Central to biblical theology is the great controversy between Christ and Satan. Although the idea of a cosmic conflict between God and celestial creatures who have fallen and rebelled against God is a prominent motif of Scripture (Matthew 13:24–30, 37–39; Revelation 12:7–10) and also is prevalent in much of Christian tradition, many Christians have rejected or neglected the whole idea.
From a biblical perspective, however, the theme of a cosmic conflict, in which the kingdom of God is opposed by the devil and his angels, is not one that we can neglect without missing a great deal of what the biblical narratives are about. The Gospels alone are filled with references to the devil and demons who oppose God.
To begin with this week, we will address how the two following questions might be answered according to some crucial biblical passages:
1. Where does Scripture teach that there is a cosmic conflict between God and Satan?
2. According to Scripture, what is the nature of the conflict?
Thought questions: Why did God not simply blot Satan out of existence right away? Why must evil “be permitted to come to maturity”? How is this “for the good of the entire universe through ceaseless ages”?