The Nature of Evil
November 6, 2009 by kristinemac
Filed under Christians & The Occult
Recently I received some very interesting questions about Satan and the nature of evil. While I'm no expert and certainly don't have all the answers, this is what I believe about Satan, the nature of evil, and spiritual warfare based on the Bible.
Can you give me your take on the devil and the war between good and evil?
Satan (formerly Lucifer, an angel) in his pride wanted to be like God and so was cast down from heaven. 1/3 of the angels fell with him. Satan tempted Eve in the garden leading to the ultimate downfall of humanity when Adam and Eve chose to disobey God. In scripture we are told Satan roams about the earth "seeking whom to devour". Basically Satan and other demonic spirits want to prevent people from knowing God or receiving the salvation offered through faith in Jesus Christ.
Do you believe that Satan and God are warring all the time? An ongoing war lived out here on Earth through us (humanity)
I suppose you could say yes, in a sense. The good news is Satan has already lost. He lost when Jesus Christ was born, lived among us and taught us about God, died a sacrificial death on our behalf for the forgiveness of sin, and was resurrected to give new life to those who believe in Him. What Satan is trying to do now is take out as many as he can before he faces ultimate punishment.
Do you believe there are "evil" people.
Do I believe there are evil people? I believe there are people who choose or have chosen to do great evil, yes. Individuals who choose to embrace evil or hold distorted beliefs causing great harm to others…that can certainly be evil. According to Jeremiah 17:9 “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? (NLT) This means we are all capable of being evil people.
The good news is that although we have all sinned…every one of us, no exceptions…but there is a way of salvation.
"…It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:10-12
Do you believe in demon possessed people?
I believe people can be demon possessed, however, I believe it's very rare. More often what is being experienced is some form of oppression. A person being influenced or tormented by demonic spirits rather than being controlled by demonic spirits.
The thing to keep in mind is we live in a fallen world and bad things do happen. Not every negative that occurs in a person's life, not every temptation or downfall, is inspired by demonic activity. I have seen or experienced enough to understand the reality of their existence but do not look to demons as an explanation for all life's ills. You don't want to be unrealistic or move into an unhealthy interest.
What Is Spiritual Warfare?
Spiritual warfare entails knowing your position in Christ and how to use the authority of Jesus name when under some form of spiritual oppression, praying for healing in other people, dealing with legitimate paranormal activity, etc. We must be right in our relationship with God, know scripture, and stand firm in our faith.
Scriptures To Consider:
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NIV)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NLT)
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