Hope and Prophecy

How did sin and evil begin, according to the Bible?

Sin began with pride and rebellion in heaven, when a created angel desired God's authority for himself, and it spread to earth through the same temptation to distrust God.

Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-27

Written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy.

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Great Controversy

Biblical explanation

Scripture traces evil's origin not to God's creation but to the choice of a created being. Isaiah and Ezekiel describe, in poetic language layered over historical kings, the fall of a covering angel whose heart was lifted up with pride and who sought to exalt himself above God. That same rebellion reached earth in Eden, when the serpent tempted humanity with the identical lie: that God's authority and word could not be trusted. Understanding sin's origin as a moral choice rather than a divine flaw helps explain why God tolerates evil for a time — to fully expose its results — while still guaranteeing its final, complete end.

In brief

Scripture traces evil's origin not to God's creation but to the choice of a created being.

Bible references

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Editorial note

This answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.