The Myth: The Myth of Satan

Of all the deceptions that has been carried out since antiquity, fewer could be more ingenious than this: that the deceiver himself is fictional. In the case of the church, Satan has pulled this ruse off by convincing the bride of Christ that he does not exist! Denying the fundamental existence of God’s primary adversary is a serious deception that has blinded the eyes of many in the church. This is one error that Christians cannot afford to make, but by committing this error, it only reflects the depths of deception that has penetrated the church.

The modern love-centric gospel church is more inclined towards preaching abundant blessings, grace, purpose and prosperity but little more. In the process, it is more inclined towards neglecting teaching its members the more somber but nevertheless pressing portion of reality; that Satan is a cunning enemy prowling around. Instead, such warped theology implicitly leads its members into believing the devil to be a concept, very much like how sin is embedded within every human being. Likewise, this false doctrine gives way to believers perceiving Satan as a concept or principle of evil stemming from an imperfect human nature, rather than an actual spiritual entity. Meanwhile, the traditional view of Satan as a fallen archangel is dismissed as a medieval folklore. Yet, the bible clearly states that Satan exists as a real personality and is actively at work, as he has been since Creation!

Satan is no myth; the bible has made it exceedingly obvious that Satan is a very dangerous and potent threat that must be reckoned with. The bible clearly outlines his origins as an angel that incited and led a revolt against God and was casted down onto earth with his followers. Ever since then, Satan has been roaming the earth working to tear apart God’s plan by wrecking chaos among His creation, principally man.

And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Revelation 12:7-9

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” Job 1:6,7

Even among churches that still believe in Satan’s existence, their Christians are barely equipped with the knowledge of his existence and his activities. Instead, Christians are lulled with messages of love, grace and blessings. Naturally, Satan becomes a distant and abstract enemy that is causing havoc “somewhere out there”, when in reality he has legions of demons present here on earth to do his bidding. Furthermore, the rosy picture of God being in perfect control of this world as advocated by churches is a serious doctrinal error. Firstly, it is crucial to understand that the world and all its systems are currently in the hands of Satan. He is described as the “prince of the power of the air” and “god of this world”. Whether you like it or not, everything of this world that is not of God lies in the hand of Satan and this comprises all things of secular nature. It is critical that this junction of awareness be reached by every believer, for failing to understand the enemy’s plans grants him a free rein to manipulate and deceive the church.

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. Ephesians 2:1-3

Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you,Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” Matthew 4:8-10

We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. 1 John 5:19

Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 2 Corinthians 4:4

Some will argue that this is a bleak picture of pessimism and doom but it is the reality that each and every one of us faces. Others will counter that the notion of God not working for the good of mankind as violating His omnipresent and omnipotent nature. All these romantic notions are veils that the enemy has draped around the eyes of the church. One must understand His nature and the severity of sin. To put it clearly, God’s Holy presence cannot abide when sin abounds. Hence, if sin abounds in the church and repentance is nowhere to be found, it is not grace but judgment that waits.

Furthermore He said to me, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations that the house of Israel commits here, to make Me go far away from My sanctuary? Now turn again, you will see greater abominations.” Ezekiel 8:6

However, when the church of Christ plays the harlot and welcomes secularism into its arms, this opens wide the doors for Satan to storm in. The church that does not truly repent of her sins and submit to Christ is an easy target for Satan to deceive. How does the church welcome the ways of the world? When the church tickles the itching ears of its congregation instead of preaching the truth; when the church opts to entertain its members with secular demonic entertainment; when the church turns a blind eye towards sin; when the church becomes a cold institutionalized money-churning corporation; when the church forsakes God for the world. Satan and his minions are actively at work seducing people into committing sin and enslaving them within spiritual bondages. Even the church is not exempted from falling into this snare of sin, more so if it stops watching and praying.

Among the central tenets of biblical doctrine neglected by the church is the perpetual warfare of the church against the unseen rulers controlling this world; namely Satan and his legion of fallen angels. This is an expected result of downplaying the threat of Satan, for if the church has become largely unaware of his designs, then the urgency to counter them is lost. It is a tragedy that the church has been blinded against the existence of its foe which is bent on its complete annihilation. Additionally, a Christian that is not on constant guard against the enemy makes himself an easy prey for the devil. Be warned, for it is another error to believe that God grants the church supernatural protection against doctrinal errors regardless of its spiritual state.

Satan has set out to battle against God for the eternal destiny of human souls, right from the moment when he tempted Eve. He has sought to deceive mankind ever since by creating counterfeits to blind their minds. For instance, Satan has deceived the world with counterfeit gods. The gargantuan muddle of religions, cults and beliefs of humanity today stands as a testament of Satan’s success. Satan also seeks to deceive the church by producing counterfeit gospels, Jesus, worship and etc which he hopes to ultimately sever the church from God. However, the bible has warned that many, Christians included, will succumb to his offensives. He strives to manipulate and seduce mankind into committing sin, which drove an insurmountable wedge between man and God. Eventually, it took nothing less than divine intervention to reconcile man back to God in the form of the blood of the Lamb.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring—those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 12:17

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 1 Timothy 4:1-3

Jesus Christ has saved us from the enemy, but His intention was never for us to indulge in this world and become complacent Christians. One must understand that Christ established His church on earth to withstand against the gates of hell and prevent souls from passing through it. If the church were to repent, subject itself to God, equip itself with His truth and engage in spiritual warfare, the works of the enemy would crumble before the church. As the church is the body of Christ on this earth, which rightfully functions to tear down this demonic kingdom, the church should constantly be engaged in warfare with the devil.

Whereas the bible advocates pacifism in the flesh, it explicitly emphasizes the need for militancy in the spiritual realm. Simply because as Christians, we must recognize the fact that the true battleground does not lie in the physical realm; Jesus Christ did not descend onto earth to save our earthly bodies which will perish and ultimately return back to the dust. He came to save souls from the second death, namely being casted into the lake of fire. Likewise, the church must engage in this spiritual warfare at all times, which entails perpetual prayer, possession of solid knowledge of His Word and unwavering faith.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6: 11-13

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7

In short, Satan is a very real foe that we must contend with in our daily walk as Christians. A Christian in no way can afford to be blinded against this reality. A Christian must be vigilant and strive to walk on the narrow path without deviating an inch. It is worthy remembering that with Christ within, no demonic power can prevail against His child!