Anyone familiar with the Gospels knows that Jesus was under constant attack by Satan and his followers. Satan, also known as the devil, relentlessly sought to end the life of Jesus in hopes of ending God's plan of salvation for all of mankind. To this day Satan continues to be a cunning adversary bent on keeping as many souls out of heaven as possible through his lies of deception. Consequently, he continues to fool the people of this world into believing his lies duping many into believing that he either does not exist and for those who do believe he exists to think that he is no real threat. Therefore, far too many of today's teachings on Satan may mention him as an adversary, but truly view the devil as nothing more than a pest. Others choose to avoid discussions on Satan altogether. Finally, many others choose to believe that Satan and his followers may have been around during the time of Jesus' ministry, but are no longer an issue for us today. Make no mistake; Satan prides himself in these deceptions.

However, the true followers of Christ, those who have been spiritually reborn, must take Satan and his followers seriously. The scriptures tell us to “Give no opportunity to the devil” (Ephesians 4:27). Therefore, it is vital for the citizens of heaven (Christians) to know, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). The citizens of this world (those who remain lost) are blinded to this truth. “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4). The adversary wishes for everyone to perish and this is why he will never give up until in the end God will cast him into the lake of fire for eternity.

Furthermore, Jesus prayed to the Father for His followers here on earth, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one” (John 15:15). You see, citizens of heaven are here to share the good news with the lost citizens of this world so that may gain citizenship in heaven. Nevertheless, Christians must be aware that while on earth we live in a world controlled by Satan and his wicked followers for “We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). Consequently, “Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). The Father uses the citizens of heaven, “to open their (the citizens of this world) eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:18). “Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” (1 Peter 2:11-12). “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, on account of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).

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