Whose fault is it when things go wrong? God or Satan?

It depends, of course.

When Paul was preaching the gospel in several places, he was attacked by the nearby population for his message. Whose fault was it? The attackers’ fault. (Acts 16:16-24).

When Jesus was betrayed by Judas, whose fault was it? Judas, though he was influenced by Satan (Luke 22:3; John 13:2).

When people raided Job’s house and took his stuff, whose fault was it? The raiders, though they were influenced by Satan. (Read Job 1-2.)

When God punished Israel’s kings, whose fault was it? The kings who had disobeyed God and would not repent (1 Kings 14:7-10).

When Jesus was crucified, whose fault was it? Your fault–your sins put Him on the cross and God commands all of us to repent (Acts 17:30).

Read Job chapters 1 and 2 to see how Satan is limited, but God gives him a little freedom to work against God’s people. The New Testament is not ignorant of the way Satan works, and it tells us what to do to guard ourselves from being tempted or swallowing any of his lies.

This seemingly simple question has an answer with a variety of scenarios, making it a complex question to answer.

About Steve Husting

Steve Husting lives in Southern California with his wife and son. He enjoys encouraging others through writing, and likes reading, digital photography, the outdoors, calligraphy, and chocolate. He has written several books and ebooks, and hundreds of Christian devotionals. Steve is also having a great time illustrating God's Word with calligraphy.
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