Bible Question:

Why or how did the angel (Satan) become evil even though he was in the presence of God?

Bible Answer:

God is not responsible for Satan’s sin (James 1:13). God allowed Lucifer, or Satan, the freedom to sin and he did.

You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The ruby, the topaz, and the diamond; The beryl, the onyx, and the jasper; The lapis lazuli, the turquoise, and the emerald; And the gold, the workmanship of your settings and sockets, Was in you. On the day that you were created They were prepared. You were the anointed cherub who covers . . . You were blameless in your ways From the day you were created, until unrighteousness was found in you . . . Therefore I have cast you as profane From the mountain of God. And I have destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the stones of fire. Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty. (NASB) Ezekiel 28:13-17

Satan was the anointed “cherub who covers.” He was a created angel who visited Eve in the garden of Eden. He was created as a holy angel. He knew that he was stunningly beautiful, and that was his downfall. He became proud. He wanted to be like God according to Isaiah 14:14.

I will make myself like the Most High. (NASB) Isa. 14:14

At this point that he became an evil or fallen angel. Sometimes we call the angels who follow Satan demons, evil angels, spirits and evil spirits. Scripture tells us that a band of angels followed Satan when he sinned, and so God cast them out of heaven along with Satan (Revelation 12:4). These angels are the members of Satan’s kingdom (Matthew 12:24-26).

Conclusion:

Satan is a deceiver who tries to deceive us into disobeying God.

And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. (NASB) Rev. 12:9

He whispers in our ear that our sin is not really bad. He tells us that God cannot be trusted and the Bible is not true. His questions are simple, “Is there really a God?” “Oh, God cannot be trusted.” He tries to make us believe that God is not real and that God does not care about us. He is a deceiver. He is at war with us and our defense is the armor of God (Ephesians 6:12).

Suggested Links:

Searching For God
Angels - Good & Evil
Filled With The Spirit
Armor of God, part 1 - audio
Armor of God, part 2 - audio