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

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

(source: bibletopics.com)

Revelation 14:13

13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. ”Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

Revelation 14:13 assures believers that those who die in the Lord are blessed, will rest from their labors, and their faithful deeds will follow them into eternity.

Context and Meaning

Revelation 14:13 occurs in a section describing the trials and persecution of the faithful during the end times. The verse begins with a voice from heaven instructing John to write: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on” (KJV). This divine pronouncement emphasizes that faithful believers, even in the face of persecution and death, are specially blessed because their loyalty to Christ is recognized and rewarded by God Bible Hub+2.
The phrase “die in the Lord” highlights the importance of a life united with Christ through faith. It is not merely death that is blessed, but death experienced by those who have lived in obedience and trust in God godsbless.ing+1. This assurance provides comfort to believers, especially during times of suffering, reminding them that their faithfulness has eternal significance.

Rest and Reward

The verse continues: “they may rest from their labors”, indicating that death brings an end to earthly struggles, toil, and persecution. This rest is both physical and spiritual, reflecting the peace and relief that come from being in God’s presence biblerepository.com+1. It echoes Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28-30, where He promises rest to the weary.

Enduring Impact of Deeds

Finally, Revelation 14:13 states that “their works follow them”, meaning that the righteous actions, service, and faithfulness of believers continue to have value and are acknowledged by God even after death biblerepository.com+1. This assures Christians that their efforts in living a godly life are never wasted and contribute to their eternal reward.

Theological Significance

• Divine affirmation: The Holy Spirit confirms the blessing, providing an unbreakable assurance of God’s promise Bible Hub.
• Encouragement in persecution: The verse offers hope to those facing trials, showing that fidelity to Christ is honored.
• Eternal perspective: It shifts focus from earthly suffering to the eternal reward, emphasizing that death in Christ is a passage to peace and blessing godsbless.ing+1.
  In summary, Revelation 14:13 is a message of hope, comfort, and encouragement. It reassures believers that death in Christ is blessed, brings rest from earthly struggles, and that their faithful deeds carry eternal significance, inspiring steadfastness and trust in God’s promises.

Thanks for coming by today, Friends. Have a blessed day in Jesus. He loves us so much!

And His mercy endurth forever
Psalm 136:1.