3. WHY DID GOD PERMIT SIN?
3.1 God’s Character and Freedom
“God is love.” — 1 John 4:8
God created intelligent beings with freedom of choice. Love cannot exist without freedom.
3.2 Purpose of Allowing Sin
If God had destroyed Satan immediately:
Fear, not love, would have governed obedience
The universe would not understand the nature of rebellion
Satan’s character had to be fully revealed.
3.3 Christ’s Role in the Conflict
“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” — 1 John 3:8
Christ revealed sin’s true nature through His life and death.
3.4 Final Destruction of Satan
“Through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” — Hebrews 2:14
Satan will be destroyed after the final judgment, when all have made their decision.
3.5 Victory Over Temptation
“Put on the whole armour of God…” — Ephesians 6:10–11
The believer’s armor includes:
Truth
Righteousness
Gospel of peace
Faith
Salvation
The Word of God
Prayer
3.6 How to Overcome Satan
“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7
“I can do all things through Christ…” — Philippians 4:13
Victory comes through surrender to Christ.
Conclusion (Section 3)
God will ultimately eliminate sin and restore a perfect world. His purpose cannot be stopped (Isaiah 14:26–27).