It is commonly believed that the existence of Satan (the Devil) is the stuff of myth, legend, and superstition. But for those who accept the Bible to be the inspired word of God, and the Sonship of Jesus Christ, there can be no doubting the existence of the Evil One.

From beginning to end, the Bible speaks of the existence Satan. At the very beginning of man's existence, Satan was in the garden tempting Adam and Eve (Genesis 3). Jesus accepted the historical accuracy of the Genesis account when He told some Jews,

You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he from his own nature; for he is a liar, and the father of lies. (John 8:44)

The existence of the Devil is also demonstrated by the story of the temptation of Jesus. On this occasion, Satan unsuccessfully attempted three times to get Jesus to yield to sin (Matthew 4:1-11). Matthew deals with this temptation of our Lord in a straightforward and factual way. Satan came and tempted Jesus. Jesus carried on a conversation with a real person (one cannot talk to a myth or legend). When the temptations were over, Satan left Jesus for a season (Luke 4:13).

When I say "a real person," I do not mean a flesh and blood human being. The Bible reveals the existence of a spiritual realm that is just as real as the physical world that we inhabit. Although there is much about this spirit world that we do not know or fully understand, its existence is undeniable. (See Ephesians 1:20-23, Colossians 1:16; angels, Hebrews 1:14; demons, James 2:19).

Satan's purpose is also revealed in Scripture. Satan seeks to oppose the truth (John 8:44), hinder the work of God (Matthew 13:19), blind the minds of the unbelieving (2 Corinthians 4:4), and bring about the destruction of our souls (1 Peter 5:8).

Yes, Satan really exists, and those who desire to live for God should not be ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). Yielding to Satan's temptations brings sin, "and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death" (James 1:15). Therefore Peter's admonition is always timely:

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

Sunday

Bible Study 9:30 a.m.
Worship 10:30 a.m.
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Wednesday

Bible Study 7:30 p.m.

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