I fully believe the bible to be true and I also know I don't fully understand it all. I am also convinced we can understand what is said and what the context is, if we choose to study and search out the answers (through reading and studying His word [the bible], praying and waiting, and seeking wise counsel). When I have these questions, I am usually able to find an answer to them from what I have already read or understand; however, sometimes I am still uncertain how to answer or find the answers to some of my questions. I think I pretty much figured out the answer to this one, yet there are some things that remain and will probably remain a mystery until I am able to (and if I remember to) ask God on the other side of this life.
I was recently reminded, via radio program, about Christ's victory over satan, sin, and death. Granted, I've heard it before and so much that it had become one of those, almost cliched things a Christian knows: "My sin is covered by the blood of Christ. / Nothing that I have done or can do can make me good enough, only Christ's work on the cross"
As the preacher was talking about the defeat of satan at the cross, that got me to thinking: how could satan actually be a contender against God, let alone have "won" at any time during this "contest"?
The reason behind this question is because of my limited capacity to fully understand God's plan and reasoning; however, I trust His ability and decisions to be perfect. Back to my question(s):
- If God is all powerful and perfect; how could satan even be considered a contending force in the war between good and evil, let alone for there be a contest or even war?
- Can satan still "win" or have battlefield victories, not necessarily ultimately winning the war?
- If only the power of Christ's (God's) blood sacrifice could defeat the cost of sin (spiritual death) and allow us the opportunity to be back into a full relationship with God; how come Moses and Elijah appeared with Christ on the mountain at His (Christ's transfiguration) (Matthew 17; Mark 9; Luke 9)? I mean, I thought we were completely separated from God because of our sin and unrighteousness, and yet, both Moses and Elijah appear prior to Christ's work on the cross ("it is finished").
I'm not sure if there is a better order to address these. So, I will start with them as they were asked.
How could satan be a "contender"?
We have to understand that God knows right and wrong (knowledge of good and evil). We (humanity), or more specifically Adam and Eve, were once innocent of this knowledge -- this is actually making me think of another postulate: "Knowledge of good and evil". We were created with the capacity to sin and to have that knowledge of good and evil. Satan was once perfect and full of knowledge (Ez 28:11+), yet he had the capacity to sin. Sin - any sin - is an abomination and horrible act against God. When anyone is acting against someone or something, the term "against" usually means opposite force. So, not only is satan a contender; but, so are we when we go against God. This doesn't mean anyone stands a chance against God; however, all have at some time and some even continue to contend against God. According to the bible, in the very end, God wins; so, it's much better to be on His side. Thankfully, He is very patient and graceful to provide a way for us to be on His side through Jesus.
Can satan win?
Ultimately, no. However, satan continues to win battles and souls every time someone dies in their sin -- dies without repentance and confession of sin (to God) and without trusting in Christ. Satan's "victories" are not something he gets to enjoy. It's not like he has a trophy room he visits. These lost souls will just partake in the same eternal fate as he. He still has temporary victory over many lives this side of heaven by being able to tempt everyone, using others to cause pain, and attacking God's people in some form or another; but, again, satan's attacks are ultimately futile on those who cling to Christ.
Appearance of Moses and Elijah prior to "it is finished".
This one will probably stir up more questions and will probably be chalked up to "one of those mysteries".
I would have to study more; but, I understand that the "appearance" of Moses and Elijah are symbolic of the law and the prophets available to people prior to the Messiah (old testament). The other thing I don't get, however, is the text mentions the other two appearing as men; yet, they were recognized as Moses and Elijah.
In the old testament, Elijah never dies; however, he is taken up to heaven. So, even though he was not perfect and not sinless, God was well pleased with him and took him up to heaven (same thing happened to Enoch). Moses did die and actually didn't get to see the promise land (before his death) because of his own disobedience; however, he was still Gods servant and was pleasing enough to God to be brought into God's presence (heaven). God is God and he can do whatever He wants and I have to trust Him and His decisions. I guess this shows my "fleshly desires"; but, I have to accept it even if it sounds like a "cop-out" answer and I can't find any other explanation for it. I am satisfied with it being unknown.
I'm not sure if there is a better order to address these. So, I will start with them as they were asked.
How could satan be a "contender"?
We have to understand that God knows right and wrong (knowledge of good and evil). We (humanity), or more specifically Adam and Eve, were once innocent of this knowledge -- this is actually making me think of another postulate: "Knowledge of good and evil". We were created with the capacity to sin and to have that knowledge of good and evil. Satan was once perfect and full of knowledge (Ez 28:11+), yet he had the capacity to sin. Sin - any sin - is an abomination and horrible act against God. When anyone is acting against someone or something, the term "against" usually means opposite force. So, not only is satan a contender; but, so are we when we go against God. This doesn't mean anyone stands a chance against God; however, all have at some time and some even continue to contend against God. According to the bible, in the very end, God wins; so, it's much better to be on His side. Thankfully, He is very patient and graceful to provide a way for us to be on His side through Jesus.
Can satan win?
Ultimately, no. However, satan continues to win battles and souls every time someone dies in their sin -- dies without repentance and confession of sin (to God) and without trusting in Christ. Satan's "victories" are not something he gets to enjoy. It's not like he has a trophy room he visits. These lost souls will just partake in the same eternal fate as he. He still has temporary victory over many lives this side of heaven by being able to tempt everyone, using others to cause pain, and attacking God's people in some form or another; but, again, satan's attacks are ultimately futile on those who cling to Christ.
Appearance of Moses and Elijah prior to "it is finished".
This one will probably stir up more questions and will probably be chalked up to "one of those mysteries".
I would have to study more; but, I understand that the "appearance" of Moses and Elijah are symbolic of the law and the prophets available to people prior to the Messiah (old testament). The other thing I don't get, however, is the text mentions the other two appearing as men; yet, they were recognized as Moses and Elijah.
In the old testament, Elijah never dies; however, he is taken up to heaven. So, even though he was not perfect and not sinless, God was well pleased with him and took him up to heaven (same thing happened to Enoch). Moses did die and actually didn't get to see the promise land (before his death) because of his own disobedience; however, he was still Gods servant and was pleasing enough to God to be brought into God's presence (heaven). God is God and he can do whatever He wants and I have to trust Him and His decisions. I guess this shows my "fleshly desires"; but, I have to accept it even if it sounds like a "cop-out" answer and I can't find any other explanation for it. I am satisfied with it being unknown.
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