Grace Toward Demons | by Emory Cooper

 In books 1 and 2 of Milton's Paradise Lost, one sees rebellion's effect in the fate of the demons after their war with God and his loyal angels. God, in His justice -or wrath, as Sin prefers to call it (Book 2, line 733)- sends the rebels to Hell, corrupts their forms, and condemns them to pain and misery. But despite such setbacks, these devils seem to retain much of their former virtue. They continue to possess traits like intellect, eloquence of speech, order, skill, and even loyalty; and they can carry out their plans to deceive the world at will. The point is that God spared the fallen angels from a lot of the punishment they deserved!

Now we know from the Scriptures that the demons of reality are destined for the full portion of God's wrath, when they will be confined to the lake of fire on the last day with those men they have deceived (Mat. 25:41; Rev. 20:10). But in the meantime, the devil is still free to walk about, "seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet. 5:8). This seems to me to be delayed justice on God's part. But how can God "justify" His mercy on demons? The reason the human race existed an instant after the sin of our first parents was committed was because of the work of Christ. But demons don't have an advocate with the Father. So this question puzzles me greatly.


[I commented on the posts by Samantha T and Emma D.]

Comments

  1. Lily CaswellSeptember 7, 2021 at 7:58 AM

    You make a great point, Emory! I think God let the demons “get off easy” to allow humans free will. It seems like a paradox but I think that God let the demons retain some of their heavenly traits to show how evil they are and to show how good God is. It’s kind of a situation where you have to know what evil is to know what good is.

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  2. Raygan BosterSeptember 7, 2021 at 8:29 AM

    I think that not only do you have to see the contrast to know of good and evil, but also know that God won't take away your gift if you choose to use it for evil. You can use what you excel at for either good or evil, but it is up to you to make that choice. Either way God won't take it away from you, but you won't be in your full glory or capability unless you are in right-standing with Christ. He blesses those who are following Him.

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