TO many minds the origin of sin and the reason
for its existence are a source of great perplexity. They see the work
of evil, with its terrible results of woe 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.
It is impossible to explain the origin of sin so as to give a reason
for its existence. Yet enough may be understood concerning both the
origin and the final disposition of sin to make fully manifest the
justice and benevolence of God in all His dealings with evil. Sin
is an intruder, for whose presence no reason can be given. 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 the law."
God's Love Versus Pride
The law of love being the foundation of the government of God, the
happiness of all created beings 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 He grants freedom of will, that
they may render Him voluntary service. But there was one that chose
to pervert 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. See Ezekiel 28:12<196>15.
Lucifer might have remained in favor with God, beloved and honored
by all the angelic host, exercising his 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 thy wisdom by
reason of thy brightness." Ezekiel 28:17. Little by little, Lucifer
came to indulge a desire for self-exaltation. "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." Isaiah 14:13-14.
Instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance
of His creatures, it was Lucifer's endeavor to win their service and
homage to himself. And coveting the honor 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.
The Son of God was the acknowledged Sovereign of heaven, one in power
and authority with the Father. In all the councils of God, Christ
was a participant, while Lucifer was not permitted thus to enter into
the divine purposes. "Why," questioned this mighty angel,
"should Christ have the supremacy? Why is He thus honored above
Lucifer?"
Clothed With Mystery
Satan had been so highly honored, and all his acts were so clothed
with mystery, that it was difficult to disclose to the angels the
true nature of his work. Until fully developed, sin would not appear
the evil thing it was. Heretofore it had had no place in the universe
of God, and holy beings had no conception of its nature and malignity.
They could not discern the terrible consequences that would result
from setting aside the divine law. In His dealing with sin, God could
employ only righteousness and truth. Satan could use what God could
not--flattery and deceit. The discord which his own course had
caused in heaven, Satan charged upon the law and government of God.
All evil he declared to be the result of the divine administration.
He claimed that it was his own object to improve upon the statutes
of Jehovah. Therefore it was necessary that he should demonstrate
the nature of his claims, and show the working out of his proposed
changes in the divine law. His own work must condemn him. Satan had
claimed from the first that he was not in rebellion. He must have
time to manifest himself by his wicked works. The whole universe must
see the deceiver unmasked.
The Same Spirit
The same spirit that prompted rebellion in heaven still inspires rebellion
on earth. Satan has continued with men the same policy which he pursued
with the angels. By the same misrepresentation of the character of
God as he had practiced in heaven, causing Him to be regarded as severe
and tyrannical, Satan induced man to sin. And having succeeded thus
far, he declared that God's unjust restrictions had led to man's Fall,
as they had led to his own rebellion. God gave an evidence of His
love by yielding up His only begotten Son to die for the fallen race.
In the atonement the character of God is revealed. The mighty argument
of the cross demonstrates to the whole universe that the course of
sin which Lucifer had chosen was in no wise chargeable upon the government
of God.
More Than Redemption
It was not merely to accomplish the redemption of man that Christ
came to the earth to suffer and to die. He came to "magnify the law"
and to "make it honorable." Not alone that the inhabitants of this
world might regard the law as it should be regarded; but it was to
demonstrate to all the worlds of the universe that God's law is unchangeable.
Could its claims have been set aside, then the Son of God need not
have yielded up His life to atone for its transgression. The death
of Christ proves it immutable.
In the final execution of the judgment it will be seen that no cause
for sin exists. The cross of Calvary, while it declares the law immutable,
proclaims to the universe that the wages of sin is death. In the Saviour's
expiring cry, "It is finished," the death knell of Satan was rung.
The great controversy which had been so long in progress was then
decided, and the final eradication of evil was made certain. The whole
universe will have become witnesses to the nature and results of sin.