One question that often troubles people who believe in a loving and all-powerful God is this: why is there evil in the world and why does the devil exist at all?

To understand this, we must begin with what the Bible reveals. Before humans, God created angels; beings that co-exist in heaven with God and subscribe to His commands.

The devil, also known as Satan, was not created evil. Scripture describes him as a fallen angel named Lucifer, who once held a position of great beauty, intelligence, wisdom, and authority. But pride entered his heart. He desired to exalt himself above God and, in doing so, rebelled against the very One who had created him.

Isaiah writes, “How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! … You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God.’” (Isaiah 14:12–14). In his rebellion, Satan was cast out of heaven, along with other angels who followed him (Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:7-9).

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Free Will and the Reality of Evil

Why would God allow such a being to exist? The answer lies again in the nature of free will. Love and obedience have meaning only when they are chosen freely. God gave both angels and humans the ability to choose between good and evil. Without that freedom, there could be no genuine love or moral growth.

The devil’s existence and evil in the world show what happens when free will is misused. Satan represents the ultimate rejection of God’s goodness — a created being, that turned inward, seeking power and self-worship instead of serving his Creator.

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The Devil’s Work

Throughout Scripture, the devil is depicted as the deceiver, the tempter, and the accuser. His purpose is to draw people away from God’s truth, to sow doubt, division, and despair. Jesus called him “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).

The devil encourages us to ponder the difference between right and wrong, and to submit to the temptation of evil that is contrary to the laws of God.

Yet the Bible also makes clear that Satan’s power is limited. He cannot act without God’s permission, and his influence operates within the boundaries God allows. Even in temptation, God provides a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13).

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Christ’s Victory

The good news is that evil does not win. The mission of Jesus was to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus broke the power of sin and opened the way to eternal life.

When Jesus rose from the dead, He proved that love is stronger than hate, truth is stronger than deceit, and God’s plan cannot be overthrown. The devil may still tempt and trouble, but his defeat is certain. As Paul assures us: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20).

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Conclusion

The existence of the devil does not contradict the goodness of God—it highlights the reality of human and spiritual freedom. Evil is the misuse of that freedom, but it will not endure forever.

The devil is the foundation of temptation and his plan is to encourage evil and steer believers away from God. God allows the devil’s existence for now as part of the moral testing ground of life — a reminder that faith and goodness are choices. In the end, God’s justice and love will prevail, and evil will be no more.

The devil’s time is temporary; he will be out of a job on the day of Judgement. Whereas God’s kingdom is eternal and will endure forever.

Mike.

mike@acaseforgod.com

Post 24 of a 33-part series exploring the evidence for the existence of God.

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My next blog (in two parts) ventures for the first time into the world of ‘miracles’. Please join me.