Jesus Christ.

The Alpha and Omega is coming back, and His enemy’s end is sure:

“And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” ~ Romans 16:20

“And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.” ~ Revelation 20:2-3

“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” ~ Revelation 20:10

Surrounded and Outnumbered

Elisha’s servant was brought to the understanding that there are more angels of God with God’s children than there are fallen angels who rebelled:

“And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he (the prophet Elisha) answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” ~ 2 Kings 6:15-17

The one who is following Christ need not fear. LORD Jesus open our eyes! Nothing has changed—there are “more” angels of the LORD “with us…than they that be with them (the enemy).” The saints of the Most High are promised protection and His angels are part of that plan.

“Are they (God’s angels) not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.” ~ Hebrews 1:14

“The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” ~ Psalms 34:7

In Heaven and in eternity past, two-thirds of the then-angelic beings remained under the command and blessing of the Almighty, while a third chose to depart with Lucifer and are forever alienated from the Most High. Let’s take a glimpse into a war that took place in Heaven in eternity past, a war that has great impact today:

“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.  ~ Revelation 12:7-12

It would remain difficult to understand this life and present world system, and the world to come if one were to pass lightly over this war of wars that occurred (took place) in Heaven. When we begin to delve into the data given in this matter, understanding comes of our great God and His arch adversary. Enlightenment and understanding into the 6,000 years of mankind’s history open to us when we know what preceded this time period. Knowledge into what we are told prophetically is transpiring before our very eyes. As we are seeing, the Holy Scriptures reveal much about that dark and sinister being called “Satan” and the “devil” who is and will have a large part to play in the fulfillment of prophecy. Although his rebellion against the Almighty began in eternity past, the serpent’s workings among men began in the Garden of Eden. He crept in to accomplish his wicked agenda. He has seemingly succeeded for this moment, yet the divine promise is that his time is running short. “The devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time” (Rev. 12:12).

The First Fall-Out: Eternal Termination

We all understand what it means when someone says, “John and Mark had a falling-out.” This means they were friends or business partners, and then because of some disagreement, they parted company and are no longer friends. Well, the first falling-out occurred between the Almighty and Lucifer. The angel Lucifer fell out of the favor of God and consequently fell out of Heaven. Of Lucifer’s ejection from Heaven, the Son of God stated: “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven” (Lk. 10:18).

The evil one was evicted from Heaven when he turned against God. Originally, he was a good angel, “the anointed cherub,” who led the worship of the Almighty, until the day that “iniquity was found” in him (Ezek. 28:14-15). Lucifer, who became Satan and the devil, led a third of the angels of the Most-High God in rebellion against Him. “And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth” (Rev. 12:4).

Ultimately, all deception and all lies have their origin in this greatest of all enemies who brought about the sin and fall of mankind and wages war today against the Almighty’s highest creation (mankind). Of Satan, the Son of God said: “for he is a liar, and the father of it” (Jn. 8:44). He also informed us that this supreme adversary has come to do three things— “to steal, to kill, and to destroy” (Jn. 10:10). He wages war against God and His people. He is defined as and called “the accuser of our brethren” (Rev. 12:10).

Satan is a real being. He is not a figment of someone’s imagination. In fact, anyone who is convinced of such has already been conquered by his deception. He is forever the sworn enemy of the LORD, and will ultimately be put away for good, never again to tempt another soul to rebel against the Maker of all that is. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Rev. 20:10).

The one who studies the Word of God will gain priceless insight into the reasons for the current condition of the world, and, into the future blessedness of all those who know and follow the One who bled to save us from God’s holy wrath against sin and Satan (Rom. 5:9). In fact, a divine blessing is pronounced upon all who read and obey the words of Holy Scripture: “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Rev. 1:3).

PRAYER: Holy Father in Heaven, please bless me to know You more and to be kept from the evil one and his wicked schemes against Your people. Right this moment I ask You for and receive a fresh cleansing of all my sins by the blood of Jesus Christ my LORD and Savior, whereby I am blessed to overcome, along with the word of my testimony of how you have washed and delivered me. I declare afresh and aloud, right this second, if never before, that Jesus Christ is LORD of my life, and He alone will I worship and serve. Glory to His precious Name! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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