Did (Does) God Love Satan and the Fallen Angels?

[Callisto]

This might have been addressed in another topic at another time, but... I'm too lazy to search hard for it.

So the question is as stated, "Did (or does) God love Satan and the fallen angels?" I don't really know what to think about this, since angels are spiritual beings like God and are created in that sort of image, although they aren't the same as humans... but if God loves us, why wouldn't he then love the angels and sacrifice himself in Jesus to save them as well? I know that probably dabbles a bit in universalism, but it's a thought that occurred to me and I would like some outside opinions on the matter. Maybe it'd be a good question to bring up to William Lane Craig in his Q&A section.

[Ivellious]

If I read the Bible right, God loves ALL his creations without exception, Satan and the fallen angels included. God loves the sinners, rapists, murderers, thieves, and so on.

[Danieltwotwenty]

If I read the Bible right, God loves ALL his creations without exception, Satan and the fallen angels included. God loves the sinners, rapists, murderers, thieves, and so on.

I actually agree with this completely and I would like to add that God is love.
Also we will judge the angels so I guess maybe there is a redemptive plan for them 1 Corinthians 6:3
Not sure about Satan though, maybe he will get a chance at redemption but I would doubt he accept it.


Dan

[Canuckster1127]

There's often emotional appeals of this nature presented by some who are trying to justify God hating some people. Satan and Demons, the Anti-Christ, Judas, Hitler etc. etc.

Whenever I see those types of emotional appeals I'm reminded of this quote, which is not very far removed from this type of thinking .....

“You can safely assume you’ve created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.” ― Anne Lamott

[Danieltwotwenty]

Love it Bart, I am adding that to my collection.

Dan

[domokunrox]

Bart, you swing for the fences and actually make it happen.
Well done, sir.

[Callisto]

I was thinking of this question more in a theological way rather than an emotional way. I just was wondering how theologically it could be reconciled or explained biblically, and whether the idea even treaded into universalism. (I'm not sold on universalism being either right or wrong because I'm just not really sure.) Although I think we could all find extreme fault with Lucifer and the fallen angels, we can also somewhat identify because we too are in sin, which is why Christ's sacrifice was imperative. I'm not sure what to think on if perhaps some of the demons (or all of them or even Lucifer) could actually repent the way humans can, and whether Christ died for them as well, since they are also creation and have sinned.

[Canuckster1127]

Hi Callisto,

There's no indication in Scripture that I'm aware of that indicates that Satan and Demons can or would repent even if they can. As to whether God loves them, it's the nature of God to love. The rebellion of Satan and the Demons was not in the same sense as humanity. Adam and Eve were enticed and tempted to sin (by Satan) and that was part of Satan's continued rebellion against God. Satan and the fallen angels (about 1/3 of the heavenly host, has no agent involved in their rebellion. There's was an overt attempt to rebel, overthrow and dethrone God.

Scripture speaks in the future of a final binding and reckening of Satan and the demons in which they are consigned to hell which was prepared for them. In the meantime, God allows both the rebellion of Satan and the demons to continue as well as the sin of man. God's love is demonstrated in the midst of this by the redemption that Christ has bought us through his life, death, resurrection, ascension to God and His final return to usher in the Kingdom He preached of during His earthly ministry.

God's allowance of this is ultimately an act of love so that as many as will, can come to Christ. Without something in which to choose against God there is no reciprocal love between God and Man. I believe, as I said that it is the nature of God to love (Jesus revealed and taught this to us) and this is demonstrated in the internal workings between Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God's nature extends in the creation and redemption of man so that we can enter into that community (in a limited capacity). I believe God's patience in bringing this age to and end and conclusion is an exercise of His patience and love so that as many as can come will.

For whatever reason, this redemption is not available to the original rebellion that came about without temptation of another party.

That's the best answer I can give you. There are some other points of view as well. As I said, there's not a lot to go on as to why acts as He does in every situation, but I know that he acts consistently with His love and nature.

[B. W.]

I was thinking of this question more in a theological way rather than an emotional way. I just was wondering how theologically it could be reconciled or explained biblically, and whether the idea even treaded into universalism. (I'm not sold on universalism being either right or wrong because I'm just not really sure.) Although I think we could all find extreme fault with Lucifer and the fallen angels, we can also somewhat identify because we too are in sin, which is why Christ's sacrifice was imperative. I'm not sure what to think on if perhaps some of the demons (or all of them or even Lucifer) could actually repent the way humans can, and whether Christ died for them as well, since they are also creation and have sinned.

Origen was one of the first to speculate on this topic. Please check out the links as they'll provide some needed background information.

http://www.churchhistory101.com/feedbac ... salism.php

http://www.religionfacts.com/christiani ... origen.htm

Universalism dictates to God what is right for man. In doing so, it eradicates moral responsibly/ accountably of God first and second, mans. It makes the cross of Christ, pointless, and the work of Christ vanity of vanities. The Universalist man molds the God of all creation into an idol shaped into a lovey dovey cream puff in the sky too sugary sweet to really be palatable to provide any real lasting nourishment for any growing soul. With a view like that, the devil becomes a dentist waiting to fill ones rotting teeth without zilocaine, or a happy undertaker profiting off the malnourished starvation of the soul.

As for devil and the demons, Jesus stated in Matt 25:41, hell was created them and for those that seek their ways. That hell is eternal. We as human beings like to think love conquers all, but it does not. In fact, it keeps beings in a state of seeking to game such love, exploit it, profit from it, abuse it, continually taking advantage of it, without remorse or pity. In fact, it reaches out dictating to God what would be right for them, and that right – remain as they are in some justified purified state where heaven becomes like the corruption on earth that no cream puff deity can resist.

Isaiah 26:10, "Let grace be shown to the wicked, Yet he will not learn righteousness; In the land of uprightness he will deal unjustly, And will not behold the majesty of the LORD." NKJV
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[Callisto]

Thanks everyone.