The Literal Existance Of Satan-Part Of Our World View Tour

This is the third part of the series, in which, we are discussing a biblical world view. It bears repeating that everyone has a world view, weather they know it or not. On the one hand is a secular world view, and on the other, is a biblical world view.

In this article, we will begin to understand the importance of the belief in the literal existence of satan. This is a very important aspect in our world view, as Christians, but why? We will get to answer that question shortly. First, we are going to see what the bible says about satan. Get your bible out and ready. I'm going to give you some scriptures to look up and I will let God talk to you about satan and his literal, real existence, with a bit of added comment. Afterward, once you have read all the scriptures, then we will discuss the importance of this knowledge.

• God created satan: Ezekiel 28:14-19

• Satan's heart is filled with pride: Isaiah 14:12-20

• He tempts man to sin: Genesis 3:1-7

• He is the father of lies: John 8:44

• Satan is fierce: Luke 8:29 (satan is powerful and not a nice guy! He has minions at his disposal that can cause man to go crazy.)

• Satan is deceitful: 2 Corinthians 11:14. (He has the power to transform himself into things that might appear to be good. This would give us some insight into the world around us. If we have an understanding of the power of satan, that he can appeal to man's better judgment, this awareness should cause us pause for consideration in relation to the world.)

• Satan is a coward: James 4:7 (satan knows he has no power over God. It could be argued that most deceitful people in this world are cowards. They are afraid to face the truth.)

• We have power over satan: 2 Corinthians 2:11 (in Christ), Ephesians 6:11-16 (in Truth), 1 Peter 5:9 (in faith through grace), 1 John 2:13 (victory is won. See also Revelation 12:10, 11).

Now that we know a bit about this evil being, the next question is to ask, what are satan's methods?

• Satan disguises himself: 2 Corinthians 11:14

• He misuses scripture: Matthew 4:6. (There are many in this world that call themselves Christians and misuse and misquote scripture to their purpose, or build preconceived doctrine. Why is this important to a biblical world view?)

• He afflicts believers: Luke 13:16.

I could go on and on, but I hope this will suffice.

What is satan's destiny? What will become of this evil being?

• He will be bound: Mark 3:27.

• He will be cast out: John 12:31

• He will be bruised: Romans 16:20

• He is assigned to hell, (yes, hell is a real place): Matthew 25:41

OK, now that we have read all this good scripture, how does this apply to a biblical world view? How does this affect the way we look at the things around us? First, if we dis-believe that satan exists, we would nullify the temtations of Christ and His perfect example for us. It would give us license for enmity toward oue fellow man because there is no cause for hope. Most importantly, if we believe the bible, then satan is a reality and he is a great deceiver. This is pause for reflection. Satan can, and will, use anyone and anything to his purpose-to bring as many as he can down with him. If we understand this reality, then we can better perceive it in the world around us. The bible warns us in the following verses:

• Matthew 7:15

• Matthew 24:11

• 2 Peter 2:1

• 1 John 4:1

In summary, the knowledge of satan's deceptive powers should enable us to discern false teaching and false doctrine in the civil-ized (remember the article on civilized and Christianized?) If God's word is truth, and truth is absolute, then everything must be placed against the light of scripture (like you would candle an egg). For it is only then, that the cracks in will be discovered. Satan does, indeed, exist and the world has been fooled by him. Understand this so that you can be a light for the Lord.