Why didn’t God?
To answer this question, we first need a little history review.
Satan didn’t start out bad.
God created Lucifer (Ezekiel 28:13, 15), a beautiful, shining angel who was a leader in heaven (Ezekiel 28:14; Psalms 99:1). One day, Lucifer began to think more highly of himself than he should (Ezekiel 28:17), and he began to question God’s authority in his life. What began as thoughts in his own mind turned into public murmuring among the other angels.
This murmuring became louder and louder, until ultimately, the Bible tells us Lucifer wanted to remove God from the His heavenly throne and sit there himself (Isaiah 14:13, 14). He fomented a rebellion that drew one-third of the angels to his side and caused a war in heaven (Rev. 12:7-9)!
Because of this, Lucifer and his angels were cast out of heaven. His name became “Satan.” He found his way to the earth where he corrupted God’s perfect garden creation and the two human beings who dwelt there. It has been misery for earthlings ever since.
What do you think is better: To serve some one out of love or fear? Why? Do you agree with God that He didn’t destroy Lucifer immediately? Why or why not?