This lesson explores the spiritual realm, focusing on the distinction between good and evil spirits. It emphasizes that there are two types of spirits: holy spirits, aligned with God, and evil spirits, which are fallen angels that rebelled against God. The lesson aims to deepen our understanding of God’s nature and character compared to that of Satan, as well as to examine the origins of evil.
Key points include the understanding of God as the ultimate source of goodness, described as “I AM” and the Creator of all things. In contrast, Satan, originally created as a high-ranking angel, fell from grace due to pride and the desire to be like God. This rebellion led to the creation of demons, who now serve as agents of evil in the world.
The lesson underscores the importance of spiritual discernment to navigate the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil. It warns that Satan and his demons often disguise themselves as angels of light, making it crucial for individuals to recognize and resist their deceptive influences. Ultimately, the lesson calls for a commitment to humility and reliance on God as the foundation of all that is good.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
Distinguishing Good vs. Evil Part One
There are two kinds of spirits. Holy spirits and evil spirits.
The two main discussion points will be:
1) Understanding the distinctions between the nature and character of God versus Satan.
2) Examining explanations for Satan’s origins.
We will begin by exploring the identity of God.
1. Who is God?
When contemplating God, what attributes come to mind?
– God is Spirit. Worship Him in spirit and in truth.
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.
– Creator of the heavens and the earth.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
– Father of all.
one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
– One God: You are alone.
LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.
– “I AM”. Self-existence.
God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.”
Jehovah was one of the names used for God. We do not address God casually by his name Jehovah out of respect. Instead, we respectfully call him Lord, just as we would call our earthly father out of respect.
When God spoke to Moses, He introduced Himself as “I AM WHO I AM” – meaning He is the eternal, self-existent One with no beginning and no end. He does not need a creator, because He has always existed.
God is the source and standard of life itself. He does not need someone else to give Him life, because He is life. Similarly, He does not need someone else to give Him light, because He is light. Let’s understand what God is the standard of:
A certain ruler asked him, ‘Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’
Why do you call me good?’ Jesus answered. ‘No one is good–except God alone.
Jesus answered, “No one is good except God alone.” Jesus was doing many wonderful things for people – going around healing, teaching with compassion, and performing good deeds. When someone called Jesus “Good teacher,” he had to reframe their concept of “good.”
Though good deeds are important, they are not the standard for what is good. So what did Jesus say? “No one is good except God alone.” This means that the source of Jesus’ goodness was his proximity to God, who is inherently and only good – there is no evil in Him. When Jesus says God is good, he’s saying God is what good is. Good is defined by those three letters: G-O-D. So for anything to be truly good, it must originate from and belong to God. It cannot be good on its own.
This is a key point to remember. God is not alone in the spiritual realm – angels also exist. But the source of goodness is God alone.
2. Who are Angels?
Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Not all spirits are angels. Angels are ministering spirits to those who will receive salvation. Angels were created by God to serve those who will inherit salvation.
How did they come to be? They were created.
Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.
Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.
Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion.
Angels are created beings made to praise and obey God. How many angels are there? Countless.
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.
The Apostle John struggled to quantify the vast number of angels, describing them as thousands upon thousands, even 10 thousand times 10 thousand – simply innumerable. This begs the question: How does God maintain order among such a multitude of angelic beings?
The Bible indicates that there is a structure and hierarchy in heaven. God has appointed certain angels to have unique leadership roles, where they are responsible for overseeing groups of other spirits.
“Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”
Joshua encounters a divine commander and falls to his face in awe. This divine commander is believed to be the Archangel Michael.
Before creation, in the spiritual realm, there was no evil – only perfection, unity and holiness. At this point, the spiritual world was undivided, whole and beautiful. Unfortunately, this unity was later disrupted by an event involving Satan.
3. Who Is Satan?
Did God create Satan?
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”
It says here, the serpent was more cunning than any other part of God’s creation. The serpent was devious, conniving, and scheming, always looking to deceive. What is this passage talking about – literal snakes that you find in your backyard or countryside? Not at all. Although literal snakes do tend to make their way into things, this is talking about a spiritual entity.
He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
This text references the serpent from Genesis, described as the ancient serpent, which represents the Devil. It does not refer to literal snakes, but rather uses the serpent as a metaphor for Satan. Further examination of additional names and descriptions for Satan across scripture could prove insightful. As one example, the term ‘Satan’ is used in writings attributed to David.
And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?
Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto him.
In this passage, David is speaking to Joab specifically, the original Hebrew text uses the term “Satan” which means adversary.
So the term “Satan” was used to mean an adversary, opponent or one who plots against another. It is a title similar to the term “devil.” This provides context around the biblical usage of the term Satan to mean an accuser or enemy, rather than referring to a specific entity.”
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Opposer, adversary, Satan, devil all mean a very similar thing. They refer to qualities and actions that Satan embodies as he tries to undermine goodness.
But how did Satan come to be this way?
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
God says “Let us make man in our image.” There is debate over who the “us” refers to here – potentially God speaking to the angels or to the spiritual world. More analysis is needed to fully understand this passage.
There is a similar passage in Genesis 3:22 where God says something comparable. This verse is often misunderstood. Further examination of Genesis chapter 3 in context may provide clarity
And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.”
God said, “Man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil.” The use of “one” in the English language here is a bit ambiguous – it can mean either singular or plural. In this context, God seems to be using it in the plural sense, referring to himself and other divine beings.
Earlier, there was only good in the beginning. Evil did not yet exist. So when God says man has become like “the one” who knows good and evil, he is referring to a being who deviated from the initial state of pure good and came to also know evil. “Man has become like one; who used to be, one of us, knowing good and evil”
This implies evil originated from a separation – a deviation from unity with the divine source that was originally all good. Man now resembles that separated being in also having awareness of duality. The text prompts further reflection on the potential origins of evil given that God and the spiritual world were initially all good without evil.
One might ask, what is the origin of evil?
12 How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn!
You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!
13 You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens;
I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.
14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”
15 But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.
Evil began to form within him – a desire emerged. Specifically, Lucifer desired to become like God; not just similar, but to actually become God. As a created being, he wanted to surpass the Creator.
To become greater than something, one must first separate from it in order to surpass it. God is good – nothing bad or less good. So to separate from good means to turn towards evil. Lucifer’s desire to be greater than God, who is good, was an evil desire.
Lucifer did not just ponder the thought of being God. He brought the thought to life. Let us examine Ezekiel 28:11-19 for further details.”
11 The word of the Lord came to me: 12 “Son of man, take up a lament concerning the king of Tyre and say to him: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:
“‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: carnelian, chrysolite and emerald, topaz, onyx and jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings[b] were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared.
14 You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones.
15 You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you.
16 Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones.
17 Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.
18 By your many sins and dishonest trade you have desecrated your sanctuaries. So I made a fire come out from you, and it consumed you, and I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching.
19 All the nations who knew you are appalled at you; you have come to a horrible end and will be no more.’”
This prophecy is about the king of Tyre, but it seems to be referring to more than just a human king. What does verse 12 say?
It speaks of “lamenting” and judging the “king of Tyre.” At first glance, this seems to refer to a human ruler. However, the next verse says this figure was in the Garden of Eden. The human king of Tyre was not alive at that time, so who is this really referring to?
Let’s learn more about who Satan once was, according to verses 13-15:
– You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
– You were in Eden, the garden of God.
– Every precious stone adorned you. Your settings and mountings were made of gold.
– You were created as a guardian cherub, a high-ranking angel.
– You were anointed and appointed by God.
– You were on the holy mount of God and walked among the fiery stones.
The key point is that God did not create Satan in his current evil state. He created a guardian angel who later became Satan by his own choice. This is important because people often blame God for the evil in the world, as if He created it that way originally. But He did not.
15 You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you.
16 Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned.
So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones.
17 Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.
18 By your many sins and dishonest trade you have desecrated your sanctuaries.
So I made a fire come out from you, and it consumed you, and I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching.
19 All the nations who knew you are appalled at you; you have come to a horrible end and will be no more.’”
Verse 15 states you were blameless in his ways, meaning he was good initially. There was no evil in him to begin with. From the day he was created until wickedness was later found in him. This verse is referring to Satan before his fall, when he was still without sin. The fall came about because of the emergence of Satan’s ego and ambition to be equal to God.
Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.
Pride and greed refer to arrogance and self-absorption. For example, being boastful about one’s looks or talents as if one is solely responsible for them. In reality, our appearance and abilities are gifts, often inherited from parents or other sources outside of our control.
The passage suggests that God condemns pride because it echoes the arrogance of a fallen angel who rebelled, caused discord, and became Satan. This story conveys that unchecked pride and greed can lead to harm.
Rather than pride, the passage advocates for humility – recognizing that our gifts and position come from external sources. Practicing humility also helps preserve harmony and prevents the discord associated with the fall of Satan.
The text notes that Satan has an army of fellow fallen angels called demons. This imagery conveys that pride and greed have a tendency to spread disunity rather than remain isolated. Yet the passage calls us to the opposite virtue of humility, which brings people together.
4. Who are Demons?
Demons are fallen angels.
For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;
Scripture teaches that God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them into hell. When cast into hell, they became demons. This raises questions – if God is purely good, how could pride, greed or evil arise? What did God grant his angels, as he grants us?
The gift of free will. A being lacking free will cannot sin. Automatons and robots cannot sin; the angels have free will as well. They praise and obey God by choice, not compulsion.
They desire to praise God, finding Him worthy. Demons are a group of angels who rebelled against God. It’s a common misconception that a third of the angels rebelled. Additionally, there are countless angels according to scripture. How many angels rebelled against God?
The number of the mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand. I heard their number.
This passage discusses a spiritual war unfolding between good and evil forces. It references Revelation 12:16, which mentions an army of 200 million on the side of Satan. This is a sizable number, but not nearly as innumerable as the “countless” holy forces.
The key takeaway is that Satan and his demons have the capacity to cause tremendous damage in our world, even though their numbers are far fewer. This spiritual battle has made its way into the physical world ever since the events described in Genesis 2-3, when evil first entered into creation.
Luke 18 9-14
9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
That makes more sense, doesn’t it? Two people came up to pray to God. One person had a prideful prayer, saying “God, thank you that I’m not like these other people here. I fast, I tithe, I follow the law. Thank you Lord.” The other person, a tax collector, couldn’t even look up to God and said “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
Who was justified before God? The tax collector who humbly admitted his sin.
The Pharisee reminds God of Satan in his pride. We should not have prideful characteristics. If we notice those in ourselves, we need to repent and humble ourselves repeatedly, not just once. This is an ongoing practice.
Satan too started off good and became evil through pride. We need constant humility and repentance. Let’s be those who repent always.
Memorization
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Instructor Review
SUMMARY
Distinguishing Good from Evil – Part One
In the spiritual world, there are two kinds of spirits: good spirits, who belong to God the Creator, and evil spirits, who were once good angels created by God but rebelled against Him.
Originally, God only created good spirits and angels. Genesis describes how God saw that His creations were good. The angels he made were holy ministering spirits who praised and obeyed God. However, one high-ranking guardian angel formed in his heart the desire to become God. As Ezekiel 28 describes, through his widespread trade and influence, he was able to convince other angels to rebel with him. These rebellious angels became demons – their number is given in Revelation as 200 million.
These angels fell due to the sins of pride and greed. Their rebellion sparked a spiritual war that came into the physical world. As this war continues, these demons, led by Satan who was once an angel himself, seek to devour and lead astray those trying to draw closer to God. They disguise themselves as angels of light to more effectively deceive people.
Thus, it is critical for us to be able to spiritually discern between good and evil. If we cannot distinguish, we risk becoming casualties in this spiritual war that started with a rebellion in the heavenly realms but now threatens all of humanity. We must see through the deception of the enemy who appears as an angel of light and cling to God, the original source of all good.
Review with the Evangelist
Review
Distinguishing good from evil part one.
1. In the spiritual world, there are two kinds of spirits: good and evil. Originally, there was only one kind of spirit – good spirits, holy spirits that belonged to God.
2. The creator was God, who is spirit. Who is He? He identified Himself as “I AM”, which is translated as Jehovah. As described in Genesis, God set the standard for what is good when He created the world. At the end of each day of creation, God saw that “it was good.” This conveys that God only creates good things. He does not create evil. What He creates is good.
3. When God created the angels, He made them good. The angels praised God and obeyed Him. They are ministering spirits, countless in number – one cannot count them. The angels are as countless as the stars, which we also cannot fully count, only estimate. Unfortunately, one of the high-ranking guardian angels formed in his heart the desire to become God. This angel started a coup, as referenced in Ezekiel 28 through the term “your widespread trade.
4. Lucifer conducted widespread trade among the angels. Through this, he convinced other angels to rebel against God alongside him. Those that did became demons. Revelation chapter 9 states their number is 200 million, which is not a third of the countless angels. The reason these angels fell was due to their pride and greed making them self-exalting.
As spiritual warfare wages on, there are now two sides battling, no longer just one. This war is making its way into the physical world. If we cannot distinguish between good and evil forces, we risk becoming casualties.
In this war, Satan, who was once an angel, and demons, who were also once angels, aim to lead astray and spiritually attack those trying to draw closer to God. They will not appear with stereotypical pitchforks and horns. Rather, they will seem like angels of light – a much more effective deception. We must cultivate spiritual discernment to see through false appearances.
Let’s Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress …. Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Questions to Self-Reflect
Outline
Understanding Good and Evil: A Biblical Exploration
I. Introduction
- This section introduces the class topic – discerning the nature of good and evil in the spiritual world.
- It highlights the key objectives: understanding the differences between God and Satan and examining Satan’s origins.
II. Who is God?
- Explores the biblical definition of God, emphasizing His attributes as Spirit, Creator, Father, and the sole source of goodness.
- Uses scripture passages like John 4:24 and Genesis 1:1 to support these claims.
- Emphasizes God’s self-existence (“I AM”) as described in Exodus 3:14-15, highlighting that He is the ultimate standard of goodness.
III. Who are Angels?
- Explains the nature and role of angels as ministering spirits created by God to serve those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14).
- Uses Psalms 103:20-22 to illustrate their obedience and praise of God.
- Notes the vast number of angels described in Revelation 5:11 and hints at a hierarchical structure among them, citing the example of Archangel Michael in Joshua 5:14.
IV. Who is Satan?
- Discusses the origins of Satan, challenging the misconception that God created him as an evil being.
- Uses Genesis 3:1 and Revelation 20:2 to introduce the concept of the “serpent” as a metaphor for Satan, further analyzing the terms “Satan” and “Devil” as titles representing adversarial qualities.
- Explores the ambiguity of Genesis 1:26 and 3:22, suggesting that God may be addressing other divine beings when using the term “us,” and highlighting the concept of evil originating from a separation from God.
V. The Fall of Lucifer
- Examines Isaiah 14:12-15 to analyze Lucifer’s fall from grace, driven by his desire to be equal to God, an inherently evil ambition.
- Connects this event to the introduction of evil into the world, emphasizing that Lucifer’s choice to separate from God, the source of good, led to his downfall.
- Analyzes Ezekiel 28:11-19, using the description of the “King of Tyre” as a metaphor for Lucifer’s original state as a perfect and beautiful angel who was corrupted by pride and greed.
VI. The Consequences of Pride and Greed
- Emphasizes that God did not create Satan as evil; rather, Satan’s free will led him to choose pride and greed, ultimately causing his fall from grace.
- Uses Proverbs 16:8 to warn against the dangers of pride and greed, highlighting the importance of humility and recognizing that our gifts come from God.
- Connects Satan’s fall with the concept of disunity, suggesting that pride and greed lead to separation and conflict, contrasting with humility which fosters harmony.
VII. Who are Demons?
- Explains that demons are fallen angels who followed Lucifer in his rebellion against God, citing 2 Peter 2:4.
- Reemphasizes the role of free will in angelic beings, allowing them to choose between good and evil, contrasting with the inability of inanimate objects to sin.
- Debunks the myth that a third of the angels rebelled, referencing Revelation 9:16 which mentions a specific number of demonic forces (200 million), a significant number but still far fewer than the countless holy angels.
VIII. The Ongoing Spiritual War
- Highlights the impact of the spiritual war between good and evil forces on the physical world, referencing the events of Genesis 2-3 as the entry point of evil into creation.
- Uses the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14 to illustrate the dangers of pride and the importance of humility in resisting demonic influence.
- Warns against the deceptive tactics of demons, who often appear as angels of light, emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment to avoid becoming casualties in this ongoing conflict.
IX. Conclusion
- Summarizes the key points: the distinction between good and evil spirits, the origins of Satan as a fallen angel corrupted by pride, the ongoing spiritual war, and the need for spiritual discernment.
- Calls for continuous repentance and humility to counter the influence of evil forces.
X. Study Guide
- Provides key questions for reflection and further study, focusing on the nature of God, Satan, and the ongoing spiritual war.
- Encourages readers to avoid repeating the prideful traits of Satan.
XI. Review
- Offers additional review questions prompting deeper reflection on the topics covered, emphasizing the duality of spirits in the spiritual world, the ongoing battle between good and evil, and God’s condemnation of evil.
- Hints at future topics for exploration, including discerning spirits and understanding how evil manifested in the physical world.
A Study Guide
Distinguishing Good from Evil: Part One – Spiritual World
Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences.
- According to the lesson, what is the standard of good, and what biblical passage supports this idea?
- How does the lesson describe God’s self-identification and what does it signify?
- Explain the nature of angels as presented in the lesson and cite a relevant biblical passage.
- What was Satan’s original nature before his fall from grace, and what caused this transformation?
- How does the lesson explain the emergence of evil in a world created by a purely good God?
- Who are demons, and how do they relate to the concept of free will?
- What specific event marked the entry of evil into the physical world, according to the lesson?
- How does the lesson characterize Satan’s tactics in the spiritual war against humanity?
- Explain the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, and its relevance to the lesson’s message.
- What key lesson does the instructor emphasize regarding pride and its connection to Satan?
Answer Key
- The standard of good is God Himself. Luke 18:18-19 states that “No one is good—except God alone.” This means true goodness originates from and belongs to God.
- God identifies Himself as “I AM,” which is translated as Jehovah. This signifies His eternal, self-existent nature, having no beginning and no end.
- Angels are ministering spirits created by God to serve those who will inherit salvation. Hebrews 1:14 describes angels as “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.”
- Satan was originally a high-ranking guardian angel, created good and blameless by God. His desire to become equal to God, fueled by pride and a desire for power, led to his fall.
- The lesson explains that God granted angels free will. Evil emerged not from God’s creation, but from the choice of Lucifer (Satan) to rebel against God, choosing pride and self-exaltation over obedience and humility.
- Demons are fallen angels who followed Satan in his rebellion against God. Their fall highlights the concept of free will, as they chose to disobey God, demonstrating that even beings created good can choose evil.
- The events described in Genesis 2-3, specifically the temptation and fall of Adam and Eve, mark the entry of evil into the physical world.
- Satan, in the spiritual war, disguises himself as an “angel of light” to deceive people, using deception rather than overt force to lead them away from God.
- The parable contrasts the prideful prayer of the Pharisee, boasting of his righteousness, with the humble plea of the tax collector who acknowledges his sinfulness. It emphasizes that God favors humility over pride, connecting pride to the fall of Satan.
- The instructor emphasizes that pride is the root of Satan’s fall and warns against harboring prideful characteristics. He encourages continual repentance and humility to avoid following Satan’s path.
Additional Questions
1. What is the standard of good? God Luke 18:18-19
2. Who is God?
– “I AM”, that is self-existent ( Exodus 3:14-15)
– The Word (John 1:1)
3. Who is Satan?
– A created being
4. Did God create Satan?
– Satan separated from God
– Free will
– No (Isaiah 14:12-15)
Be careful to show the same trait as Satan.
Glossary of Key Terms
- Holy Spirit: The spirit of God, representing His presence and power.
- Evil Spirit: A spirit opposed to God, often associated with demons and Satan.
- Satan: The fallen angel, also known as Lucifer, who rebelled against God and became the embodiment of evil.
- Demon: A fallen angel who followed Satan in his rebellion against God.
- Free Will: The ability to make choices independently, without external coercion.
- Guardian Cherub: A high-ranking angel, often depicted as protecting sacred spaces.
- Pride: An excessive belief in one’s own importance or abilities, often seen as a sin.
- Greed: An intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth or power.
- Spiritual Discernment: The ability to distinguish between good and evil, truth and falsehood, in the spiritual realm.
- Angel of Light: A deceptive appearance used by Satan to disguise his true nature.
Breakdown
Timeline of Events
Before Creation:
- Only God and good spirits (angels) exist.
- The spiritual realm is characterized by perfection, unity, and holiness.
Creation:
- God creates the heavens and the earth.
- God creates humankind in his image, granting them dominion over the earth.
The Fall of Lucifer:
- Lucifer, a high-ranking guardian cherub, develops pride and a desire to become equal to God.
- This desire leads him to separate from God’s goodness and turn towards evil.
- Lucifer, now called Satan, influences other angels to rebel, and they become demons.
- God casts Satan and his demon followers out of heaven.
The Garden of Eden:
- Satan, in the form of a serpent, tempts Adam and Eve to disobey God.
- Humanity falls into sin, gaining knowledge of good and evil, and are banished from the Garden of Eden.
The Present:
- A spiritual war continues between the forces of good (God and his angels) and evil (Satan and his demons).
- This war manifests in the physical world, with Satan and his demons attempting to deceive and lead humanity astray.
Cast of Characters
God:
- The eternal, self-existent Creator of all things.
- The source and standard of goodness and life.
- Characterized by holiness, love, and justice.
Angels:
- Created by God as ministering spirits to serve those who will inherit salvation.
- Innumerable in number.
- Characterized by obedience, praise, and service to God.
- Examples: Archangel Michael (commander of the army of the Lord)
Lucifer/Satan:
- Originally a high-ranking guardian cherub, anointed and appointed by God.
- Became corrupted by pride and a desire to be equal to God.
- Led a rebellion against God, drawing other angels into his cause.
- Now the adversary of God and humanity, seeking to deceive and destroy.
- Also known as the devil, the ancient serpent, the accuser, the enemy.
Demons:
- Fallen angels who followed Satan in his rebellion.
- Number 200 million.
- Seek to deceive, tempt, and spiritually attack humanity.
- Disguise themselves as angels of light.
Humanity:
- Created in God’s image with dominion over the earth.
- Fell into sin through disobedience, becoming susceptible to the influence of Satan and his demons.
- Called to repent and follow God, resisting the temptations of evil.
Note: The lesson material provided focuses primarily on the spiritual realm and the origins of evil. Information on specific events in the physical world and individual humans (apart from Adam and Eve) is limited.
Overview
Overview: Distinguishing Good vs. Evil, Part One
Main Themes:
- The Nature of God: Defining God as the ultimate source of good, highlighting His self-existence (“I AM”) and the standard He sets for goodness.
- The Origin of Evil: Exploring the fall of Lucifer, an initially perfect angel, whose pride and ambition led him to rebel against God and become Satan.
- The Ongoing Spiritual War: Describing the ongoing battle between good and evil forces, with Satan and his demon army seeking to deceive and destroy humanity.
- The Importance of Discernment: Emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment to recognize and resist the deceptive tactics of evil, which often masquerades as good.
Key Ideas & Facts:
- God is the sole source of goodness. “No one is good–except God alone.” (Luke 18:19) He is self-existent (“I AM”), the Creator, and the standard by which all good is measured.
- Angels were created good but possess free will. They are ministering spirits designed to serve those who inherit salvation. (Hebrews 1:14)
- Satan was originally a perfect angel named Lucifer. “You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.” (Ezekiel 28:12) He became corrupted by pride and the desire to surpass God. (Isaiah 14:12-15)
- Demons are fallen angels who joined Satan’s rebellion. Their number is estimated at 200 million. (Revelation 9:16)
- A spiritual war rages between good and evil. Satan and his demons employ deception, often appearing as “angels of light,” to lead humanity astray. (2 Corinthians 11:14)
- Humility is essential to resist the temptations of pride and greed. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector highlights the importance of recognizing our own sinfulness and seeking God’s mercy. (Luke 18:9-14)
Important Quotes:
- “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)
- “He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:2)
- “Man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:22) – Implying a separation from the original state of pure good.
- “You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you.” (Ezekiel 28:15) – Highlighting the initial goodness of Lucifer before his fall.
Call to Action:
The seminar emphasizes the urgency of developing spiritual discernment to recognize and resist evil influences. It calls for constant self-reflection, repentance, and the cultivation of humility to avoid falling prey to the same pride that corrupted Satan.
Further Research:
The seminar prompts further investigation into the following topics:
- The nature of the “widespread trade” mentioned in Ezekiel 28:16
- Deeper analysis of Genesis 3 and the introduction of evil into creation
- Scriptural evidence for the specific tactics and disguises employed by demons
- Strategies for developing and strengthening spiritual discernment
Q&A
Q&A: Distinguishing Good from Evil in the Spiritual World
1. If God is good, why is there evil in the world?
God did not create evil. He created angels, including Lucifer, who were initially good and holy. Lucifer, driven by pride and a desire to be like God, chose to rebel. This rebellion, along with the angels who followed him, marked the origin of evil. God granted His creations free will, enabling them to choose good or evil. Therefore, evil arose from a choice made by a being with free will, not from God’s creation.
2. Who is Satan, and where did he come from?
Satan, also known as Lucifer, was originally a high-ranking angel, a guardian cherub, created by God. He was perfect in beauty, wisdom, and adorned with precious stones. However, pride and a desire for power corrupted him, leading him to rebel against God. This fall from grace transformed him into Satan, the adversary.
3. Are demons fallen angels?
Yes, demons are fallen angels who followed Lucifer in his rebellion against God. They were once holy beings but chose to embrace evil and now oppose God and His followers. Revelation estimates their number to be 200 million.
4. What is the spiritual war?
The spiritual war is an ongoing battle between the forces of good and evil. On one side are God and the holy angels, and on the other side are Satan and his demonic followers. This conflict originated in the spiritual realm with Lucifer’s rebellion and now extends into the physical world, impacting humanity.
5. How can we distinguish between good and evil spirits?
Distinguishing between good and evil spirits requires spiritual discernment. Satan and his demons often disguise themselves as “angels of light” to deceive people. Studying scripture, prayer, and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit can help us develop the discernment necessary to recognize and resist evil influences.
6. What are the dangers of pride and greed?
Pride and greed are at the root of evil. Lucifer’s fall was fueled by pride and his greedy desire for power. These sins lead to arrogance, self-exaltation, and separation from God. As seen in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, pride hinders genuine connection with God while humility leads to justification.
7. What is the significance of God’s self-identification as “I AM”?
When God revealed Himself to Moses as “I AM” (translated as Jehovah), He declared His eternal, self-existent nature. This signifies that He has no beginning or end, relying on no one for existence. He is the source of life, light, and goodness.
8. How should we approach God in prayer?
The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector highlights the importance of approaching God with humility in prayer. Boasting about one’s righteousness reflects pride, similar to Satan’s attitude. Instead, we should acknowledge our shortcomings and seek God’s mercy, as the tax collector did. Humility allows us to connect with God genuinely and receive His grace.