Where Did Evil Come From?
Evil didn’t start with God. It began when Lucifer, one of God’s own angels, decided he could be good without following God’s guidance. He convinced a third of the angels to agree with him, and that idea, that we don’t really need God’s instructions, is how sin entered a universe that used to be perfect.
Frequently asked questions
Why did God allow Lucifer to rebel?
Real love only works if it's a real choice, so God let Lucifer's claim get tested out in the open. That way, every angel and every person could see for themselves what happens when someone tries to be good while rejecting God's guidance.
Bible references
Ezekiel 28:14-17Show verseHide verse
14You were the anointed cherub who covers. Then I set you up on the holy mountain of God. You have walked up and down in the middle of the stones of fire.
15You were perfect in your ways from the day that you were created, until unrighteousness was found in you.
16By the abundance of your commerce, your insides were filled with violence, and you have sinned. Therefore I have cast you as profane out of God’s mountain. I have destroyed you, covering cherub, from the middle of the stones of fire.
17Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty. You have corrupted your wisdom by reason of your splendor. I have cast you to the ground. I have laid you before kings, that they may see you.
Read it on Bible GatewayRevelation 12:4Show verseHide verse
4His tail drew one third of the stars of the sky, and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child.
Read it on Bible Gateway
World English Bible (public domain)