Know Your Enemy - Chapter Two

When we finished Chapter One, Satan and his followers had rebelled against God. God had never intended evil to exist, and contrary to some beliefs, God never created evil. Lucifer was created in beauty and light - it was his choice not to follow good (God's will) that perpetuated the evil. Just as a vacuum is simply the absence of air, evil is the absence of good.

Believe that Satan knew the character of God - he had served God for some time. Satan had a good relationship with God before his pride clouded his perceptions, so Satan knew that God would be placed in a difficult position as a result of the rebellion. God's "Justification" part of his character would demand the extinction of the rebels, however, God's "Loving" nature would require mercy. Let us see how God satisfied both of his natures.

I believe that God offered Satan mercy "by choice". Since Satan's rebellion (the evil) came from Satan's own will, God decided to offer mercy based on Satan's own will. With this proviso, God's justification was abated - pending further decision - and God's mercy was satisfied. God still remained perfect in both his characteristics and the final decision was left to Satan - repent and receive mercy, or remain in rebellion and receive justification. It was his choice.