The Beauty of a Wild Goose Chase

Posted on by Lydia Borengasser

1} Angels are sinless beings.

2} Sin and punishment do not occur in heaven.

3} Adam and Eve were the first to sin.

Not one of these statements is true.

I suppose I’m a rare breed, but I love to find “confusions” and “contradictions” in Scripture. They fascinate me and motivate me to retrieve an answer that’s often impossible to find.

Something like a “wild goose chase,” you might say. But oh how wonderful! For in the puzzles and mysteries of the Word, I discover the depth of my inadequacy and the magnitude of God’s greatness.

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Isaiah takes the cake so far, and this time a simple phrase regarding the return of the Lord.

On that day, the Lord will punish the host of heaven, in heaven. Isaiah 24:21

We’re talking about angels here, yes? The Lord will punish the angels?

Wait . . . Angels sin? In heaven? How can sin be in heaven?

And he punishes them in heaven?

Well, Satan sinned in heaven and was cast out of heaven . . .

Wait, when did that happen anyway? Before he appeared as a serpent in Genesis 1, I presume.

So then sin “entered the world” before Adam and Eve sinned?

Furthermore, how could Satan be punished for sin if there was yet no law?

For sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Rom 5:13

He was kicked out of heaven. Sounds like it was counted to me.

. . . anyway, where were we?

1} Angels have sinned and will sin.

2} While the return of the Lord may qualify as a unique circumstance, sin and punishment do have the ability to occur in heaven.

3} . . . as has been illustrated by Satan himself, who perhaps more accurately committed the “first sin.”

But I still have more questions than “answers.”

And that’s the beauty of a wild goose chase.

Kudos if you followed me on that one. If you’re wondering what in the world that was all about, look up Isaiah 24:21, start asking questions, and see if you don’t end up on your own wild goose chase. Really, it’s quite fun.

 [image credit: pixabay.com & journeyoftheword.com]

18 thoughts on “The Beauty of a Wild Goose Chase”

  1. The Bible has so much deep truth for us. No matter how many times we read passages we will learn something new. I think it has something to do with the work of the Holy Spirit.

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  3. I have so many questions about what you wrote concerning sin, about angels sinning…! So many but where to start??

    Interesting truths you have brought to light. I need to search this out….

    I have a request

    Would you be able to write a post on tithing. I read a post written by a christian stating that tithing is outdated and not applicable today. I was disturbed when I read that. So would you be able to write on what the bible says about tithing? Is tithing obsolete or is it still relevant today?

    By the way, I tithe and I believe in tithing.

    Rolain

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    1. I’ve actually already written a post about tithing. You can find it here: https://journeyoftheword.com/2015/02/24/should-christians-tithe/. It addresses the very question, “Is tithing obsolete or is it still relevant today?” I would certainly love to hear your feedback!

      Of course, that article just describes my current “conclusion” on the matter. I would encourage you to study the Scriptures for yourself to see where God’s truth leads you!

      Also, if you’re looking for yet another article on the topic, I came across John Piper’s just the other day, and I appreciated his thoughts: http://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/may-i-split-my-giving-between-my-church-and-another-ministry.

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  5. Yes, very interesting indeed. In Revelations 12:4, it speaks of the dragon (satan), “and his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth.” These being angels that chose to follow satan instead of God. They’ve been here ever since awaiting judgment.
    Thank you, Lydia, for your continual seeking of God’s truth.

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  8. I do enjoy meditating on the bible with all it’s awe and wonder. Some things I will never understand and I hope one day, when I do reach heaven, that I will understand. Thanks for sharing your post today at Open Mic Monday for the soul at Cisneros Cafe.

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  10. A chase indeed! Interesting thoughts to ponder……an now I will go open His Words and discover more. Thank you for leading me there today!

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  11. Yes, the original sin was one or rebellion due to greed and pride – when Satan rebelled against God, taking 1/3 of the angels with him. His punishment was great and that was a sad day, and he has been trying to get even with God ever since. May the rebellion that we discover in our own heart be cast at the foot of the Cross and allow Jesus to wash us clean again. Thanks for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.

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  13. Love your questions, Lydia! I see those verses in a whole new light. Just goes to show how much I skim! Yikes. Fascinating and well worth exploring. Thank you for digging in and sharing what your finding. And your questions! Brave. Visiting from CisnerosCafe. -Christina @ creativeandfree.com

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  14. That would be my assumption also is God punishing Satan. Sin can’t enter heaven, but that doesn’t mean Satan hasn’t stopped trying. Thanks for sharing with #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you link up again this week 🙂

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