The Existence of Satan: Understanding the Reality of the Devil
The Bible plainly informs us that Satan does exist, having originally been created as a beautiful and powerful angelic being but was expelled from heaven due to his prideful ambition. His fall from grace serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of pride and rebellion against God, establishing his role as the adversary who continually opposes God's purposes and His people throughout human history.
Satan’s Origin and Fall
Satan was originally created as a beautiful and powerful angelic being, but because of his prideful ambition, he was expelled from heaven (Isa 14:12-17; Ezek 28:11-17). Since that time, he has opposed whatever is of God, yet has been given limited authority in the world; he is called the "god of this age...the prince of the power of the air" (2 Cor 4:4; Eph 2:2). His ultimate destiny is the lake of fire (Mt 25:41; Rev 20:10).
Acknowledge Satan's existence, yet do not respect him
Satan’s Destructive Work
The existence of evil and its devastating consequences throughout human history serves as powerful evidence for the reality of Satan. As the originator of all that is evil, Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy (Jn 10:10). He deceived Adam and Eve into rebelling against God as he himself had, and so the sin nature became entrenched in humanity (Gen 3:1-6,13). Those who don't acknowledge him and understand that his characteristics are the complete opposite to God's righteous ways are already deceived and condemned to a lost eternity unless they repent and walk in His ways (Jn 1:12, 3:18; 2 Thes 2:9).
Be aware of his schemes, but do not fear him
Resisting Satan Through Christ
However, as Christians we are not unaware of Satan's schemes; he works in those who are disobedient to God's ways with there being ample proof of his evil destructive activity in the world today and is on the prowl like a lion ready to devour those who are not alert (2 Cor 2:11, 11:14-15; Eph 2:2; 1 Pet 5:8). We are not to accommodate but resist his varied attacks by living in close obedient relationship to Christ who came to destroy the works of the devil (Jas 4:7-8; 1 Jn 3:8).
The Bible instructs, "Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is…against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Eph 6:10-18). Satan has no more control over us as believers, except when we give it to him by believing his lies and succumbing to his temptations.
Resist him through faith and obedience to Christ
Reflection and Application:
- Recognize Satan's reality but refuse to give him undue attention or respect.
- Stay alert to his deceptive schemes by grounding yourself in God's Word.
- Resist temptation through obedience to Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Put on the full armour of God daily to stand firm against spiritual attacks.
See also: armour (spiritual), deception, evil, Satan, spirit realm, temptation.