Lately I have been thinking about the world we live in and how the devil fits into it, so I have some questions and my take on the reality of the Devil.
Questions
Do you believe the Devil exists? As a Christian I hope you do but if you don't I would like to challenge you on that. Do you think it was a metaphor when Jesus went out in the wilderness for 40 days and nights to be tempted by the devil? Do you believe the serpent in the garden of Eden is a metaphor? Do you even believe in the garden of Eden?
If there is a God how is there no Devil? Why do you think the bible tells us to put on the armour of God? Do you believe the whole bible or only parts of it that suit your beliefs?
My Take
People can beat around the bush with the subject of the Devil because they don't want to offend others, or because it's just easier to talk about the love of God which is less controversial.
But the bible talks about the Devil often and I think that is because God wants us to be aware, to be ready, to see his schemes and tactics for what they are. He wants us to "Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes" (Ephesians chapter 6 verse 11) and he also wants us to "Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love" (1 Corinthians 13-14).
There seems to be a worldview out there that believes that there is no devil and I can understand that for an atheist who believes in nothing, but for a Christian to say that there is no devil makes me question what bible they are reading.
The world's idea of the devil is this cute little red guy with horns and a trident and he has been belittled so much that there is this general idea that he is a myth, a fictional character or even a joke. When I think about it, this reminds me of a quote from the movie The Usual Suspects - "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he doesn't exist."
That's what he has done throughout history and even now he is blinding the unbelieving population to the truth of his existence and it is only to their downfall. He has blinded their minds from God's truth.
2 Corinthians chapter 4 verse 4 says, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."
Frightening
Millions of people are dying without God's truth and his salvation, the devil is deceiving people into believing a lie that there is no afterlife and that once your dead that's it.
How sad it is when that day comes and they find out the hard way that there is a hell and unfortunately they're going to it. A soul in torment forever because they believed a lie.
How paramount it is for people's eyes to be opened to God's truth. It is literally life and death. I ask that if you are still reading this that you pray for the lost to find their way. Pray, pray and pray some more for God to open their eyes to the truth of his love and salvation.
How thankful I am that God pulled me out from the clutches of death and I am going to continue to pray that he does that for others.
Shane Rowney lives in Tweed Heads NSW, Australia. He is currently studying Ministry
Shane Rowney's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/shane-rowney.html