The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed by David Lee of Malaysia, from the tape GC 1301-N, titled "Bible Questions and Answers Part 16."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE.  ©1981. All Rights Reserved.

Questioner

I have a question about 1 Samuel 16:14, “Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him.” And I’m just curious about that "evil spirit from the Lord."

John MacArthur's Answer

The statement that there is, "an evil spirit from the Lord" and the question is, "How can a good God sent forth an evil spirit?" Right? Obviously, the answer to it has to be in line with all other scripture. And all you have to do is to keep this in mind: The holy angels are at the command of Jesus Christ, right? Are the fallen angels at the command of Jesus Christ? Sure they are! In Mark 5, Jesus approached the maniac of Gadara, you remember? And they said to him, "do not"...what? "send us out, but cast us into..." what? "...the swine." They knew that they would have to do what He commanded them to do. You see in Ephesians 1, it says, and I will read it, "The exceeding greatness of His power which was wrought in Christ…so forth…far above all principalities and powers and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come. He’s put all things under His feet, given him to be head over all things…" right? Doesn't matter what it is.

There are times when God himself, in His sovereign will, actually allows the demon hosts to carry out His will. And I think in that case He simply, in line with His sovereign will, acted authoritatively over a demon to allow him, to permit him to do what he was going to do. So I think we have to give the ultimate sovereignty to God.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur's Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
Box 119
Columbus, New Jersey, USA, 08022
Our websites: www.biblebb.com and www.gospelgems.com
Email: tony@biblebb.com
Online since 1986