Lesson 9.The Cosmic Conflict | 9.7 Questions | THE GOD OF LOVE AND JUSTICE | LIVING FAITH

1.Many people wonder how a sinless creature like Lucifer could sin for the first time. Why is sin so “mysterious” and “inexplicable”? How can we explain this first sin without excusing or justifying it? In other words, why would an explanation of its origin be tantamount to its justification?

The question of how Lucifer, a perfect and sinless creature, could sin for the first time is one of the deepest and most challenging issues in theology. Sin, by definition, contradicts everything that is logical, good, and just—therefore, it is ultimately irrational and illogical. If there were a logical explanation for the origin of sin, it would be justified and have a “reasonable cause.” But that must not be the case, because sin is a groundless resistance against the good.

1. The Origin of Sin: Pride and Selfishness Without Cause
• Ezekiel 28:15 describes Lucifer as “blameless in his ways from the day he was created until iniquity was found in him.”
• Question: How can iniquity be “found” in a perfect being?
Answer: Through free will. God created Lucifer with the ability to choose. Love without freedom would not be genuine love. Lucifer chose against God out of pride and selfishness—without any logical cause.

2. Why Does Sin Remain Inexplicable?
• An explanation would be an excuse:
If we were to find a “reason” for Lucifer’s sin, we might say: “He had a legitimate cause.” But that would justify sin, which is impossible.
• Sin is a break without cause:
It is like a child who rebels against loving parents even though there is no real reason to complain.

3. Freedom Without Coercion: A Risk of Love
• God created all creatures with the freedom to choose. Without this freedom, love would be forced.
• Risk of freedom: Creatures might reject God—and Lucifer did so.
• Why did God not intervene immediately?
To show that His way is just and that rebellion is destructive. Immediate destruction of Lucifer would have fostered fear instead of love.

4. What Do We Learn from This?
• Sin is a mystery because it is irrational. It contradicts God’s nature of love.
• Freedom is a gift—but also a responsibility.
• Satan’s rebellion began with pride: A warning against self-exaltation and discontent.

Final Thought:
Sin remains inexplicable because any explanation would justify it. It is the groundless resistance against perfect love and justice. God created us with free will so that we can choose Him out of love—even if that came with the risk of rejection. Our task is to learn from the story of Lucifer: Pride, selfishness, and doubt in God lead to destruction, whereas humility, trust, and love lead us to true life.

2.Why didn’t God simply wipe out Satan immediately? Why must evil be allowed “to come to maturity”? In what way is this “in the interest of the entire universe and for clarification for eternity”?

The question of why God did not immediately destroy Satan is profound. When Lucifer sinned, God could have destroyed him on the spot—but that would not have solved the problem of sin. Instead, God chose a path that unites justice, love, and freedom. God’s goal was not only to end the rebellion but also to reveal to all creatures the true consequences of sin. Only in this way could the universe develop trust in God’s guidance and justice.

1. Immediate Destruction Would Have Produced Fear Instead of Love
• Had God immediately destroyed Lucifer, the angels might have thought:
“Perhaps Lucifer was right. God simply destroys anyone who asks questions.”
• God’s character is based on love and freedom. He wants His creatures to trust Him willingly, not out of fear.
True love and trust are not forced—they arise through understanding.

2. Evil Must Manifest Itself to Be Unmasked
• Why allow it “to come to maturity”?
o The consequences of sin should become evident.
o Without this manifestation, creatures would always have doubts.
• Satan’s lies: He claimed that God’s law was unjust and His rule oppressive. Only over time did it become clear that:
o Satan’s way leads to suffering and destruction.
o God’s way leads to life, peace, and joy.
The parable of the weeds (Matthew 13:24–30): The weeds are allowed to grow until harvest so that when they are pulled up, the wheat is not destroyed.

3. In the Interest of the Entire Universe
• Angels and other creatures observed the conflict (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:9).
• They were to learn from their own experience:
God’s law is good.
Rebellion leads to chaos.
God is just and loving.
This understanding will solidify trust in God for all eternity.

4. The Significance for Eternity
• After Satan’s ultimate defeat, no one will question God’s justice.
• God desires a universe without fear and doubt.
• Evil will never arise again because everyone will understand: Turning away from God leads to ruin.

Final Thought:
God did not immediately destroy Satan because He wanted to harmonize love, freedom, and justice. Evil must reveal itself so that all creatures can see: God’s way is the only good way. This revelation serves the entire universe—for everlasting peace and trust.

3.Why is it very important to understand that the conflict between God and Satan is not about mere power, but rather a conflict of a different kind? In what way does a conflict over character make sense in a way that a conflict over mere power could not?

The cosmic conflict between God and Satan is not a battle between two equals for dominion. God is all-powerful, and Satan is a created being—if it were merely a power struggle, the outcome would have been immediate. However, if the conflict were only about power, the fundamental question of God’s character and His rule would remain unanswered. The real dispute revolves around trust, truth, and justice—around the question: Is God truly good, just, and worthy of worship?

1. Power Can Enforce Obedience—but Not Trust and Love
• If God had relied solely on power:
o He could have simply destroyed Satan.
o But that would have produced fear instead of love.
o Creatures might obey God out of fear rather than trust.
True worship cannot be forced—it is based on conviction and love.

2. A Conflict Over Character Speaks to the Heart, Not Just the Mind
• Satan’s accusation: That God is unjust and oppressive.
• God’s response: Not through force, but through self-revelation:
In Jesus’ life: Love, mercy, and justice.
On the cross: God’s self-sacrifice refuted Satan’s claims.
A conflict over character challenges us to ask:
“Can I trust God? Is His way truly the best for me?”

3. Why Is a Conflict Over Character More Meaningful Than a Power Conflict?
• Power can compel obedience, but it cannot win love.
• A conflict over character addresses the core of the accusation:
o Is God a loving Father or a tyrannical ruler?
o Is His law good or restrictive?
• Over time and through experience, creatures recognize that:
God’s ways bring life.
Satan’s ways lead to suffering and death.

4. Significance for Our Lives:
We, too, face daily choices:
• Do we trust God’s Word—even when we do not fully understand it?
• Do we allow Satan’s lies about God’s character to influence us?
A power struggle demands submission.
A character conflict requires a decision of the heart: Do I trust God or not?

Final Thought:
It is crucial to recognize that the conflict between God and Satan is a battle over trust and character—not over power. God does not want forced subjects, but willing children who worship Him out of love and conviction. Therefore, He reveals His love through patience, truth, and the sacrifice on the cross. Ultimately, the question for each of us is: Whom do I trust? God’s character of love or Satan’s lies?

4.How can understanding the nature of the conflict, so to speak, “lift the veil,” in what way your life might be a microcosm of the cosmic conflict? In what way do you personally experience the reality of this conflict? How should you respond to show on whose side you truly stand?

The cosmic conflict is not just a distant battle between God and Satan in heavenly realms—it also takes place in our everyday lives. Each person is part of this struggle, often without even realizing it. Our thoughts, decisions, and priorities reflect on whose side we stand: Do we trust God’s truth, or are we deceived by Satan’s lies?

1. Our Life as a Microcosm of the Cosmic Conflict
The battle for truth, trust, and worship also unfolds in our personal lives:
• In temptations: Satan whispers, “Do what feels good. God only wants to hold something back from you.”
• In times of pain and suffering: Doubts arise, saying, “If God truly loves you, why does He allow this?”
• In the pursuit of success and recognition: The world tempts us with fame, power, and pleasure—often at the expense of integrity and faith.
In each of these moments, we must decide: Do I trust God or not?

2. How Do You Experience the Conflict in Your Life?
The conflict manifests in many areas of everyday life:
• Thoughts: Negative thoughts such as self-doubt, pride, or resentment.
• Relationships: Temptations toward conflict, envy, or unforgiveness.
• Priorities: How do you spend your time? What truly matters to you?
• Ethical decisions: Honesty at work, purity in relationships, handling money with integrity.
Ask yourself:
Where am I struggling with temptation?
Are there areas in which I question God’s ways?
How do I recognize Satan’s lies in my life?

3. How Should We Respond?
To show on whose side we stand, concrete steps are essential:
Hold fast to God’s Word:
• Jesus resisted in the wilderness by using Scripture—so should we.
• Practical tip: Memorize Bible verses that strengthen you in moments of temptation.
Consciously choose God:
• “Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only” (Matthew 4:10).
• Ask yourself when making decisions: “Does this honor God?”
Cultivate a close relationship with God:
• Daily prayer and Bible reading are not mere duties, but survival strategies in the spiritual battle.
Remain vigilant and prepared:
• Recognize temptations early. Sometimes the battle begins with a small compromise.
Seek support:
• Fellowship with other believers helps you remain strong.

4. Whose Side Do You Stand On?
Your responses in conflicts, temptations, and challenges reveal which kingdom you support.
If you find yourself tempted:
• Proclaim God’s promises aloud.
• Pray for strength.
• Remember: Jesus has already secured the victory.
If you fall:
• Get back up! God’s grace is greater than your failures.

Final Thought:
The cosmic conflict is a reality—not only in the Bible but in your everyday life. Your decisions, words, and priorities reflect whom you trust and whom you worship. Even though the battle is tough, you do not fight alone: Jesus has defeated the enemy, and through Him, you can live as a conqueror today. Stand firm in God’s truth, and you will be part of His victory.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-9-the-cosmic-conflict-9-7-questions-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/