Why is satan a threat?

[Tim Myers]

"Anyone who has ever battled a demon knows that permanent separation from such is infinite mercy and goodness."

Are you referring to a battle in a person's mind over something??

 

[SigmaChiBryan]

Wow...I had no idea this would get so many responses! I have read through them and I want to thank you for the very thoughtful posts. I am troubled by the response that denied God making satan...wasn't satan a fallen angel? Didn't God create the angels? Didn't God create everything?

I'm still not convinced...it seems to me as though there HAS to be a satan in order to make Christianity "work". Just like in pretty much every other story there has to be a force of evil to know good. That is a big sticking point for me, and why I am not sure I can subscribe to Christianity. It seems to storybook. Why would an all knowing all powerful being create such a force of evil? I don't understand.

 

[razeontherock]

I am troubled by the response that denied God making satan...

That would be ... me. I see I communicated clearly. Yes, that is a troubling aspect of the Gospel.

wasn't satan a fallen angel? Didn't God create the angels? Didn't God create everything? Why would an all knowing all powerful being create such a force of evil? I don't understand.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Troubling, and (in order) anyone who pretends to know it all is most foolish. I did have to wrestle with these ideas before my Faith ever took off, and i can freely share what the Lord showed me; but you have the brass tacks re: your OP. Following up a bit, what G-d is not, does exist.

 

[SigmaChiBryan]

That would be ... me. I see I communicated clearly. Yes, that is a troubling aspect of the Gospel.



Yes. Yes. Yes. Troubling, and (in order) anyone who pretends to know it all is most foolish. I did have to wrestle with these ideas before my Faith ever took off, and i can freely share what the Lord showed me; but you have the brass tacks re: your OP. Following up a bit, what G-d is not, does exist.

Ok...so if God didn't make satan...who did? I'm afraid you aren't making sense...perhaps we are on two different planes...

 

[Tim Myers]

"Ok...so if God didn't make satan...who did?"

I can not speak for razeontherock, but I think he was getting at the idea that God actually created Lucifer, the "nice archangel" and Lucifer himself created "satan" when he rebelled against God....

 

[SigmaChiBryan]

"Ok...so if God didn't make satan...who did?"

I can not speak for razeontherock, but I think he was getting at the idea that God actually created Lucifer, the "nice archangel" and Lucifer himself created "satan" when he rebelled against God....

And then God provided satan with hell to reign over?

 

[Tim Myers]

"And then God provided satan with hell to reign over?"

Well, that is what Dante said, anyway.......

 

[LBP]

I'm still not convinced...it seems to me as though there HAS to be a satan in order to make Christianity "work". Just like in pretty much every other story there has to be a force of evil to know good. That is a big sticking point for me, and why I am not sure I can subscribe to Christianity. It seems to storybook. Why would an all knowing all powerful being create such a force of evil? I don't understand.

The questions of Satan and the origin of evil have occupied the minds of Christians since Jesus walked the earth, and there are no easy answers (simplistic answers that satisfy the simple-minded, yes, but no easy answers). Yet hundreds of millions of people have found a home in the Christian faith. It would be a shame if your concern in this area became an insurmountable obstacle to Christianity for you. If you're really interested, here is a comprehensive and well-written site that discusses the nature of Satan: http://www.realdevil.info/a1-2.htm The author takes the view that Satan is not a supernatural being but is rather a part of each of us; however, he discusses the evolution of the various views fairly and even-handedly and even includes a transcript of a debate with someone who takes the view that Satan is indeed a supernatural being.

 

[razeontherock]

"Ok...so if God didn't make satan...who did?"

I can not speak for razeontherock, but I think he was getting at the idea that God actually created Lucifer, the "nice archangel" and Lucifer himself created "satan" when he rebelled against God....

Good paraphrase! (See, I'm not so "cryptic" )

I wouldn't say that satan "created himself," any more than I would say Adam unilaterally made the terms of his own fall. We are alike under G-d's Judgment.

In this fullness of times, we are privileged to be under Grace, w/o condemnation!

Next, it does well to examine the specifics of Lucifer, see how that fits perfectly with the serpent in Eden, and "not be ignorant of satan's devices." It's damage control against satan's wiles - cleanup aisle 4!

The idea of satan having any kingdom to rule over is squarely refuted in Scripture. (Begging Dante's pardon there)

 

[oi_antz]

I agree with this statement of yours: "Another thing you have to keep in mind is that we can't blame Satan for everything that goes wrong in the world, because it is human sin that causes the problems." Except I do not think bad weather is caused by human sin.

Elman, I am concerned that your beliefs are not Biblical. Now I see you saying that demonology is really mental illness when there are several places in the Bible where demons spoke to Jesus and Jesus exorcised demons. Why are you twisting the truth to make up some lies? I am far less than impressed, I don't believe you are working for Jesus at all. Why do you argue about what the Bible says in black and white? Is there something the Bible tells you that you don't want to accept?

Yes, I do suspect that global warming is caused by human sin, and that it impacts the climate but that is not what I meant. I meant human wickedness causes suffering such as persecution, murder, rape etc.

 

[Tim Myers]

"Now I see you saying that demonology is really mental illness...."

Demonology is the systematic study of demons or beliefs about demons. It is the branch of theology relating to superhuman beings who are not gods.

I think you meant demonic influence or control.......

 

[oi_antz]

"Now I see you saying that demonology is really mental illness...."

Demonology is the systematic study of demons or beliefs about demons. It is the branch of theology relating to superhuman beings who are not gods.

I think you meant demonic influence or control.......

Yes, that is correct, thank you.

 

[SigmaChiBryan]

The questions of Satan and the origin of evil have occupied the minds of Christians since Jesus walked the earth, and there are no easy answers (simplistic answers that satisfy the simple-minded, yes, but no easy answers). Yet hundreds of millions of people have found a home in the Christian faith. It would be a shame if your concern in this area became an insurmountable obstacle to Christianity for you. If you're really interested, here is a comprehensive and well-written site that discusses the nature of Satan: http://www.realdevil.info/a1-2.htm The author takes the view that Satan is not a supernatural being but is rather a part of each of us; however, he discusses the evolution of the various views fairly and even-handedly and even includes a transcript of a debate with someone who takes the view that Satan is indeed a supernatural being.

It's not just this that is an obstacle in the way of my belief in Christianity. Most of the obstacles are Christians themselves. But this was something theological that I was interested in finding out more about. Thanks for the link, I'll check it out.

--Bryan

 

[DiligentlySeekingGod]

According to Scripture, Satan can cause someone to become spiritually blinded (2 Corinthians 4:4) to the point where they will be deceived by his lies (2 Corinthians 11:13–15) and thus become ensnared by him (1 Timothy 3:6-7; 2 Timothy 2:26). Jesus called the devil the father of lies (John 8:44) and I think the title is fitting.

Ephesians 6:12 states that 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. And according to Scripture, Satan is the ruler of this world and the prince of the power of the air (John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2). He is also described as an accuser (Revelation 12:10), a tempter (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5), a deceiver (Genesis 3; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:3), and as a prowling lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

However, Jesus did give His followers the authority to overpower the devil and his demons (Luke 10:17-20). He cast out demons Himself and so did His disciples (not just the twelve either). We are also told in Scripture how to protect ourselves against his attacks (Ephesians 6:10-17; James 4:7). Romans 16:20 declares that God will soon "crush Satan under your feet" and that he will one day be defeated and cast into the lake of fire (Luke 10:18; John 12:31; Revelation 12:9; 20:10).

 

[Handmaid for Jesus]

In full disclosure, I used to be Lutheran, but have considered myself agnostic since I was about 15. Something I was pondering recently is why satan exists? God created satan...so why doesn't he just destroy him? If God doesn't destroy him, isn't he basically enabling him and letting satan do whatever to those who do not believe in God correctly? Why would God give satan that much power? It seems like in every good story there needs to be a force of good and a force of evil...and to me it seems like that's the only reason satan is around...to balance out the Christian story. I am being sincere however, and I hope to hear some thoughtful answers. Thanks in advance, Bryan

Hi Bryan,
That you have questions is very good. By the answers you have gotten you see there are as many beliefs about Satan as there are denominations in Christendom. LOL. I believe Lord Jesus will answer your questions in time, but you must see the answers in the scripture. There are those who do not subscribe to the validity of scripture, but there needs to be a starting place and a standard by which to anchor all of your beliefs. I don't see a reason to use anything but scripture for my standard, for it holds the answer to all things pertaining to life and Godliness. It holds the keys to joy in times of despair. By scripture we learn how to trust God for our salvation and our keeping. That being said, I would challenge you to study the scripture and ask God for understanding. Yes there is wisdom in the multitude of counsel, but, use scripture as your standard. If you cannot trust the scripture, it is over before you get started.The next thing you should do is begin at the beginning. Read Genesis. Just read it through like a book, praying for understanding as you go. I am not a King James Only kind of person. To tell the truth I got nowhere reading the King James. All the thees and thous, tripped up my tongue. lol. Now, I love the King James, but I read another translation of the Bible to get myself anchored. I take the King James to church since that is what our church uses. Do not confuse a translation with a paraphrase. Two paraphrase versions I know of is The Message, and The Living Bible. They are opinions, not Bibles.That is why they are called Paraphrase. Find a good Bible translation that is readable to you. Don't worry about what people say about the translation you choose. It is your soul that needs it not theirs. Once you have read Genesis, read Matthew the same way,or John.
These are eyewitness accounts of Lord Jesus and His ministry. Alternate back and forth from Old Testament to New Testament. Focus on the promises and pronouncements of God. Go to church and take the Bible that your church uses. Take what is said in posts 2, and a couple of others to heart, They will do you good.I promise you understanding will come, but it will take some time and effort to get the answers you seek. (using my Morpheus voice) Unfortunately , all we can do is show you the door. You have to go through it on your own. God bless your journey young man.

 

[Handmaid for Jesus]

Oh, I forgot to warn you. If you choose to set out on this journey to find the answers, the agents of deception will come after you. They will be in the form of nicely dressed people with good clothes on. They will tell you they have the answers you seek. They are liars, send them packing. Then will come a multitude of distractions to pull you off course, stick to your path.You may become physically sick, but do not forsake your journey for even one day. I promise you will not regret it.

 

[oi_antz]

Hi Bryan,
That you have questions is very good. By the answers you have gotten you see there are as many beliefs about Satan as there are denominations in Christendom.

Hi Handmaid, I want to comment about this. I know that when sifting truth from lie, there is only one truth and there could be an infinite number of lies. There is also the potential for part-truths, that is, a glimpse of the truth that doesn't fully describe the whole truth. Whenever we share understanding we are limited by the words we use, so there is no way that someone can ever really portray the full understanding they have by using words. The best we can do is paint a picture in the reader's mind in an effort to convey our understanding. Communications 101 says there is no way two people can ever have exactly the same understanding, which is why Jesus is the only one who is able to teach us the truth, because He sets The Holy Spirit to work within us. So sometimes when it seems Christians disagree, it is because we are limited in our ability to share our understanding. There are times of course when we might be downright wrong and it is up to one of us then to repent

 

[drich0150]

Something I was pondering recently is why Satan exists?

He is the Spiritual embodiment of "Free Will."

God created Satan...so why doesn't he just destroy him?

Satan serves a purpose, as a reluctant subordinate of God.

If God doesn't destroy him, isn't he basically enabling him and letting Satan do whatever to those who do not believe in God correctly?

Satan is not the god of Evil he is restricted in his role as the antagonist.

Why would God give Satan that much power?

He hasn't. Satan has to have permission to do what He does, see the book of Job.
The power that has been given helps facilitate "free Will" options.

It seems like in every good story there needs to be a force of good and a force of evil...and to me it seems like that's the only reason Satan is around...to balance out the Christian story. I am being sincere however, and I hope to hear some thoughtful answers. Thanks in advance, Bryan

The reason stories have this balance is because they have taken their ques from scripture. Lest you forget what came first. In life There does need to be an antagonist to help facilitate true choice. If there were only the will of God then what choice would their be?

 

[oi_antz]

He is the Spiritual embodiment of "Free Will."

Satan serves a purpose, as a reluctant subordinate of God.


Satan is not the god of Evil he is restricted in his role as the antagonist.

He hasn't. Satan has to have permission to do what He does, see the book of Job.
The power that has been given helps facilitate "free Will" options.


The reason stories have this balance is because they have taken their ques from scripture. Lest you forget what came first. In life There does need to be an antagonist to help facilitate true choice. If there were only the will of God then what choice would their be?

Hi drich0150, do you think though that we can have free will even when our options to do evil are not presented by an antagonist? What I'm saying is that often when we decide something there is more than two options, if the options we are aware of are all "good" and we aren't therefore aware of any "evil" options, wouldn't we still have free will?

 

[drich0150]

Hi drich0150, do you think though that we can have free will even when our options to do evil are not presented by an antagonist? What I'm saying is that often when we decide something there is more than two options, if the options we are aware of are all "good" and we aren't therefore aware of any "evil" options, wouldn't we still have free will?

This question I believe was answer in the garden.

The tree of knowledge was present from the beginning. Adam and Eve lived with this tree for sometime. It was not until Satan presented Eve with a true option that she was tempted and opted to take that option.

The option to eat of that tree (Free will) was presented the first time they were told not to eat that fruit. The fruit did not become appetizing until it was presented as such. So they had free will, they just did not know they were discontented until the antagonist pointed out their apparent discontent.

This I believe is the primary limit of his role. Whether He likes it or not he is a servant of God. Just like Pharaoh was a reluctant servant of God.

To what end? To Help God provide us with true complete Choice.