By Dr. Ron Rhodes: The evidence for the existence and activity of Satan and demons in the Bible is formidable. Seven books in the Old Testament specifically teach the reality of Satan (Genesis, 1 Chronicles, Job, Psalms, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Zechariah). Every New Testament writer and 19 of the books refer to him (for example, Matthew 4:10; 12:26; Mark 1:13; 3:23,26; 4:15; Luke 11:18; 22:3; John 13:27). Jesus refers to Satan some 25 times.
Some people throughout church history have claimed that Satan is not a real person—an idea no doubt inspired by Satan himself. After all, if there is no real “enemy,” then certainly there will be no preparation for defense. And if there is no preparation for defense, then the enemy can attack at will and work his evil while remaining incognito.
The Scriptures are just as certain of Satan’s existence as of God’s existence. The Scriptures reveal that Satan is both a fallen angel and a genuine person. How do we know he is a person? Satan has all the attributes of personality—including mind (2 Corinthians 11:3), emotions (Revelation 12:17; Luke 22:31), and will (Isaiah 14:12-14; 2 Timothy 2:26). Not only that, but personal pronouns are used to describe him in the Bible (Job 1; Matthew 4:1-12). As well, Satan performs personal actions (Matthew 4:1-11; John 8:44; 1 John 3:8; Jude 9).
Some people throughout church history have claimed that Satan is not a real person—an idea no doubt inspired by Satan himself. After all, if there is no real “enemy,” then certainly there will be no preparation for defense. And if there is no preparation for defense, then the enemy can attack at will and work his evil while remaining incognito.
The Scriptures are just as certain of Satan’s existence as of God’s existence. The Scriptures reveal that Satan is both a fallen angel and a genuine person. How do we know he is a person? Satan has all the attributes of personality—including mind (2 Corinthians 11:3), emotions (Revelation 12:17; Luke 22:31), and will (Isaiah 14:12-14; 2 Timothy 2:26). Not only that, but personal pronouns are used to describe him in the Bible (Job 1; Matthew 4:1-12). As well, Satan performs personal actions (Matthew 4:1-11; John 8:44; 1 John 3:8; Jude 9).
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