Catastrophes were allowed by God in both created orders ... but, He Himself remains guiltless. "God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lusts" (Ja 1:13-15). Every sinful creature will acknowledge this at The Judgment - "even he who did not keep his soul alive" (Ps 22:29 and Isa 45:23,24). Our perfect Creator is going to come away from this clean.

More On The Angels

Many believe a third of the angels were infected by sin. The dragon of Revelation 12 is identified as Satan and "his tail swept away a third of heaven" - a third of the angels joined his rebellion (Rev 12:3-9). My guess is that God created a finite number of angels and they do not reproduce (Mt 22:30).

It may be that all the angels could have joined the rebellion ... but only some did. If that is true, it is possible that at a certain point, the unpolluted angels were confirmed in righteousness forever. On the other hand, Michael, Gabriel and the rest, may have been locked in as righteous from the start as "His chosen angels" (1Tim 5:21). In either event, I am confident that the angels who remained in righteousness, credit God for keeping them from Satan's insanity. I do not think they see themselves as "superior" angels (See Jude 9). Do you think they trust themselves - even now - to keep themselves from ever sinning - even once - for all eternity? But here's my main point: Satan's angelic ranks are full. There will be no increase.

God's Opportunity

With this setting and reality, God made some determinations. As the Ultimate Ruler, He can still impose His will - when He wills. "Whatever the Lord pleases, He does, in heaven and in earth ..." (Ps 135:6). For starters, it appears the fallen angels are so heavily accountable that no remedy for their rebellion will ever be extended. But, not so with man. God planned, and executed, a "rescue operation." But, how could He navigate in this sea of sin and righteously work with fallen man, redeem him, and yet not violate His own demands for justice? How could He be active in this trough ... remain unsullied ... and still dominantly impose His will? These are "things into which angels long to look" (1Pet 1:12).

God has revealed a multitude of complexities - about Himself - in this scenario. But, some of these "scenes" are one time events. For example, I do not believe He will ever prepare another body for Himself, enter into that order of creatures - and allow them to murder Him. That is who Jesus is - and exactly what He did. Mercy could now be extended through that death - with justice being satisfied. He requires life for sin - and when He gave His own (that had no guilt of sin upon it), He could apply it against my guilt. That is why I say, "Jesus died for me." He died to pay for my sins. This is an act of undeserved - yet needed - mercy. The act of the cross is permeated with God's righteousness, justice, compassion and power - and I believe its inexhaustible depths of wisdom will be on open display ... forever. But the act itself will be a once in eternity event.

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