The Sovereignty of God Over Satan and Evil

In a world filled with suffering, confusion, and the ever-present reality of evil, many Christians wrestle with understanding how such things exist under a sovereign and good God. A key biblical truth offers clarity and comfort: Satan can only do what the sovereign God permits him to do. Even Satan, as a created being, is subject to God's authority and cannot act outside the boundaries that God allows. This truth reveals the ultimate control of the Triune God YAHWEH over all things, including evil, which He uses according to His purposes to accomplish His perfect will.

Satan is a Created Being Subject to God’s Authority

To understand this, we must recognize that Satan is not an independent, all-powerful force. He is a created being, a fallen angel, and therefore not equal to God in any way (Colossians 1:16). Only God is eternal, omnipotent, and sovereign. Satan’s power and actions are limited by God’s will. This is clearly seen in the book of Job:

"And the LORD said to Satan, 'Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.'" (Job 1:12, ESV)

Here, Satan is granted permission by God to test Job, but with strict boundaries. He could not go beyond what God allowed. This passage demonstrates that even Satan operates under God’s sovereign decree and cannot act independently.

God’s Sovereign Purposes in Allowing Evil

The existence of evil does not undermine God’s goodness or control. Scripture teaches that God permits evil for His greater purposes, using it to fulfill His divine plan. While this truth can be difficult to grasp, it reveals the depths of God's wisdom and sovereignty:

“The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” (Proverbs 16:4, ESV)

God’s use of evil does not make Him the author of sin, for He is perfectly holy and righteous (James 1:13). Rather, He sovereignly ordains and allows evil to bring about His glory and the good of His people (Romans 8:28). Consider the crucifixion of Jesus Christ: the most evil act in history was used by God to accomplish the greatest good—the redemption of sinners.

"...this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men." (Acts 2:23, ESV)

Even the schemes of Satan and the wickedness of humanity are under God’s control and serve His ultimate purposes.

God’s Ultimate Victory Over Satan

While Satan operates within God’s permitted boundaries, his defeat is already assured. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God has triumphed over sin, death, and Satan:

"He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him."* (Colossians 2:15, ESV)

Satan’s current activity is temporary. He prowls around like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8), but his time is limited. At the final judgment, God will cast Satan into the lake of fire forever (Revelation 20:10). This truth brings immense comfort to believers: Satan’s rebellion and evil cannot derail God’s eternal plan.

Trusting in God’s Sovereignty in Times of Trouble

Understanding God’s sovereignty over Satan helps us face trials, temptations, and suffering with faith. When we experience hardships, we can trust that God is in control and that He is working all things for His glory and our ultimate good.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28, ESV)

This means that no trial, temptation, or attack from Satan is outside of God’s control. He uses even the most painful experiences to sanctify us, strengthen our faith, and conform us to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).

The Comfort of God’s Sovereignty

The truth that Satan can only act within God’s sovereign permission should fill us with confidence and peace. The Triune God YAHWEH is in ultimate control over all things—even over evil. Though we may not always understand His purposes, we can trust His character: He is good, just, wise, and faithful. In the end, His will shall be accomplished, and His people will rejoice in His eternal victory.

Let us, therefore, rest in the sovereignty of God, knowing that nothing can happen apart from His perfect will, and He will ultimately use all things—even the actions of Satan—to glorify Himself and bring about His kingdom.

“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is Yours.” (1 Chronicles 29:11, ESV)