August 3, 2014 · Ephesians 6:10–12

On Satan and Archons

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

“Also — who knows what's happening with the story that's being written? Why did he create humanity? … Why is it allowed to — the devil — to tempt? My heart says — I trust that this universe is going to be better off because freedom exists. For some reason, the story will be way more beautiful than if there was just all automatons and robots that God created. And the ability to have freedom means that someone has to be able to do evil. … And that's going to take something special — which is what he's doing here, with humanity. He becomes human. We're part of — like — we're going to take real part of this story. He becomes human to show how good he is. And the fact that this evil exists helps us recognize how much more the goodness is, right? One of the most beautiful things to me in the universe is the cross of Christ — which is horrible, because it's a murder. Somehow, it spells this beautiful redemption that brings things together. This is God's game plan.”