Why is there so much pain in a world made by a good God? The Bible pulls back the curtain. A war began in heaven when Lucifer, a beautiful and gifted angel, became proud and wanted to be “like the most High” (Isaiah 14:14). He was “perfect in thy ways… till iniquity was found in thee” (Ezekiel 28:15). He and the angels who followed him were cast out (Revelation 12:7-9). We know him as the devil, or Satan.
In Eden, Satan led Adam and Eve to doubt God’s word, and sin entered our world (Genesis 3). Since then the whole earth has been part of this conflict, the great controversy between Christ and Satan. At its heart is a question about God’s character: is He loving and fair, or harsh and selfish, as Satan claims? That is why “we wrestle not against flesh and blood” but against spiritual powers (Ephesians 6:12).
Right after the fall, God promised a Saviour who would bruise the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). At the cross Jesus showed the universe what God is really like and defeated Satan (John 12:31-32). The battle is not over yet, but its end is certain, and we stand on the winning side when we trust Jesus. God’s people overcome “by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11).
Key Bible verses
- Revelation 12:7-9War in heaven; the dragon cast out.
- Isaiah 14:12-14I will be like the most High.
- Ezekiel 28:12-17Perfect till iniquity was found in him.
- Genesis 3:1-15The fall, and the first promise of a Saviour.
- Ephesians 6:10-12We wrestle against spiritual powers.
- John 12:31-32The prince of this world cast out at the cross.
- Revelation 12:11They overcame by the blood of the Lamb.
Tap a reference to read it in the Bible.
Think about it
- How does the great controversy help you understand the suffering you see around you?
- What lies about God’s character have you heard, and how does the life of Jesus answer them?
- Revelation 12:11 speaks of “the word of their testimony”. What is your testimony of what God has done for you?
