If yesterday’s long account of how evil entered our universe seems fantastic to you, I would agree with your assessment. If any other book but the Bible were to present such an incredible fantasy-like account, I would have my doubts also. But the Bible, as we have seen, is like no other book ever written.
The evil deeds of man, as well as the author behind them, Satan, are an integral part of all sixty-six books of the Bible. The Bible devotes an inordinate amount of time to the influence this one fallen angel and his horde of demonic companions have had on mankind.
The fact that this definition of how evil came into our world is expounded upon by a book of such amazing respectability should at least cause one to ponder its plausibility. This, coupled with the fact that the evidence of evil we see today worldwide fits remarkably well with the sin-and-Satan account, adds further weight to its believability.
Could it just be possible that the quantum leap in perversion we see occurring during the past fifty years is correlated with the equally explosive rise in the number of books on the occult? Bookstores today now devote entire sections to the occult arts. Witchcraft, sorcery, astrology, spell casting, omen interpretation, Satan worship, and a host of other satanic practices can be found in almost any bookstore. We are strictly admonished that “…whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD…” (Deuteronomy 18:12)
There are evil forces all around us that are supernatural in nature and clearly not the product of “flesh and blood.” These invisible motivators of evil are taking captive more and more people every day. How else can we explain the following phenomena?
Many millions of Americans are hopelessly addicted to alcohol and drugs. They, if need be, will lie, cheat, steal and even kill to obtain these substances that deep in their hearts they know are poisoning their bodies and destroying their minds.
Or what could possess millions of parents to beat their small, helpless and precious children to the point where scars become permanent, tears never stop flowing and smiles are miles apart? Child abuse is evil personified. And what about those millions of husbands who, perhaps only years earlier, vowed to love and cherish their wives “till death do us part,” and now beat them routinely as if their wives were punching bags? Or what type of irresistible force causes one American every minute to attempt suicide?
These are extreme cases, you say. Then how about the cases where we allow situations that never materialize in our lives to place a hole in our stomachs. Worrying is the number-one pastime in our country and ulcers her close associate. Or the tens of millions who willingly allow poisonous cigarette smoke to patrol their airways and lungs.
There is something sinister and invisible all around us that is robbing us of the peace of mind, joy and quality of life for which we so yearn. No matter how hard we try, thoughts of lust, bitterness, envy and jealousy, which we hate so much, never seem to want to listen to our commands when we tell them to leave. Sadly, millions in our country have an invisible enemy who has taken control of our lives. Satan is his name.
But thanks be to God, for redemption is available to the entire world in a most spectacular way. The ultimate answer to every question one may have can be summarized in one word – Jesus!
For those who believe in the truth of the Bible, we know that Satan is alive and wanting the downfall of humanity and the defeat of God’s purposes in the world. He uses his power and demonic minions to achieve his goal but
are we giving too much power to Satan and his evil hordes when we say, ”Satan is the god of this world? How does the Bible describe our foe?
Firstly, Satan is a creature with limited powers. Even under the Old Covenant he had to be granted permission by God before he could act (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7). These limitations have been multiplied since the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus.
Let’s follow the Biblical evidence of how toothless this defeated lion is:
He flees in the face of our resistance (James 4:7)
The only power he has is what we give him or is granted by God (2Cor 12:7-12)
He is Biblically described as defeated, disarmed and spoiled (Col 2:15; Rev 12:7 and Mark 3:27)
He has “fallen” (Luke 10:18)
He was “thrown down” (Rev 12:9)
He is “crushed” under the feet of Christians (Romans 16:20)
He has lost authority over Christians (Col 1:13)
He has been “judged” (John 16:11)
He cannot “touch” a Christian (I John 5:18)
His works have been destroyed
(I John 3:8)
He has been ”cast out.” (John 12:31,32)
He has “nothing” (John 14:30)
He is “bound” (Mark 3:27; Luke 11:20)
The gates of hell “shall not overpower” the advancing church (Matt 16:18)
There are other passages that portray this defeated foe but hopefully this brief outlook will renew our resolve to be engaged with confidence in Kingdom work and to see the world and history through God’s eyes rather than the evening news.
Surely, Satan is alive but he is not well on planet earth. Progressively, the enemies of Christ are being defeated and made His footstool.
As Martin Luther said,
”And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure,
one little word shall fell him.”
Absolutely composed subject matter, Really enjoyed looking through.