10.5 Limits and Rules
God’s Justice in the Cosmic Conflict
The cosmic conflict is not simply a battle between good and evil in terms of a power struggle. Rather, it is about a deeper question: Is God’s government truly just, loving, and trustworthy? Satan has called God’s character into question, claiming that God rules arbitrarily and that His commandments are a restriction of freedom. Therefore, the great struggle is primarily a contest in which God’s justice must be proven and vindicated.
God’s Government Follows Firm Principles
God could annihilate evil immediately, but that would not solve the central problem. The cosmic conflict requires demonstration—not for God Himself, but for the creatures of the universe. When a government based on love is questioned, it cannot be defended by sheer force; that would confirm Satan’s accusations. Instead, God has chosen to conduct the entire conflict openly and transparently before all of creation.
The Holy Scriptures show that even God subjects Himself to certain “rules of the game”:
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God adheres to His own character of love and justice – He will not force anyone to worship or obey Him (2 Corinthians 3:17).
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God respects the free will of His creatures – even if this means that evil remains for a time (Deuteronomy 30:19).
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God acts in accordance with His promises – He will never break His word or contradict Himself (Numbers 23:19).
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God allows Satan to operate for a certain period, but within clear limits – as is evident in the Book of Job (Job 1:12; 2:6).
Why Does God Allow Evil?
Many wonder why an almighty God permits evil in the world. However, when we understand the great struggle, we recognize that God’s decision to remain faithful to His own justice also means that He allows evil to persist for a limited time. If He were to immediately destroy all sinners, it would give the impression that Satan was right—that God is neither patient nor just, but acts on a whim.
Yet evil will not exist forever. Revelation 20:10 describes that Satan and his followers will eventually be destroyed. However, this will occur only after it has been visibly confirmed to all that God’s ways are just and that evil is not a viable alternative.
Read Mark 6:5 and 9:29. What do these texts reveal about the fact that even divine action can be connected with factors such as faith and prayer?
The verses in Mark 6:5 and 9:29 reveal a profound spiritual principle: God works in the world, but His actions are often tied to certain conditions—especially faith and prayer.
In Mark 6:5 we read that Jesus “could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them” in His hometown of Nazareth. Why? Because the people there did not believe. This shows that God’s power is not exercised arbitrarily but in accordance with the spiritual principles of His government. Where unbelief prevails, God’s activity is limited—not because He cannot act, but because He respects the free will of people.
In Mark 9:29, Jesus explains that some demonic powers can be driven out “only by prayer and fasting.” This means that prayer plays a role in unleashing divine power and influencing the spiritual battle in certain situations.
These verses teach us that:
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God is always almighty, but He has decided not to act against His own plan – that is, He respects the free will of people and expects their trust.
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Faith plays an active role in God’s work – it is not a magic remedy but an attitude that welcomes God’s intervention.
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Prayer opens spiritual doors that would otherwise remain closed. It is not a means to manipulate God, but an invitation for Him to act in a particular situation.
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The limits of divine action do not lie in His power, but in His principles – He does not impose Himself, but acts through love, trust, and spiritual order.
Read Romans 8:18 and Revelation 21:3–4. How do these texts give you the assurance that despite the many things we do not know, we can trust that God knows what is best, that He desires the best, and that He will put an end to evil and usher in an eternity of bliss?
The verses Romans 8:18 and Revelation 21:3–4 provide us with a powerful perspective on suffering, hope, and the future that God has prepared for us.
Romans 8:18:
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Here, Paul presents a central truth of the Christian faith: the present suffering is transient and insignificant compared to what God has prepared for us. This does not mean that our pain and trials are not real or meaningful, but that they do not have the final say. Focusing on God’s glory helps us endure even in difficult times.
Revelation 21:3–4:
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’”
This promise gives us unwavering hope:
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God will ultimately dwell among us – we will experience an immediate, profound communion with Him.
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Suffering will come to an end – no more tears, pain, or death.
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All evil will be eliminated – the old, transient world will pass away, and a new, eternal reality will begin.
The principles of limits and rules in the cosmic conflict are not merely theological theories but have direct implications for our everyday life and faith. They help us understand why the world is as it is and how, in the midst of this reality, we can still live in trust of God.
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God’s Ways Are Just, Even When We Do Not Always Understand Them
There are many things in life that we do not immediately comprehend: Why is there suffering? Why do evil people seem to prosper? Why do some prayers go unanswered? The cosmic conflict shows us that God does not act arbitrarily but remains true to His plan and His justice. We can trust that God knows what is best, even if we cannot see it right away.
Practical Application:-
When we experience difficult times, we can know that our suffering is not meaningless (Romans 8:18).
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We can trust that God has a plan that transcends our current understanding.
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Free Will Plays a Role – Even in Our Decisions
God does not force anyone to follow Him. This applies not only to angels and humanity as a whole but also to our personal lives. Every day, we face the choice of following God’s principles or being led by other influences.
Practical Application:-
Our daily actions—in our relationships, work, and decisions—demonstrate whom we trust: God or the principles of this world.
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Our prayers and our faith affect God’s work in our lives.
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Prayer and Faith Are Part of the Battle
Mark 6:5 and 9:29 show that God’s action is linked to factors such as faith and prayer. This does not mean that God is powerless; rather, He involves us in His plan. When we do not pray, we deprive ourselves of the spiritual power that God wishes to bestow upon us.
Practical Application:-
Faith opens the doors for God’s action. Where people shut Him out, He does not impose Himself.
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Prayer is not merely a wish list to God, but an active participation in the spiritual battle.
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Evil Is Limited – God’s Kingdom Will Endure Forever
Revelation 21:3–4 reminds us that evil will not persist forever. Even though we currently live in a world where Satan still has influence, we know that his end is assured. God will create a new world where there is no more suffering, pain, or death.
Practical Application:-
We should place our hope not in this temporary world, but in what is to come.
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Our struggles and trials have an end—and the best is yet to come!
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Conclusion
The “limits and rules” in the cosmic conflict show us that God does not rule by brute force, but through love, justice, and truth. We live in a world where evil can still operate, but we know: its dominion is limited—and God’s kingdom will endure forever.
This assurance gives us courage, steadfastness, and hope in our faith, even if we cannot yet see the complete picture. In the end, God’s justice will triumph—and we can trust in that!
