Please Support the Bible Translation Work of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

$5.00

Critics of the existence of the devil often argue that belief in a supernatural entity responsible for evil is a remnant of childhood fears and superstitions. Some religious leaders assert that the Bible does not mention such a monster and that the terms “Devil” and “Satan” simply refer to the principle of sin and wickedness inherent in human nature. Some even go so far as to say that humans are the only sources of evil.

However, this simplified view of the devil as an imaginary monster or just a manifestation of human wickedness is incomplete. The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, clearly speaks of a personal being who is opposed to God and has the power to influence humans to do evil. In the book of Job, Satan is referred to as a “son of God” who presents himself before God and is granted permission to test Job (Job 1:6-7). In the New Testament, Jesus himself recognizes the existence of the devil and refers to him as the “father of lies” (John 8:44). Jesus also performs exorcisms, casting out demons who were possessing people and tormenting them (Matthew 12:22-29).

Scripture also speaks of the devil as a real, personal being with power and influence who actively works to oppose God’s purposes and lead humans astray. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul writes about “the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places,” and in 2 Corinthians 11:14, he warns that Satan himself can disguise himself as an angel of light. The Bible also speaks of the ultimate defeat of Satan and the evil he represents through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and his ultimate return in triumph (Revelation 20:10).

In summary, the notion that the devil is simply a figment of imagination or a personification of human wickedness is not supported by the biblical record. The Bible teaches that there is a real, personal being who is opposed to God and has the power to influence humans to do evil. It is up to each individual to carefully consider the evidence and make their own determination about the reality of the devil.

Explaining Human Behavior

If humans are the only source of evil, then why do most individuals act in ways that prioritize the well-being of their families? For instance, people provide food and basic necessities for their loved ones, they do not intentionally harm themselves, and they take precautions to avoid dangerous situations. This behavior does not seem inherently evil. However, when individuals come together as nations, their perspective on the common good changes. As nations, they fail to distribute surplus food to feed the hungry and instead let it go to waste. They engage in environmentally damaging practices and even engage in acts of mutual destruction, such as nuclear war. This type of behavior is not only self-destructive, but also perplexing.

The Bible provides an explanation for this paradoxical behavior by identifying the influence of a powerful political strategist and spirit creature known as the Devil, or Satan. The Bible claims that Satan has blinded the minds of the global community and misled humanity, even to the extent of being called the “god of this world.” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Satan has built a vast organization as both the ruler of the visible world and the ruler of the demons. (John 14:30; 16:11; Matthew 12:24). This perspective explains the presence of strange, self-destructive behavior in nations and the blind spot in human behavior.

Thus, Satan has built an immense organization, serving as both “ruler of the [visible] world” and “ruler of the [invisible] demons.” (John 14:30; 16:11; Matthew 12:24) According to the Bible, Satan has a vast network of influence and control, working behind the scenes to manipulate and deceive humanity. This understanding that Satan heads a worldwide organization sheds light on the strange and self-destructive behavior of nations and individuals alike. It provides a deeper explanation for the blind spots in human behavior and the actions that seem to go against our own self-interest and well-being. By recognizing the influence of Satan, we can be better equipped to resist his efforts to deceive and mislead us and to work towards a better future for ourselves and all of humanity.

Why He Heads an Organization

One aspect of Satan’s strategy, according to the Bible, is to use an organized approach to control and influence people. Just as a criminal boss might oversee various illegal operations without directly revealing himself to all his subordinates, Satan uses his organization to control far more people than he could on his own. This is because, as the Bible states, “he deceives the whole world” (Revelation 12:9).

Satan’s strategy is to treat masses of people as if they were a herd of cattle, manipulating a few at the head of the herd so that the majority will follow. He then focuses on the strays, those who have not fallen under his control. This is why the Bible warns Christians to be on guard against the tricks and temptations of the Devil and to resist his influence through faith in Jesus and obedience to God’s commands (James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:8-9).

The existence of Satan as a personal spirit being is a concept that has been widely debated and discussed throughout history, with varying opinions and interpretations. However, it is important to note that the Bible, specifically in the New Testament, mentions Satan as a real being with a distinct personality and actions.

In the book of Luke, Jesus refers to Satan as “the ruler of this world” (Luke 4:6). In the book of Revelation, Satan is described as “the great dragon . . . that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray” (Revelation 12:9). These references, along with others in the New Testament, suggest that Satan is not just a mere symbol or personification of evil but is a real being with a distinct personality and agenda.

In addition, the book of Job, one of the oldest books in the Bible, presents Satan as a real being who is able to act independently and make decisions, as he is depicted as presenting himself before God and seeking permission to afflict Job (Job 1:6-12).

Who Is Telling the Truth About the Devil?

In today’s society, there is a growing skepticism and doubt about the existence of the Devil and the role that he plays in our lives. Many modern religious leaders and experts have disregarded the Bible’s teachings about the Devil, and this has led to a decline in belief in the reality of evil. However, this view is not shared by everyone. Many conservative Christians have been fighting against the Devil and his evil demons. They recognize the Devil as a real enemy and acknowledge the importance of knowing and understanding his plans in order to avoid being overreached by him.

Scripture supports this view, as seen in 2 Corinthians 2:11, which states, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” This verse highlights the importance of being aware of the Devil’s schemes and plans in order to protect ourselves from his influence. In conclusion, while many may doubt the existence of the Devil, it is clear that he is a real enemy, and it is crucial to understand his role in the world today in order to protect ourselves from his influence.