Expert: Pastor Kimberly Lemler - 1/4/2007

Question
I have had some questions for a really long time.  Here is one.

There are crimes of omission - can we agree upon that?  I see an old lady in the cross walk and being able bodied I could save her from the oncoming bus but I do not -- I allow her freedom of choice.

When God created Lucifer... did he not know he would become Satan... of course he did... So is God culpable?  why not?

Answer
Dear Jeff,
Thank you for writing. What you are asking me is if God is fallible...and has he committed a crime. The answer is without hesitation, no.

 The crimes of omission you are discussing...those can be committed by people, but God does not sin and is not guilty of any crimes. He is perfect in all ways. We must remember that His ways are higher than ours and we don't always understand them.

  He created Lucifer...but Lucifer fell...and became satan. The Bible tells us that satan is the god of this World. Yes, God is in control to the extent that WE do our parts. God gave US authority over satan and sadly, most people do not understand this, let alone actually take authority over satan. God's hands are tied so often because we are not being obedient to the Word.

  Have you read the end of the book? We win. Satan loses. It's already a done deal. The keys were take away when Jesus  disarmed him. That's the reason WE now have authority, through Christ, to overcome satan, and we can live victorious lives.  

 Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire after the 1000 year reign. Then there will be a new heaven and earth and evil will be a thing of the past...and will never rear its head again.

 So God knew that Lucifer would become satan and he also knew that satan would wind up in the lake of fire. He is omniscient.

 In His Service,
 Rev. Lemler