Angels, existing outside time, made a single, eternal choice to obey or reject God. Fallen angels chose against God’s goodness, introducing evil as a privation, not something God created or authorized. Satan, originally a high-ranking angel, possessed free will and existed outside temporal constraints in an eternal “now.” In a single, irrevocable act, he chose pride and rebellion against God, turning away from divine goodness. This choice introduced evil as a privation, a corruption of his created goodness, not as something God authorized or created. As a result, Satan became the chief adversary, leading other angels in their fall, perpetually opposing God’s will while remaining subject to His ultimate authority.

Great film worth a watch about good and evil: Nefarious (2023)

Nefarious is an excellent movie. The fallen angels are also granted free will, but have no means of salvation — the rebellious spirits (the principalities and powers we struggle with) are still completely subject to God’s sovereignty. Their reaction to Christ in the gospels makes this clear. But also the “lying spirit” that God allowed to deceive Ahab is another example.