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NASB | Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?" |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty (subtle, skilled in deceit) than any living creature of the field which the LORD God had made. And the serpent (Satan) said to the woman, "Can it really be that God has said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?" [Rev 12:9-11] |
Bible Question:
ENTER THE DRAGON ("...He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth becase there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44 ) From a Calvinistic point of view, Man was created good and then, according to the will of God, became evil. This is also the case with some of the angels; they were condemned when they sinned (II Pet. 2:4; Jude 6). But in Satan's case, how would it be contrary to the goodness of God for God to have created Satan evil? Is it not the right of the the Potter to make a vessel as he sees fit, to "prepare some for destruction? (Rom 9:21) Was Agatha Christy evil for writing murder mysteries? And weren't they "good" stories? But it is noteworthy that though everything was made in the space of six days, including Satan, his first appearance on the scene is as an evil being. If he were created good how did he fall and so quickly? (Note that I do not accept the popular interpretaion of Ezek. 28 regarding the fall of Satan.) Lionstrong |
Bible Answer: Dear Lionstrong... You asked concerning Satan, "If he were created good how did he fall and so quickly?" He was a murderer from the beginning, the beginning of time of course. But God and his angels are outside of time as man percieves time to be. I think that ISA 14:12-15 "How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn!...." is how he fell. And I think that LK 10:18 "He replied, 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.'" is falling very fast :) But there is plenty of "time" that is outside of our time. And plenty of time to exercise free will. After all it did not take Adam very long either. God Bless....Jensen |