Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
www.suscopts.org
   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

It is said that the devil rebelled against God in heaven. But since heaven is said to be perfect and without sin, then how was it possible for Lucifer to rebel?

Sin is not contained to space, but is a conscious action of one's free will. Angels were given a free will and so was mankind. Thus, free will could be used for good or for evil. Satan's will was evil because he was full of pride. Other angels who became demons were also dismissed from heaven for their evil. Both Satan and man sinned while in heaven and the demons that followed Satan went with him, as did all of mankind with Adam and Eve. Angels are mature creatures—ministers of fire. The children of Adam and Eve, who were yet to be born, yet were also exiled from heaven. Satan then took his army and continued the war against the children of God on earth. The remaining angels remained loyal to God in heaven. Thus, violence, infirmities, catastrophes and all evil and havoc became part of man's sufferings on earth. Therefore, God executed a plan of salvation to rescue and restore mankind to Himself, but no plan was devised for the fallen angels. Though God desired to save all His creation, but in His full knowledge, He knows that the fallen angels being full of pride would not ever desire salvation or restoration in heaven with God.

"And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him" (Revelation 12:7-9).
Home | Ask A Question | Search Q&A