JustWondering
Member
I was just wondering (hence my name) where we get the traditional concept of Satan? I'm referring to the commonly understood idea that he is a fallen angel who rebelled against God and took 1/3 of the angels with him. What are the scriptures that support this story? I know about Isaiah 14:12, but can we be certain this is referring to Satan? In the KJV that verse refers to Lucifer, but I noticed in the NIV, it doesn't include the reference to Lucifer. Also, it seems to be directed as a taunt against the King of Babylon, so why do we infer those verses to be about Satan?
I also read Ezekiel 28, which I think many people interpret to be verses about Satan's rebellion and exile from Heaven. But again, in context, it seems to be directed to the earthly ruler of Tyre, so why is it applied to Satan? Where are the verses that refer to the 1/3 of angels being banished with him? I couldn't find that one.
Lastly, I have a more general philosophical question. When Satan rebelled and got expelled from Heaven, why did God banish him to Earth? With an entire universe at His disposal, wouldn't it have made more sense to put Satan somewhere far away from God's children? If it's true that Satan's entire purpose is to destroy us and keep people from coming to Christ, why would God intentionally allow Satan to dwell on the same planet as His children? The Bible says God wants everyone to be saved, and no one to perish, but wouldn't we (humanity) have a much higher success rate if Satan and his demons weren't here with us?
To me, it is similar to an earthly parent having a rottweiler or pit bull and finding out they have rabies. Then, instead of putting the dog to sleep or confining it somewhere very far away and safe, the parent intentionally let's the dog stay in the backyard where all the kids are playing.
I don't mean to be disrespectful here, I'm just wondering what reasons God might have for doing this.
I also read Ezekiel 28, which I think many people interpret to be verses about Satan's rebellion and exile from Heaven. But again, in context, it seems to be directed to the earthly ruler of Tyre, so why is it applied to Satan? Where are the verses that refer to the 1/3 of angels being banished with him? I couldn't find that one.
Lastly, I have a more general philosophical question. When Satan rebelled and got expelled from Heaven, why did God banish him to Earth? With an entire universe at His disposal, wouldn't it have made more sense to put Satan somewhere far away from God's children? If it's true that Satan's entire purpose is to destroy us and keep people from coming to Christ, why would God intentionally allow Satan to dwell on the same planet as His children? The Bible says God wants everyone to be saved, and no one to perish, but wouldn't we (humanity) have a much higher success rate if Satan and his demons weren't here with us?
To me, it is similar to an earthly parent having a rottweiler or pit bull and finding out they have rabies. Then, instead of putting the dog to sleep or confining it somewhere very far away and safe, the parent intentionally let's the dog stay in the backyard where all the kids are playing.
I don't mean to be disrespectful here, I'm just wondering what reasons God might have for doing this.