“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.”
— C. S. Lewis, Screwtape Letters
In our warfare, the enemies we face include the devil, the flesh, and the world. This blog will look at the devil and give a list of Scriptures.
The existence of the devil is sometimes hard for Christians. Images of a dude in red tights with a pitchfork and horns dance through our heads. But his existence is a reality found throughout the Bible. He is our foe, waging war against all people as part of his war with God. For followers of Jesus, his goal is to leave them discouraged, ineffective, and defeated. For those who are far from God, Satan’s tactics are designed to keep them from finding Christ and out of the family of God.
A few things about our foe. First, he is in now way equal to God. Satan’s knowledge, power, and presence are limited. Furthermore, in the cross and resurrection Satan became a defeated foe. On the other hand, the Bible gives the picture that Satan is not alone in his efforts. A whole host of angelic beings rebelled against the sovereignty of God and in pride sinned against His glory. The result is that a group of beings created by God to worship His glory fell and became Satan and demons. In their pride, the continue to fight against God’s goodness and seek to destroy his people.
For us to discover a little about the how the devil opposes us, we can look at the names he is given in the Bible. Here is a list.
· Abaddon (“destroyer”) (Rev.
9:11)
· The god of this world (2 Cor.
4:4)
· Accuser (Rev. 12:10)
· Great Dragon (Rev. 12:9)
· Adversary (1 Pet. 5:8)
· Lawless One (2 Thess. 2:18)
· Apollyon (“destroyer”) (Rev.
9:11)
· Liar (John 8:44)
· Beelzebul (Matt. 12:24)
· Morning Star (Isa. 14:12)
· Belial (2 Cor. 6:15)
· Murderer (John 8:44)
· Deceiver (Rev. 12:9)
· Prince of the power of the air
(Eph. 2:2)
· Devil (Luke 4:13)
· Ruler of this world (John
12:31)
· Enemy (Matt. 13:28, 39)
· Satan (Acts 26:18)
· Evil One (Matt. 13:28, 39)
· Serpent (Rev. 12:9)
· Father of lies (John 8:44)
· Tempter (1 Thess. 3:5)
