Is Satan Real?

In the modern West, Satan is often dismissed as a myth, a relic of ancient superstition. Many, including some who claim the name of Christ, deny the existence of a personal being known as the devil. Research from the Barna Group found that only 21% of self-described Christians believe in the existence of Satan. But this denial is a deception of the enemy himself. Scripture testifies that Satan is real, a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Many other scriptures clearly indicates the devil, also known as Satan, is a real being.

· Genesis 3:1 (the serpent in the Garden of Eden)
· Job 1:6 (Satan appears before God)
· Matthew 4:1-11 (Jesus tempted by Satan)
· John 14:30 (Satan as the "ruler of this world)
· Ephesians 6:11-12 (putting on the armor of God to fight against spiritual forces)
· Revelation 12:9 (Satan described as the "ancient serpent)

All these verses portray Satan as a powerful, active being who opposes God and seeks to deceive mankind. Even today, Satan works just as he did in the beginning in Adam and Eve. The only difference is that he now works in a world that prefers to explain away anything supernatural. Satan has been portrayed culturally as a source of entertainment in television and movies rather than our adversary who is actively seeking to deceive, corrupt, and lead God's people astray. Mark 5:1–20 shows Jesus Himself cast out demons and warned of their schemes. To ignore the devil’s presence is to leave ourselves vulnerable to his attacks.

On the other hand, we must not become obsessed with finding a demon behind every temptation. James tells us that our own sinful nature and the fallen world already entice us to stray.

“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:13-15)

It is important to be vigilant, for Satan is a master deceiver who disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14) and to use the only sure defense against his lies - the Word of God. It was the weapon used by Jesus in Matthew 4 when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness. To be a wise Christian requires training our minds in Scripture, equipping ourselves with the discernment needed to recognize and defend against the devil’s schemes.

Here is the good news. Because Christ came to destroy the works of the devil, we do not need to live in fear of him. But we must not be ignorant of his schemes so I’ll say it again - our greatest weapon is the truth of God’s Word.

As we deepen our knowledge of Scripture, we will grow in discernment and be more capable of recognizing the enemy’s deceptions.

Lord, I pray each of us would arm ourselves with Your powerful Word. We desire your truth to sharpen our minds and strengthen our faith so that we may resist the devil and walk in the light that cancels out the darkness of Satan’s lies. In Jesus Powerful Name - Amen


Credit: Ron Kelley