Have you ever been surprised by sudden rebellious thoughts? Without rhyme or reason, you start thinking about hurting people, breaking laws, or cheating on your spouse. Fortunately, many people are able to keep such thoughts from ever becoming reality. But where do they come from?
This lesson answers these inquiries with a series of true and false questions about the origin of evil. Look up the selected Scripture passages and respond.
Check one answer for each question
I. How Evil Began
1. Adam was responsible for the beginning of sin in the universe. 1 John 3:8. True False
Actually, before Adam, one called Lucifer instigated a course of rebellion and sin. In Ezekiel 28:12-17, Satan is symbolized as the King of Tyre, the ruler of a wicked city and an enemy of God’s people. It describes him as a beautiful being whose “heart was lifted up because of his beauty” (verse 17).
2. Lucifer is another name for the Devil. Isaiah 14:12. True False
Lucifer is actually a beautiful name that means, "Star of the Morning." At one time, Lucifer held an exalted role near the throne of God, but then he chose a different path. In Scripture, the Devil is referred to as Lucifer, the Serpent, the Devil, Leviathan, King of Tyre, and Satan.
3. Lucifer coveted God’s position and authority. Isaiah 14:12-14. True False
4. Lucifer has always existed. Ezekiel 28:13, last part. True False
How can a created being be equal to the One who created him?
5. Lucifer’s grasp for power resulted in a political settlement with Jesus. Revelation 12:7-9. True False
We don’t usually associate war with our ideas of heaven, the seat of God’s throne. Yet, the very first war was fought in the heartland of righteousness.
6. Lucifer turned himself into the Devil by choosing to cultivate pride. Jesus did the opposite when He chose to step down from heaven and become one of us. Philippians 2:6-8. True False
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling," Proverbs 16:18, (NAS). The father of evil had "I" trouble. Self-centeredness is the root of all sin. Satan’s boast was, "I will...I will...I will..." (Isaiah 14:13-14).
II. The Human Problem
7. Adam and Eve were not really guilty of anything because the Devil made them disobey God. Genesis 3:1-6. True False
8. Many believe Adam and Eve’s sin was that of merely eating a piece of forbidden fruit. Really, their sin was distrusting God. John 16:8-9; Romans 14:23. True False
9. Adam and Eve’s sin had little effect on anyone else. Romans 5:12. True False
It doesn’t seem fair! Yet that’s the ugly origin of sin. It is unfair and causes the innocent to suffer.
10. According to Scripture, we are born with sinful natures. Psalms 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Galatians 5:17; Ephesians 2:1-3. True False
11. Jesus said our physical birth is flawed and needs to be followed by a second spiritual birth. John 3:3-6. True False
12. Since our natures are flawed we cannot overcome evil without Divine help. Philippians 4:13. True False
13. Some people don’t have a sin problem. Romans 3:10-12, 23. True False
14. Sin’s wage is only for those who reject God’s gift. Romans 6:23. True False
III. God’s Remedy for Sin
15. God’s remedy for sin came from the educated priests and religious leaders of Israel. Matthew 1:21; 1 Timothy 1:15. True False
16. God’s love is totally unconditional. Romans 5:6-8. True False
Human love favors those who are loveable and worthy, but God loves everyone (straight people, gays, mobsters, weirdoes, hate-mongers, sex-offenders, racists—you name it).
17. In the end, because of His great love, God will save everyone regardless of what they believe. John 3:16, 17; Matthew 25:31-46. True False
18. Love is the basis of God’s kingdom. Through Jesus’ death He is able to reverse the curse of evil. Romans 5:17-19. True False
19. It is possible to know if we are saved. John 1:12; 1 John 5:11-13. True False
20. Salvation is based on our "good works" and God’s love. Galatians 2:16. True False
What does James mean when he says, "What use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him?...Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself." James 2:14, 17 (NAS). For clarification, read verses 18-26.
21. James is clear when he says that good works are evidence that living faith exists. James 2:20. True False
22. God’s grace motivates us to do "good works." Ephesians 2:8-10. True False
When we become "new creatures" in Christ, our values and desires change so that we want to help others experience what we have.
23. For Jesus to enter your heart, you must open the door. Revelation 3:19-20. True False
This is figurative language for inviting Him into your mind and life. One way to invite Jesus in is to say, "Lord, please come into heart right now and reveal Yourself to me. Show me Your plan for my life. I’m listening! Talk to me!"
Another way to "open the door" is to read Scripture just like you’re doing now. Keep doing it and You’ll hear Him quietly speaking to your heart.
24. Is it your desire to accept Jesus as your Savior, and to have all your sins forgiven so that you might receive a new nature, as it says in 2 Corinthians 5:17? Yes No
All you have to do is ask. Jesus says, "[Anyone] who comes to me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37.
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