Why Hasn't God Gotten Rid of Satan Yet? A Lesson in the Consequences of Satan's Government.
Many people wonder why God allows Satan to continue his reign of deceit and destruction. If God is all-powerful, why doesn’t He simply get rid of Satan and end the suffering once and for all? The answer lies in God’s deep desire to show humanity the true nature of Satan’s government and to allow us to make an informed choice between good and evil.
1. The Reality of Free Will
One of the greatest gifts God has given to humanity is the gift of free will. Without it, we would be mere robots, incapable of true love, loyalty, or faith. To preserve free will, God allows Satan to influence the world, so that humanity can clearly see the consequences of choosing to follow Satan's way.
By allowing Satan to exercise his power, God is showing us the full scope of what life would be like under Satan’s rule. Satan’s government is built on lies, manipulation, and oppression, and it is only through experiencing the brokenness of this world that humanity can understand the necessity of God’s righteous reign.
"For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance."Romans 11:29
"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live."Deuteronomy 30:19
2. A Lesson in the Consequences of Rebellion
Satan’s rebellion against God was not just an isolated act of defiance; it was an invitation to all of creation to question God’s authority. The war in heaven (Revelation 12:7-9) and Satan’s temptation of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3) revealed the fatal consequences of choosing rebellion over divine authority.
"How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!"Isaiah 14:12
If God had instantly destroyed Satan after his fall, there would have been no opportunity for creation to fully comprehend the implications of rebellion. By allowing Satan to continue, God is showing humanity the depth of suffering that results from rejecting His government. The pain, deceit, and chaos we experience in this world are the natural consequences of living under Satan’s rule.
"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 6:12
3. The Importance of the Final Judgment
God is not delaying His victory over Satan out of indecisiveness or weakness; He is waiting for the right moment to bring justice to the world. The Bible teaches that there will be a final judgment, where every person will be held accountable for their choices (Matthew 25:31-46). Until that time comes, God is allowing Satan to reveal his true nature and to give every person the chance to make a clear choice.
"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works."Matthew 16:27
This period of waiting also serves to highlight the greatness of God’s justice and mercy. When Satan is finally defeated, and the new heaven and new earth are established (Revelation 21), humanity will understand why God’s government is the only righteous one. The pain and suffering we endure now will serve as a stark contrast to the peace and righteousness of God’s eternal kingdom.
"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea."Revelation 21:1
4. God’s Ultimate Plan for Restoration
Despite the chaos and evil in the world, God has an ultimate plan for redemption. Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was the turning point in the battle between good and evil. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated the power of sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). But the final defeat of Satan will not occur until the second coming of Christ (Revelation 20:10), when Satan and his followers will be destroyed once and for all.
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."1 Corinthians 15:55-57
"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
Until that day, God is allowing humanity to experience the reality of Satan’s government, but He is also offering a way out—a way to be reconciled to Him through Jesus Christ. Those who choose to follow God’s way will inherit a kingdom where evil and suffering no longer exist.
5. A Call to Choose God’s Government
God has not gotten rid of Satan yet because He wants us to fully understand the results of rebellion and the beauty of living under God’s government. By allowing Satan’s influence to continue, God gives humanity the opportunity to experience the pain of life outside of His will, and in doing so, make a conscious, informed choice to accept God’s loving rule.
"Choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."Joshua 24:15
In the end, God’s justice will be seen, and His kingdom will reign forever. Until that day, we are called to trust in His plan, resist the temptations of Satan, and follow the path of righteousness.
"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."Revelation 12:10
The delay in Satan's defeat is not a sign of weakness, but a profound lesson in the consequences of rebellion and the greatness of God’s sovereignty.
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