Kids Feedback: Why Did God Create Lucifer?

Why did God create angels if He knew that Lucifer was going to turn on him? And why did He create people if He knew Adam & Eve were going to sin?

– Bethany, Florida

Bethany, these are both excellent questions. While the Bible does not give us a direct answer to these questions, we can find some scripture passages that indirectly give us an answer.

First of all, we know from Genesis 1:31 that God created everything to be “very good.” Everything that God made was originally perfect! Unfortunately, Lucifer sinned by rebelling against God at some point after the Creation Week (Isaiah 14:12–15). Adam and Eve also sinned by rebelling against God (Genesis 3:1–11). They chose to eat the forbidden fruit, and as a result, the earth was cursed because of sin (Genesis 3:17–18). We live in a world affected by the consequences of their sin. Of course, God knew that all this would happen.

Colossian 1:16 tells us that God created all things “through Him and for Him.

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16

So, your answer is basically that God created Lucifer, the angels that chose to rebel, and people because He wanted to. Let’s explore this a little further.

Not only did God create all things, but he also gave angels and people the freedom to rebel against Him. And rebel is exactly what Lucifer, the fallen angels, Adam, Eve, and all of us have done. We have sinned and rebelled against God, so we are all guilty.

Here in another verse that reveals God’s purpose. John 3:16 states that God loves the world and sent His Son to die on the cross, because of this love.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. John 3:16–19

God knew that Adam and Eve’s sin would separate all mankind from Him. He also knew that sin would result in death. God, in His love and mercy, provided a way for people to be reconciled (have a repaired relationship) with Him.

Do you remember the story of Job? Job was a man horribly affected by pain, suffering and death. He did not understand God’s reasoning for allowing these things to happen. Job had a lot of questions for God, just like many of us do today. Fortunately, we have the book of Job in the Bible, and can read God’s response. After questioning God and listening to His reply, Job says:

“I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.” Job 42:2–3

We also need to realize that there are things we do not fully understand. God has a wonderful plan that stretches into eternity, full of things that we “do not know.” It is important to remember that God is in control and that He promises to work everything (even the bad things) together for the good of those who love Him. Sometimes we need to trust Him and walk in faith.

Of course, sin and a broken world are not the end of story. Let’s not forget that some day God will make a new heaven and a new earth (Rev. 21:1). There will be no more pain, tears or death (Rev. 21:4). Everyone who has asked Jesus to save them from the penalty of their sins will be with Him for all eternity (Rev. 22:1–5)! Are you ready for that day? Have you accepted Christ’s redeeming work on the cross? It is a free gift! If you want to receive Christ’s free gift of salvation, please read Good News.

Why do a husband and wife decide to have children? After all, they must realize that there is a possibility that the children will reject God and be lost for eternity. Could it be that the husband and wife believe the love they are able to bestow upon the children, and the love returned by obedient children make it all worthwhile? In a similar way, could it be that God thinks that the 2/3 of the angels who are still holy, and the millions of redeemed people who will worship Him for all eternity are worth the trouble?

We know that God is not pleased when the wicked die (Ezekiel 33:11), but it is precious in His sight when one of His saints passes away (Psalm 116:15), and there is joy in the presence of angels when a sinner repents (Luke 15:10). Why? Obviously, He does not want to sentence someone to eternity apart from Him (2 Peter 3:9), but He is also holy and just, so He does. Since God is love (1 John 4:8, 16), perhaps He enjoys (pleasures in) showering His love on His creation.

We must keep in mind that God created a perfect world and we are the ones who messed it up. So even though God knew Satan and 1/3 of the angels would rebel, and much of mankind would reject His offer of salvation, it is not His fault that they rebelled.

Ultimately, we can state positively that God wanted to create the angels and mankind and that He enjoys showing His love and being loved in return.

Tim Chaffey, AiG–U.S.

Parents, if your children have any questions, please submit them using the “contact us” section on our main website.