(cont.) Is there any reason (for Michael, and the reader) to hope Marduk will eventually re-defect and reclaim his former name and restore his friendship with Michael as the trilogy unfolds? Why is it possible to rebel in heaven—and if it is possible—why is it not (if not) possible to re-rebel? Does the Bible talk about the angelic rebellion in unmistakably clear language—from where did our ideas about that originate?
To ask if Marduk comes back to the “good side,” makes me really happy, because the reader is supposed to like Marduk. I like Marduk. In fact, he was inspired by someone very dear to me who took the wrong path. You are the first person who has mentioned him in this context, so I’m glad to see that my writing expressed what I intended.
Why is it possible to rebel in heaven? I assume angels were created with free will, the same as we were.
My question is closer to “Is it possible for someone to lose their salvation? If not—why is it possible to rebel in heaven?” But, please continue…
I just assume that it was possible for a perfect angel to rebel in heaven, since it was possible for a perfect human to rebel in Eden. It was after Adam sinned that salvation/blood sacrifice was offered.
As for the salvation of demons, I was raised that they could not get saved because Jesus died only for humans (though I guess perhaps a demon could be “saved” just by repenting). I was also taught that angels were probably under some sort of probationary period, and that after Lucifer’s rebellion, the loyal angels had passed the test, and would remain forever faithful without struggle or temptation. Given what we know about demons, I tend to think this is a reasonable explanation, but without scriptural support, it is mere speculation.
I just want to say I love what you’ve done with Balaam, Rahav, Devorah, the relationships between Michael and the Prince and Michael and Gavriel, Michael’s love of the mud-race, the growth of Gavriel and Michael, the history behind the sacrificial worship of the gods and why judgment was justified, your research in general, the poetry, every time the King or Prince defended Ariel against Shaitan, every time a mortal defected, Marduk’s inferiority complex, the introduction of Cyrus, Alexander’s vision from Josephus’ Antiquities, Michael’s care of Raphael, your coverage of the inter-testamental period, the tension between emotion and reason, the tragedy surrounding Sharon and how it effects Michael, Cicero’s debate with Lucretius, and pages 578-601 (the end!). I almost threw up when you described Excrucio—a book has never made me want to puke before. Well done! Lol
Thank you. I am very glad you enjoyed it. I have poured my heart and soul into this novel, and it is my hope that it reaches people who ordinarily would never pick up a Bible, or discover just how much they mean to God.
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Ichthus77 