By now we’ve seen how Lucifer wasn’t required for God’s plan to work, and yet, by his own rebellion, he positioned himself as the opposition. That raises some tricky questions: was he necessary, was it all just cosmic gambling, or is this literally a spoiled brat’s war? Let’s unpack.

1. Did Lucifer become part of the plan by rebelling?

In one sense, yes. Not because God needed him, but because agency means someone could choose rebellion. And when Lucifer did, he unintentionally became the prime example of opposition (2 Nephi 2:11). God didn’t script him into the plan—Lucifer cast himself as the villain.

2. Is this just a massive poker game with heaven as the stakes?

Not at all. Poker depends on luck, bluffing, and hidden cards. God’s plan wasn’t random or chancy; it was certain. The only uncertainty was whether individual souls would choose Christ or Lucifer.

3. Or is this just a spoiled brat rebelling against his Dad?

That’s actually pretty accurate—except this tantrum had cosmic fallout. Isaiah 14:12–15 depicts Lucifer’s pride-driven fall. He wasn’t fighting for others—he was raging against his own rejection. It was envy weaponized.

4. If this is a real war, then who wins?

The scriptures leave no doubt: Christ triumphs, Satan loses (Revelation 20:10). But the tragedy is that Satan drags others with him—not to win, but to spite.

So yes, this is a literal war. Not a poker game. Not a joke. And while Satan has followers, he is no kingmaker—he’s just the world’s loudest sore loser.

Conclusion: Outer Darkness and Its Real Weight

In Latter-day Saint belief, outer darkness is not a place most people will ever see. It isn’t for the struggling, the doubtful, or even the disobedient who never fully came to know Christ. It is reserved only for the “sons of perdition”—those who, after receiving a perfect knowledge of Jesus Christ through the Holy Ghost, willfully and defiantly reject Him (D&C 76:31–37).

That level of rebellion requires more than sin; it requires treachery against the very light one has fully embraced. Joseph Smith taught that almost everyone who comes to earth will inherit a degree of glory (telestial, terrestrial, or celestial). Outer darkness, by contrast, is a conscious and complete rejection of God’s love after personally tasting it.

So, while hellfire sermons in other traditions often imply most of humanity is at risk of eternal damnation, Latter-day Saint doctrine emphasizes God’s mercy: only the rare soul who knowingly and deliberately chooses Satan over Christ can fall that far. For the rest, Christ’s atonement ensures that His light will reach them, even if it takes beyond this life.