Who Is In Control?

When did satan become the prince of this world? God created this world and all that was and is in it, and He certainly didn't give it to satan. So who had control of the earth? Genesis 1:26 says God gave rule over all the earth and everything that goes along with it to mankind. Well, how did Adam and Eve lose control?

I believe the answer is in Genesis 3. God had told Adam and Eve they could not eat of the tree of knowledge or they would die, but as we know they believed satan instead when he lied and said they wouldn't die. This choice put them under satan's control and consequently gave him control over the earth. God was and still is in ultimate control, but to the extent that man was to have control over the earth satan assumed that control. This what I believe Paul is discussing in Romans 8.

• Rom 8:20-22For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
  22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.NIV

Paul then goes to say that as we have been freed so creation can also be freed and revert back to its original intent. Just as the cross and the resurrection has allowed us once again to be in union with God and have community with others, our relationship with the earth can also be restored. Jesus' words in John 12 sums it up.

• John 12:31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.NIV