Nuggets from Countdown to the Second Coming—A God of Infinite Majesty (Part 3) | thebereancall.org

Dave Hunt

How evil could arise in God’s “good” universe (Genesis:1:31) is a mystery—“the mystery of iniquity” (2 Thessalonians:2:7). It will reach its fullness in Antichrist, through whom Satan will rule the world. In Antichrist, as God was manifested in Christ, so Satan will be manifested in the flesh, although not in the “fullness of the Godhead” of Christ (Colossians:2:9).

Satan must be brilliant beyond our comprehension, apparently second only to God in power and understanding. It is a mystery that Satan, having known intimately the holy and glorious presence and power of God on His throne, could ever have dared, much less desired, to rebel. How could he have imagined that he could ever defeat God? Surely, this is a great mystery!

Satan was not raised in a “dysfunctional family” or in a ghetto, nor was he “abused as a child.” None of the standard excuses for rebellious and selfish behavior accepted by today’s Christian psychologists applies to Satan—or to Adam and Eve. To accept any explanation for evil that doesn’t fit them is to be deceived. Certainly today’s popular diagnosis of “low self-esteem” or a “poor self-image” was not Satan’s problem!

Scripture says he was lifted up with pride: “O covering cherub....Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty” (Ezekiel:28:17). He is apparently a self-deceived ego-maniac, blinded by pride in his own power and abilities.