M
milimac
Guest
I still have a hard time coming to grips with how evil first came into the world. Yes, through free will. But what could possibly have caused the very first turning away from God? I can understand the story of Adam and Eve – Satan lies to them and plants the seed that causes them to disobey and not trust God. But what could possibly have caused Satan to turn away from God in the first place and thus tempt Adam and Eve? As the story goes, Satan was an angel, a pure spirit, who for some inexplicable reason, despite knowing the consequences of the choice to turn away from God, did so anyway – a permanent choice to be separated from God. Perhaps I give Satan too much credit. After all, if he had so much knowledge as angels do, did he really think separation from God would bring him some sort of lasting benefit?
If free will is a good given to us from God, will we ever lose it? Once in heaven, will it still be possible for us to turn away from God? I suspect not, but I can’t understand how evil came into this all-good creation, so I also have a hard time coming up with a convincing reason why not. Perhaps like so many Christian things, it’s a paradox. We actually become more free by losing our ability or desire to ever choose anything but God. But why hasn’t it always been like that from when God first created the angels and then later, man?
Obviously I have too much time on my hands this evening, but I welcome your comments.
If free will is a good given to us from God, will we ever lose it? Once in heaven, will it still be possible for us to turn away from God? I suspect not, but I can’t understand how evil came into this all-good creation, so I also have a hard time coming up with a convincing reason why not. Perhaps like so many Christian things, it’s a paradox. We actually become more free by losing our ability or desire to ever choose anything but God. But why hasn’t it always been like that from when God first created the angels and then later, man?
Obviously I have too much time on my hands this evening, but I welcome your comments.