ANSWERING SKEPTICS’ QUESTIONS ABOUT SATAN
Folk lore about Satan and demons are part of our culture. We see them in Halloween celebrations, movies and in religious groups which worship and serve them. But do they really exist, or are they just myths with no basis? If Satan and demons exist, then we have very clever and powerful enemies with abilities far beyond our own. If they don’t exist then the Bible and Jesus both lie by often speaking of them as real.
PROOF FROM THE BIBLE: The Bible tells us that Satan was God’s highest created being (Ezekiel 28:11-19; Isaiah 14:12-20). He is very intelligent and clever (Genesis 1:26; 3:1-7; 2 Corinthians 11:3). He is a murderer and a liar (John 8:44). Even though he was God’s highest creation he wanted to be worshiped instead of God, so he rebelled but was cast out of heaven and lost his perfect state (Isaiah 14:12-20; Ezekiel 28:11-19). He still has great strength and power, so much that even Michael the archangel viewed him as a foe too powerful to oppose (Jude 9). Yet Satan’s attributes, impressive as they are, are not limitless. His power is subject to God’s restrictions (Job 1:12; Luke 4:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-8). The control of God on his activities is illustrated by Satan’s request to God for permission to afflict Job (Job 1:7-12).
We read that Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4), snatches the Word of God from their heart so they don’t respond to it (Luke 8:12) and works in men to oppose God’s work (Revelation 2:13). He tempts believers to lie (Acts 5:3), accuses and slanders us before God (Revelation 12:10), does all he can to hinder what we do for God (1 Thessalonians 2:18), tempts us to sin (1 Corinthians 7:5) and incites persecution against us (Revelation 2:10). He was judged and defeated at the cross (John 121:31). One day he will be sent to hell forever (Revelation 20:1-10).
Demons are angels who rebelled along with Satan and were also cast out of heaven (Revelation 12:7-13). “Demon” means “destroyer.” They are also called evil or unclean spirits, referring to the fact they don’t have a physical body. They spread their sin and uncleanness any way they can. They are spiritual terrorists, trying to destroy the work of God’s kingdom (Daniel 10:10; Revelation 16:13-16). They are led by Satan (Ephesians 6:11-12) and can inflict disease (Matthew 9:33; Luke 13:11,16; Job 2:7-10) and lead men to sin (Matthew 4:1-10). Demons can indwell men (Matthew 4:24) and animals (Mark 5:13). They oppose spiritual growth (Ephesians 6:12) and spread false doctrine (1 Timothy 4:1). Always remember they can do nothing without God’s permission (Job 1:6-12).
PROOF FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: In my spiritual warfare dealings with those who have been demonized, I have seen clear evidence of the reality of Satan and demons. The things people thought and the way they acted were evil beyond what the person normally was like. Voices came from people that didn’t sound anything like the person’s own voice. The profanity was beyond anything imaginable. The knowledge the demons had was far above what the person could have known as well. Those who deal with demonically oppressed people sense in their spirit the evil working in the person. The person who is delivered also attests to the demonic presence which worked through them. Missionaries and others often have stories of these things as well. In many cultures Satan flaunts his evil and power to control people by fear. People living in those places have no doubt that Satan and demons are real.
PROOF FROM REASON: The best explanation for the vile, evil acts committed today by people who were seemingly normal not long before is the reality of an evil presence working through them. Cruelty that seems beyond human ability, supernatural strength or capacity to give or withstand pain, knowledge of things no human could have ever known – these and other happenings are best explained by a personal evil power in the universe – Satan and demons.
What difference does it make in your life that Satan exists as a real force against you?
Pray now and ask God to bring someone into your life this week that you talk to about Jesus’ victory over Satan
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling)
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