Is there really a Devil?
According to philosophy, we can make a good case for the devil’s existence but we cannot “prove” it by the standard methods of forensic science. But we can say that yes, Christians have claimed that since the founding of Christianity 2,000 years ago, there is a real, personable devil whose name is Satan.
Many Christians believe that he is described in Ezekiel 28:11-19 and Isaiah 14:12-15. While these verses are talking about Earthly kings, we believe they are talking about the power behind the throne. After all, the King of Tyre was not in the Garden of Eden (Ezekiel 28:13), nor was he a guardian cherub (Ezekiel 28:14). Nor was the King of Babylon “fallen from heaven” because he claimed to be God (Isaiah 14:12-15). Isaiah and Ezekiel are written in poetic language, which permits interpretations like this.
Who was Lucifer? An angel, a created being, created by God (Job 38:4,7).
Why did Lucifer rebel against God? Because of his pride (Ezekiel 28:15,17). He wanted to overthrow God and take His place (Isaiah 14: 13-14).
Did other angels support Lucifer in his rebellion? Yes, one-third of all the angels (Revelation 12:3,4,7-10). These fallen angels became demons.
When did Lucifer and his demons “fall”? In the beginning, everything that God had created was “good” (Genesis 1:31). So they rebelled some time after Genesis 1:31 and Genesis 3:1.
Is the Serpent of Genesis 3 the same being as the Devil? Yes, according to Revelation 12:9 & 20:2.
Is Satan equal in power to God? No, he is only a created being, created by God (Ezekiel 28:13, 15). God has placed limits on Satan’s power (Job 1:12 & 2:1-6). While Satan can influence and harass humans (1st John 5:18), he cannot read their thoughts (1st Kings 8:39). He doesn’t know the future (Isaiah 46: 9,10). He will eventually lose his battle against God (Revelation 20:10).
Hell was originally prepared for the devil and his demons (Matthew 26:41). Anyone who doesn’t accept Jesus will go to hell (John 14:6 & Acts 4:12).
Jesus believes in a personable, real Satan. Jesus made 25 of the 29 references to Satan in the gospels. Matthew 4 and Luke 4 describe a personal encounter between Jesus and Satan. Mark 1:12 and Hebrews 4:12 refer to this encounter. To deny Satan’s real, personable existence in these scriptures is to impugn the integrity and sanity of Jesus.
Satan is not how we typically picture him…in a red suit with horns and a tail carrying a pitchfork with cloven hooves instead of feet. This is exactly like Satan would like us to believe he is; a clownish, cartoonish figure who can be laughed at. 1st Peter 5:8 says he is a roaring lion…seeking whom he may devour. He can be charming and persuasive, he can appear as an angel or a very beautiful person flattering us with lies and exploiting our weaknesses. His arguments may seem logical but they contain a toxic poison that is lethal to our souls. Every religion has a counterpart to Satan. Paul refers to Satan as the “god of this world” in 2nd Corinthians 4:4 and Luke 4:5,6 confirms this. Yet James 4:7 tells us “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
Can Satan possess people? Some Christians say yes, others say no. Most Christians believe that a Christian c an be demonized or strongly influenced by Satan. A good article on this is at https://www.equip.org/article/can-a-christian-be-demonized/
Can Satan and his demons appear as “good spirits” or “angels of light”? Absolutely (2nd Corinthians 11:14,15).
Do Christians have power over Satan and his demons? Yes, but only thru the power of Christ (Ephesians 6:10-13 & Jude 1:9 & 2nd Corinthians 10:3-5). 1st John 4:4 says “Greater is He that is in you (God the Holy Spirit) than he that is in the world (the Devil).”
What will finally happen to Satan and his demons?
Christ made a public display of His victory over Satan (Colossians 2:15).
Jesus will break the power of Satan (Hebrews 2:14,15).
God will crush Satan (Romans 16:20).
They will be consigned to the lake of fire for all eternity
(Matthew 25:41 Revelation 20:7-10).
C.S Lewis has said that the devil’s greatest lie has been to convince the world that he doesn’t exist.
According to a 2014 poll of Americans…
61% believe in a personal devil
27% don’t believe in a personal devil
12% aren’t sure
(https://www.statista.com/statistics/245496/belief-of-americans-in-god-heaven-and-hell/.
For His Kingdom,
Dave Maynard
https://bsssb-llc.com