Satan

I often write when I feel somewhat inspired to do so. This would be why there is a few days between postings. If I have nothing of interest to say, then why say it? This post is inspired by my beloved brother-in-law who asked a very good question to one of my brief wall-posts on Facebook. He asked "Why does God allow Satan to live, if he in fact exists?" (paraphrase). I felt I had a below-average response prepared, and thought I'd better put a better effort forward. Unfortunately, even with some research, my answer isn't going to get much better than what it was to start, but here it goes. Before I get to his question, I would like to answer a few other questions regarding this topic.

Who is Satan?

Satan is a fallen angel whose name means "adversary"(opponent of God and His people). Other names given to him are 'devil' (meaning accuser), 'Apollyon' (meaning destroyer, tempter and wicked one), 'Ruler of this world' (John 12:31, 14:30) and 'god of this world' (2 Cor. 4:4). He is called the Father of Lies, the murderer, and sponsor of falsehood and deceits. And of course, lest we forget, the serpent (Genesis).

How powerful is he?

Satan is stronger than humans, but Christ has triumphed over him (Matt. 12:29). Therefore, as Christians, we do not need to fear him as he has been defeated by Christ, and we can resist him with the resources Christ has given us (Eph. 6:10-18, James 4:7, 1 Pet. 5:9).

Can Christians be 'possessed'?

There are a number of different Christian groups that believe strongly that Satan and his minions (demons) can and do possess people, Christians included. This however, does not stand up to scripture, nor Orthodox Christianity. 1 John 4:4 states: He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." The devil has captured the human race by lies and deceit, but Christians are born of the Spirit, and have the Holy Spirit indwelling in them. While Satan may harass, tempt and distract God's people, Satan and his demons cannot 'indwell' in us as we have God indwelling in us. This does not mean that his demons do not indwell in the lost however, as scripture clearly states numerous times that Jesus and his apostles cast out demons from people.

Why does God let Satan live?

Satan is not God's equal. We do not believe in a dualistic religion, where there is an epic struggle between a 'good god' and a 'bad god', and we don't know what the outcome is going to be. Our God is One. There is only God, and everything else is created, including angels, demons, and Satan himself. Romans 8:28 states: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Satan has boundaries set before him, he cannot do more than what God allows him to do (Job). Satan is God's Satan. While Satan is in himself evil and full of sin, God is not, but God allows evil to exist and happen, but all works toward His good will and plans. Nothing happens that catches God by surprise. Isaiah 55:8 states: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." The long of the short is...I don't know why God allows Satan to exist. Maybe a better question would be "Why does God allow any who sin exist?" Another; "Why did God provide a way to salvation for us, but not for fallen angels?" I don't know the answer, but I'm certainly glad that He DID provide a way to salvation for us, and Satan and his demons are defeated enemies of those who love God.

Blessed be the name of the Lord. Amen.