If God is in control...(part three)

...why did he create the devil?

Why Did God Create the Devil?

Actually, God did not create the devil. God created a beautiful, perfect angel named Lucifer (see Isaiah 14, Ezekiel 28). Lucifer, in turn, made a devil out of himself. Lucifer’s pride caused him to rebel against God and to challenge Him for supremacy in heaven. He was thrown out of heaven and came to this earth where he tempted a perfect man and woman to sin. When they did so, they opened a floodgate of Satan’s evil upon the world.

Why Does God Not Kill the Devil?

Some have wondered, “Why doesn’t God stop the devil? If it is not God’s will for people to die, why does He allow it to happen? Have things gone beyond God’s control?”

God could have destroyed Satan when he rebelled in heaven. God could have also destroyed Adam and Eve when they sinned—and started over. However, if He had done this, He would have been ruling from the standpoint of force, rather than love. The angels in heaven and human beings on earth would serve Him from fear, not love. In order for love to flourish, it must operate on the principle of freedom of choice. Without freedom to choose, there would be no such thing as real love. We would simply be robots programed to always obey God. But He gave us the incredible power of choice. That means that we, and others, have the freedom to choose to do evil, even evil against innocent victims. God doesn’t want us to choose evil. He gives us every opportunity to choose His goodness over Satan’s wickedness. But He knows that we can still choose evil, because He gave us that ability. Despite this risk, God chose to preserve our freedom of choice and to rule by love. He chose to allow Satan and sin to run their course. He allows us and the universe to see where sin will lead. He lets us see the reasons for making the choice to serve Him in love. There will come a time when all people on earth will be able to make a final choice, a choice to follow Satan or to follow God, a choice to follow the master of hate or to follow the Master of love. Then, each person will see how truly evil Satan is and how exceedingly good is God. Everyone will see clearly what they are losing by having chosen Satan and what they are gaining by having chosen God.

Does God send calamities to kill sinners?

Some mistakenly think that God always sends calamities to punish sinners. This is not true. Jesus commented on acts of violence and natural calamities that happened in His day. The Bible says, "There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13:1-5).

These things happened because, in a world of sin, there are calamities and atrocities that take place that would not happen in a perfect world. It does not mean that everyone who dies in such calamities is a sinner nor does it mean that God causes the calamity. Sadly, it is often the innocent that suffer the consequences of living in this world of sin. But God does not send these calamities. Satan is the one who sends them. 

(Source: bibleinfo.com)

Revelation 14:11-12

. 11 And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.”

12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus

Revelation 14:11–12 contrasts the eternal torment of those who worship the beast with the faithful endurance of God’s people, calling believers to patience, obedience, and steadfast faith.

Context in Revelation 14

In Revelation 14, John sees three angelic proclamations. The third angel warns that anyone who worships the beast and takes its mark will face God’s wrath (vv. 9–10). Verse 11 describes the fate of such people: their torment is eternal, with “no rest day and night” StudyLight.org+1. This imagery of unending smoke and torment underscores the seriousness of rejecting God’s authority.

Meaning of Revelation 14:11

The phrase “the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever” is a vivid picture of continuous, unending suffering. It echoes Old Testament imagery of destruction (e.g., Sodom and Gomorrah) and emphasizes that the wicked will never experience relief from their punishment StudyLight.org. This is God’s just judgment on those who align themselves with the beast and its image.

Meaning of Revelation 14:12

Immediately after the warning, John records: “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (KJV) biblerepository.com+1. This is a direct contrast to the fate of the wicked.

• Patience of the saints: This refers to the perseverance and endurance of God’s people during the tribulation. It is not passive waiting, but active trust in God’s promises while facing persecution biblerepository.com.

• Keep the commandments of God: This means living in obedience to God’s moral law and the teachings of Jesus, reflecting love for God and neighbor.

• Faith of Jesus: This is the trust and allegiance to Christ, the source of salvation and the model of obedience.

Theological Significance

These verses highlight two key truths:

1. Judgment is certain for those who reject God’s authority and follow the beast.

2. Faithfulness is rewarded — God’s people are called to endure trials with patience, obedience, and trust in Christ, knowing that their faithfulness is honored before God.

In the broader vision of Revelation 14, this “patience” is part of the blessedness of the saints, who will find rest from their labors and be vindicated in God’s final judgment Enduring Word+1.

In summary: Revelation 14:11–12 warns of eternal torment for those who worship the beast, while encouraging believers to remain patient, obedient, and faithful to God’s commands and to Jesus Christ, trusting in His ultimate victory.

Thanks for stopping by today, Friends. Have a blessed day in Jesus!!!

If God is in control...(part two)

 ...is He responsible for bad weather on the earth?

Does God Send Earthquakes and Hurricanes?

Why Does Nature Seem to Be More and More Destructive?

When Adam and Eve sinned, it brought a natural consequence to the earth. "Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’, “Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it, all the days of your life” (Gen. 3:17). The descendants of Adam became so violent and corrupt that God allowed the world to be destroyed by a global flood (Genesis 6:5, 11). The fountains of the deep were broken up (Genesis 7:11). There was great volcanic activity. The layers of the earth's crust were formed and nature was turned out of its God-given course. The stage was set for earthquakes, and killer storms. The consequences of sin have progressed from that day until now. The natural world is becoming increasingly chaotic. The results of our first parents’ disobedience are becoming more and more evident as this world is wearing out. But God is still in the business of rescuing, helping, and healing. He holds out salvation and everlasting life to all who will receive Him

If God Does Not Bring Natural Disasters, Who Does?

Many people do not believe in a real devil, but the Bible is very clear on this point. Satan exists, and he is the destroyer. Jesus said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:18, NKJV). Satan was once a holy angel at the right hand of God in heaven (Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28). He rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven. “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 12:9). Jesus said, the devil “was a murderer from the beginning”, and “the father of lies" (John 8:44, NIV). The Bible says that the devil attempts to deceive the whole world, and one way he tries to do this is by spreading the idea that there is no real devil. According to recent surveys, fewer and fewer people in the United States believe the devil really exists. But the existence of a real devil is the only way to explain the existence of evil in a world that was created “very good” (Genesis 1:31). “Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time” (Revelation 12:12, NKJV). Satan’s aim and goal is to destroy as many of God’s created children as he can.

The Old Testament story of Job is a classic example of how God sometimes allows Satan to bring calamities. Job lost his cattle, his crops, and his family to vicious attacks, a killer hurricane, and a firestorm. Job’s friends said these disasters came from God, but a careful reading of the book of Job reveals that it was Satan who brought these evils on Job (Job 1:1-12).     (Source: bibleinfo.com)

Revelation 14:10

10 they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb.

Revelation 14:10 warns that those who worship the beast and receive its mark will experience the full, undiluted wrath of God, symbolized as drinking the wine of His anger, and will be tormented in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb.

Meaning and Imagery

The verse uses vivid imagery to convey the severity of divine judgment. The phrase “drink of the wine of the wrath of God” symbolizes the complete and unavoidable punishment for those who reject God and align themselves with evil, particularly by worshiping the beast and receiving its mark (Revelation 14:9-10) biblerepository.com+1. The imagery of a cup filled with God’s wrath is drawn from biblical symbolism, where a cup often represents what one must endure, and drinking it signifies participation in the consequences of one’s choices Bible Hub+1. The description “poured full strength” or “without mixture” emphasizes that this judgment is undiluted and absolute, leaving no room for mercy for those who persist in rebellion biblerepository.com.

Torment and Presence

The verse also mentions being “tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb”, highlighting that God’s judgment is both public and inescapable BibleRef.com+1. The presence of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) and the angels underscores the righteousness and authority of the judgment, showing that it is a just and divine response to sin and rebellion godsbless.ing. Fire and brimstone symbolize intense suffering and purification, reinforcing the seriousness of the consequences for those who oppose God BibleRef.com.

Context and Theological Implications

Revelation 14:10 is part of a larger passage contrasting the fate of the faithful with that of the rebellious. While the 144,000 and other believers are depicted as victorious and protected by God, those who follow the beast face eternal punishment Enduring Word. The verse serves as a warning about the eternal consequences of human choices, emphasizing free will and the moral responsibility to remain faithful to God biblerepository.com+1. It also reinforces the themes of divine justice, the ultimate triumph of righteousness, and the stark contrast between salvation for the faithful and judgment for the wicked godsbless.ing.
In summary, Revelation 14:10 communicates the certainty and severity of God’s judgment against those who reject Him, using the symbolic imagery of drinking the cup of His wrath and being tormented in the presence of the Lamb and angels, while situating this warning within the broader narrative of hope, perseverance, and divine justice.

Thanks for coming by today. May you have a great peace and blessing as you go through the rest of your day!

If God is in control...(part one)

  ... is He responsible for bad weather on the earth?

Does God Send Hurricanes and Earthquakes?.

What does the Bible say about hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural disasters? Does the Bible give an answer to why the world is in such a mess if God is really in control? How could a God of love let masses of people die from killer hurricanes, catastrophic earthquakes, tsunamis, terrorist attacks and disease? Why such bizarre carnage and chaos? Is the world coming to an end? Is God pouring out his wrath upon sinners? Why is it so often the bloated bodies of the poor, the elderly, and the children that are strewn among the rubble? These are the questions most people are begging to be answered.

Is God Responsible for Natural Disasters?

Although God is often viewed as the One causing these terrible catastrophes, He is not responsible for them. God does not cause natural disasters and calamities. On the contrary, He is the Giver of life. The Bible says, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27, NIV).

When God came to earth in the form of a man, He did nothing to hurt people, only to help them. Jesus said, "For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them" (Luke 9:56).

It was God's design that His sons and daughters should forever smell the fragrance of exotic flowers, not rotting corpses. They should always enjoy the delicacies of tropical fruit and tasty dishes, not face hunger and starvation. He is the one who provides the fresh air from a mountaintop and cool sparkling water, not ugly pollution.

Why Does Nature Seem to Be More and More Destructive?

When Adam and Eve sinned, it brought a natural consequence to the earth. "Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’, “Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it, all the days of your life” (Gen. 3:17). The descendants of Adam became so violent and corrupt that God allowed the world to be destroyed by a global flood (Genesis 6:5, 11). The fountains of the deep were broken up (Genesis 7:11). There was great volcanic activity. The layers of the earth's crust were formed and nature was turned out of its God-given course. The stage was set for earthquakes, and killer storms. The consequences of sin have progressed from that day until now. The natural world is becoming increasingly chaotic. The results of our first parents’ disobedience are becoming more and more evident as this world is wearing out. But God is still in the business of rescuing, helping, and healing. He holds out salvation and everlasting life to all who will receive Him

If God Does Not Bring Natural Disasters, Who Does?

Many people do not believe in a real devil, but the Bible is very clear on this point. Satan exists, and he is the destroyer. Jesus said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:18, NKJV). Satan was once a holy angel at the right hand of God in heaven (Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28). He rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven. “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 12:9). Jesus said, the devil “was a murderer from the beginning”, and “the father of lies" (John 8:44, NIV). The Bible says that the devil attempts to deceive the whole world, and one way he tries to do this is by spreading the idea that there is no real devil. According to recent surveys, fewer and fewer people in the United States believe the devil really exists. But the existence of a real devil is the only way to explain the existence of evil in a world that was created “very good” (Genesis 1:31). “Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time” (Revelation 12:12, NKJV). Satan’s aim and goal is to destroy as many of God’s created children as he can.

(source :bibleinfo.com)

💗💗💗

 

Hello Friends. There is more to this subject on natural disasters etc, so for the next couple of days, we will stay on this subject and see what there is to learn about it. Part two coming up tomorrow. 

Thanks for coming by and have a blessed day!

Revelation 14:9

9 A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their handLikeDislike

Revelation 14:9 warns that anyone who worships the beast and its image or receives its mark will face God’s full wrath and eternal torment.

Text of Revelation 14:9

In the New International Version, the verse reads: “A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: ‘If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their hand’” BibleGateway.com. The King James Version similarly states: “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand” King James Bible Online. This verse is part of a series of angelic proclamations warning humanity about the consequences of allegiance to the beast.

Meaning and Context

• The Beast and Its Image: The “beast” is generally interpreted as a symbol of oppressive political or spiritual power opposed to God, often associated with the Antichrist figure described in Revelation 13 BibleRef.com. The “image” represents the idol or system that demands worship and loyalty.
• The Mark: Receiving the mark on the forehead or hand signifies outward and inward submission to the beast’s authority. It is a public declaration of allegiance and a rejection of God Bible Hub+1.
• Consequences: Those who worship the beast and accept its mark are warned that they will “drink the wine of God’s fury” and be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb, with the smoke of their torment rising forever, and no rest day or night BibleGateway.com+1. This emphasizes the eternal and severe nature of divine judgment for those who align with evil.

Theological Significance

• Opposition to God: Accepting the beast’s mark is seen as a deliberate choice to oppose God, reflecting unbelief and rebellion BibleRef.com.
• Prophetic Warning: The verse serves as a warning to remain faithful to God, highlighting the spiritual consequences of idolatry and compromise with worldly powers.
• Connection to Revelation 13: The verse recalls the earlier description of the beast’s rise to power, the false prophet, and the coercion to worship the beast, illustrating the continuity of the prophetic narrative BibleRef.com.

Summary

Revelation 14:9 is a solemn warning that worshiping the beast and receiving its mark is a decisive act of rebellion against God, resulting in eternal punishment. It underscores the importance of faithfulness and the spiritual consequences of choosing allegiance to worldly or anti-God powers. The verse is central to understanding the apocalyptic warnings in Revelation and the call to remain steadfast in faith.