THE present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living. Thinking men and women of all classes have their attention fixed on the events that seem to be hastening the world forward in an ever-increasing momentum toward its rendezvous with destiny. Statesmen, rulers, church leaders, business men, men and women everywhere sense that something great and decisive is about to take place – that the world is on the verge of a stupendous crisis.
To many minds, origin of sin and the reason for its existence are a source of great perplexity. They see the worth of evil, with its terrible results of who and desolation, and they question how all this can exist under the sovereignty of one who is infinite in wisdom, in power, and in love. Here is a mystery, of which they find no explanation. And in their uncertainty and doubt, they are blinded to truths plainly revealed in God’s word, and essential to salvation. There are those who, in their inquiries concerning the existence of sin, endeavour to search into that which God has never revealed; hence they find no solution of their difficulties; and such as are actuated by a disposition of doubt, and coil, seize upon this as an excuse for rejecting the words of Holy Writ. Others, however, fail of a satisfactory understanding of the great problem of evil, from the fact that tradition and misinterpretation have obscured the teaching of the Bible concerning the character of God, the nature of His government, and the principles of his dealing with sin.
It is impossible to explain the origin of sin as to give a reason for its existence. Yet enough may be understood concerning both the beginning and the final disposition of sin, to fully make manifest the justice and benevolence of God in his dealings with evil. Nothing is more plainly taught in scripture than that God was in no wise responsible for the entrance of sin, that there was no arbitrary withdrawal of divine grace, no deficiency in the divine government, that gave occasion for the uprising of rebellion. Sin is an intruder, for whose presence no reason can be given. It is mysterious, unaccountable, to excuse it, is to defend it. Could excuse for it be found, or cause be shown for its existence, it would cease to be sin.
Our only definition of sin is that given in the word of God; it is “the transgression of other law,” it is the out working of a principle at war with the great law of love which is the foundation of the divine government.
Before the entrance of evil, there was peace and joy throughout the universe. All was in perfect harmony with the creator’s love for God was supreme, love for one another impartial. Christ the word, the only begotten of God, was one with the eternal father – one in nature, in character, and in purpose – the only being in all the universe that could enter into all the counsels and purpose of God. By Christ, the father wrought in the creation of all heavenly beings. “For by Him were all things created that are in heaven… whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers,” (Col. 1:16) and to Christ, equally with the father, all Heaven gave allegiance.
The law of love being the foundation of the government of God the happiness of all created begins depended upon their perfect accord with its great principles of righteousness. God desires from all His creatures the service of love – homage that springs from an intelligent appreciation of His character. He takes no pleasure in a forced allegiance, and to all the grants freedom of will, that they may render Him voluntary service.
But there was one that chose to prevent this freedom. Sin originated with him, who. Next to Christ, had been most honored of God, and who stood highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of Heaven. Before his fall, Lucifer was first of the covering cherubs, holy and undefiled. “Thus saith the Lord God; thou sealest up the sum full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the Garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering.” “Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so; thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou was created, till iniquity wast found in thee.” Ecc 28:12-15, 17).
Lucifer might have remained in favour with God, beloved and honored by all the angelic host, exercising the noble powers to bless others and to glorify his maker. But, says the prophet, “thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted they wisdom by reason of they brightness.” (Ec. 28:17, Isa. 14:13, 14) little by little Lucifer came to indulge a desire for self-exaltation. “Thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God.” “Thou hast said… I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation.” “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the most High.” (Isa. 14:13, 140). Instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of His creatures it was Lucifer’s endeavour to win their service and homage to himself. And, coveting the honour which the infinite father had bestowed upon his son, this prince of angels aspired to power which it was the prerogative of Christ alone to wield.
All Heaven had rejoiced to reflect the creator’s glory and to show forth His praise. And while God was thus honored, all had been peace and gladness. But a note of discord now marred the celestial harmonies. The service and exaltation of self, contrary to the creator’s plan, awakened forebodings of evil in minds to whom God’s glory was supreme. The heavenly councils pleaded with Lucifer. The son of God presented before him the greatness, the goodness, and the justice of the creator, and the sacred, unchanging nature of His law. God Himself had established the order of Heaven, and brings ruin upon himself. But the warning, given in infinite love and mercy, only aroused a spirit of resistance. Lucifer allowed jealousy of Christ to prevail, and he became the more determined.