Some speculate that this spiritual being who was symbolized as a serpent was in existence before creation with a purpose contrary to that of God. However, with the exception of fallen man on this earth, nothing in the created world exists against God's plan of creation; so, it is not likely that there could have been an already existing evil being as God's adversary. If there had been originally two masters in the universe, their two contrary objectives would clash and the universe would come to naught. Therefore, this spiritual being was originally created for the purpose of goodness, but later fell and became Satan. This being was able to converse with man, he was a spiritual being who knew God's will, and he was also capable of tempting man. And this being, after falling and becoming Satan, could dominate man's mind and spirit transcendent of time and space, making man lead an evil life for thousands of years.