Why would the Devil punish sinners?

[Sabertooth]

So Satan is just another sinner in Hell..?

The first sinner! (That we know about.)

 

[(° ͡ ͜ ͡ʖ ͡ °) (ᵔᴥᵔʋ)]

So Satan is just another sinner in Hell..?

Pretty much. Yes.

 

[ximmix]

Pretty much. Yes.

So why are christians so worried about the devil then..?

 

[Sabertooth]

So why are christians so worried about the devil then..?

There are stories from WWII where some Japanese soldiers did not get the news of surrender/that the war was over. Likewise, he can still hurt people, so we have to deal with what you might call "mop-up."

 

[Sabertooth]

It would appear that neither of them has any interest in me. I wonder why?
Nudge nudge, wink wink!

Ignorance is bliss...

 

[Hazelelponi]

So why are christians so worried about the devil then..?

That I know of no Christian is worried or in fear of Satan.

Satan does try to lead God's people into disobedience through deception.

There is "fear", if you can call it that, of disobeying God - although that fear isn't the same as being scared of a monster - it's the "fear" of disappointing a beloved father..

My dad was pretty awesome, but I was always scared of letting him down. He never spanked me or physically punished me, all he ever had to do was tell me he was disappointed in me and walk away.. I lived wanting to make him happy, so my actions were geared toward that end, making him happy with me. Any disappointment he occured at my hand was soul crushing to me.

A Christians relationship with God is just like that, we fear His disappointment in us; we fear letting Him down - not any punishment - and this is out of a deep love and respect for Him.

As far as Satan. The Bible tells us through the actions of Jesus during His time of temptation how to overcome and be victorious over temptation - that is to know scripture, and know it well, that is to pray, and be inside a relationship with the Father who loves us, that is to have on, at all times, the full armour of God.

With that preventative prescription there is no temptation impossible for us to overcome. And if we slip up, we have a Father who loves us, and will always be there to forgive His children.

There is nothing in a Satan who is without that causes me fear... my greatest fears are my own evil inclinations that are within me which I have yet to overcome, and that "fear" is because I love and respect God so much that it means everything to be called His daughter, and I don't want to bring shame to His Name through my actions...

 

[(° ͡ ͜ ͡ʖ ͡ °) (ᵔᴥᵔʋ)]

So why are christians so worried about the devil then..?

Honestly, the reason varies depending on their faith tradition, denomination, or other. Satan is not in Hell yet. He and his minions still roam the earth and are actively seeking to do harm to believers and unbelievers alike. But there isn't any good reason for a believer to be worried about the devil because the devil has already been defeated by Jesus. The Psalmist makes this statement perfectly clear when he said "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil because you are with me." (Psalm 23:4). John also states "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (John 4:18). Once again, the "fear" mentioned in this passage is not the same as the "Fear of the Lord" mentioned in many verses like Proverbs 1:7. I also wanted to point out that in your OP you stated:

If God sends sinners to Hell to be punished, what incentive does the Devil have to punish them?

This is another common error. God doesn't sends anyone to Hell to be "punished". Rather, we are given a choice to either accept God or reject Him. There are many descriptions about Hell. Some suggest eternal and unquenchable fire. Others describe it as darkness. However, one theme that is common is eternal separation from God. One very clever quote I once heard Frank Turek say was, "God loves you too much to force you to spend eternity with Him." So God doesn't send people to Hell for eternal punishment. Rather, people freely choose to go to Hell because they refused to accept the gift of salvation that comes with submitting to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

 

[(° ͡ ͜ ͡ʖ ͡ °) (ᵔᴥᵔʋ)]

That I know of no Christian is worried or in fear of Satan.

Satan does try to lead God's people into disobedience through deception.

There is "fear", if you can call it that, of disobeying God - although that fear isn't the same as being scared of a monster - it's the "fear" of disappointing a beloved father..

My dad was pretty awesome, but I was always scared of letting him down. He never spanked me or physically punished me, all he ever had to do was tell me he was disappointed in me and walk away.. I lived wanting to make him happy, so my actions were geared toward that end, making him happy with me. Any disappointment he occured at my hand was soul crushing to me.

A Christians relationship with God is just like that, we fear His disappointment in us; we fear letting Him down - not any punishment - and this is out of a deep love and respect for Him.

As far as Satan. The Bible tells us through the actions of Jesus during His time of temptation how to overcome and be victorious over temptation - that is to know scripture, and know it well, that is to pray, and be inside a relationship with the Father who loves us, that is to have on, at all times, the full armour of God.

With that preventative prescription there is no temptation impossible for us to overcome. And if we slip up, we have a Father who loves us, and will always be there to forgive His children.

There is nothing in a Satan who is without that causes me fear... my greatest fears are my own evil inclinations that are within me which I have yet to overcome, and that "fear" is because I love and respect God so much that it means everything to be called His daughter, and I don't want to bring shame to His Name through my actions...

Amen! Resist the devil and he will flee.

 

[ximmix]

There are stories from WWII where some Japanese soldiers did not get the news of surrender/that the war was over. Likewise, he can still hurt people, so we have to deal with what you might call "mop-up."

Ok thanks, i know about that, but it has nothing to do with my question

Honestly, the reason varies depending on their faith tradition, denomination, or other. Satan is not in Hell yet. He and his minions still roam the earth and are actively seeking to do harm to believers and unbelievers alike. But there isn't any good reason for a believer to be worried about the devil because the devil has already been defeated by Jesus. The Psalmist makes this statement perfectly clear when he said "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil because you are with me." (Psalm 23:4). John also states "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (John 4:18). Once again, the "fear" mentioned in this passage is not the same as the "Fear of the Lord" mentioned in many verses like Proverbs 1:7. I also wanted to point out that in your OP you stated:

This is another common error. God doesn't sends anyone to Hell to be "punished". Rather, we are given a choice to either accept God or reject Him. There are many descriptions about Hell. Some suggest eternal and unquenchable fire. Others describe it as darkness. However, one theme that is common is eternal separation from God. One very clever quote I once heard Frank Turek say was, "God loves you too much to force you to spend eternity with Him." So God doesn't send people to Hell for eternal punishment. Rather, people freely choose to go to Hell because they refused to accept the gift of salvation that comes with submitting to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Ah i see. So if Hell is a separation from God, as an atheist I'm already in Hell?

 

[(° ͡ ͜ ͡ʖ ͡ °) (ᵔᴥᵔʋ)]

Ah i see. So if Hell is a separation from God, as an atheist I'm already in Hell?

In a way, yes. It isn't until you have accepted Jesus Christ as your savior and are filled with the Holy Spirit will you ever truly know how empty and meaningless your life is at this moment. Just saying...I hope you don't take any offense. So yes, your life now, compared to how rich and fulfilling it could be is pretty hellish.

 

[Sabertooth]

So if Hell is a separation from God, as an atheist I'm already in Hell?

Except now, you have the opportunity to choose otherwise. And there is Grace on this side of Eternity.

 

[(° ͡ ͜ ͡ʖ ͡ °) (ᵔᴥᵔʋ)]

Except now, you have the opportunity to choose otherwise. And there is Grace on this side of Eternity.

Agreed. I will add that one of the greatest suffering that you will incur is not the pain and fire. Rather, it is complete and utter despair knowing that there is absolutely no hope.

 

[Hazelelponi]

Ah i see. So if Hell is a separation from God, as an atheist I'm already in Hell?

I believe people who are atheists or who are otherwise are not God's children have traded God and the things of God for worldly pleasures.

This life, as sucky as it is, is what you asked for, therefore its your version of heaven. You have traded that which is better, so you can have that which is worse.

 

[(° ͡ ͜ ͡ʖ ͡ °) (ᵔᴥᵔʋ)]

@ximmix As an atheist, have you ever asked yourself what the meaning of all this is? Life in general. Have you ever asked yourself what the point of anything is? What if I were to tell you that there could be more for you rather than just mere temporary existence?

 

[Rescued One]

Satan has power over all humans until they are rescued from his power by God. Non-believers don't try to please God.

 

[Rescued One]

That I know of no Christian is worried or in fear of Satan.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

If God sends sinners to Hell to be punished, what incentive does the Devil have to punish them? I would think the Devil would treat sinners very well...

...I've never heard that the Devil "punishes" sinners. That's a new one for me. I do know that he likes to punish those who believe in the One and Only True God, especially those who place faith in the person of Jesus Christ.

But yes, the Devil offers a lot of entertainment pound for pound and dollar for dollar. So, if a person is ready to play, the Devil is ready to lead us to an enthralling time. We just have to remember that after engaging the Devil to play in His amusement park, there's payment to be made. And oh, how we'll have to pay!

 

[ximmix]

@ximmix As an atheist, have you ever asked yourself what the meaning of all this is? Life in general. Have you ever asked yourself what the point of anything is? What if I were to tell you that there could be more for you rather than just mere temporary existence?

Actually i have asked myself that. I think making ur finite life a pleasant ride for you and the ones around you is all I can do...

 

[ximmix]

Ok, from the replies so far i gather that the devil doesn't reign in hell and no christan fears satan. So he seems pretty irrevelant then...

 

[2PhiloVoid]

Ok, from the replies so far i gather that the devil doesn't reign in hell and no christan fears satan. So he seems pretty irrevelant then...

Partially correct, ximmix. Partially incorrect, as well.