Besides Jesus Christ, one of the most contemplated figures in scripture is Satan. Often thought to be the antithesis of Jesus, Satan is usually assumed to be equally cunning, equally, knowledgable, and equally powerful.
Most Christians hold a level of fear regarding Satan, and consider him to be the god and ruler of the world. Is that an accurate view of Satan? Today we’re going to explore this question, and the answer may surprise you.
The God of the World?
In most Christian circles, Satan is thought of and sometimes referred to as ‘the god of this world’— and while a lowercase letter G is used to refer to him as such, when Satan is described in this context it’s often implied to have absolute control over this world and its inhabitants.
If Satan is the god of this world, that would paint a bleak picture of our existence on this planet; but is this actually true? As I mentioned in the opening, you may be surprised at the answer presented in the scripture.
One of the primary arguments from those who believe that Satan is the God of this world, comes from 2nd Corinthians 4:4, which speaks of ‘the god of this world’ blinding people from hearing the message of the gospel of Christ. However the Greek word αἰών (aion) translated as ‘world’ in such verses, can also mean ‘age’ as in a span of time. The implication being that satan was a ruler for a length of time— specifically from the fall in the Garden of Eden, to the redemption of Jesus Christ.
In other scriptures, the word κόσμος (kosmos) which does mean ‘world’ is used to describe Satan.
So, simply knowing that Satan is the ruler of a particular length of time is not enough; we need to consult someone who knows a great amount more— so let’s see how Jesus describes the situation.
About Satan’s Authority
Matthew chapter four contains a record of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, and in verses eight and nine we see the following:
“ 8Again, the devil takes him up into an exceeding high mountain, and shows him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9And said to him, All these things will I give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”
We see in these verses that Satan offers to give Jesus all the kingdoms of the world, if Jesus would bow down and worship Satan. Those who claim that Satan is the god of this world often use this verse as a proof text, saying that if Satan’s offer was not genuine, then it wouldn’t be a real test for Jesus. Indeed, Satan did gain possession of creation through Adam’s sin and abdication of his position, though we should also consider the fact that Jesus calls Satan a liar, with no truth in him, and the father of lies. (John 8:44)
Satan offers people all kinds of things in exchange for worshipping him, do they get what’s promised in the end? Do you believe that Satan would’ve given Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship? Does Satan— the one who craved the ultimate position of power in heaven, seem like someone who would share reigning authority?
Everything Satan does revolves around deception and lies, just as Jesus stated; the end result of which is Satan trying to attain more power and authority. Satan originally gained control of the world through his deception in the garden of Eden, and he operates the same way today, gaining influence through deception.
As with the fall in the garden of Eden, the scriptures warn us that Satan tries the same lies, and deceptive tactics today (Galatians 1:6, 2nd Corinthians 11:3). It is through these lies and manipulation that Satan gains power and influence. And this is a crucial piece of information regarding Satan’s ‘rule.’
Satan is Not What He Used to Be
It may surprise you to learn that Satan really has only one weapon at his disposal… lies. Even as Jesus still walked the earth— when Satan apparently had rule of the world, we read the following in Luke 10:17-19:
“ 17And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject to us through your name.
18And he said to them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
19Behold, I give to you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
So we can see that Satan has never had absolute rule of the world. Satan briefly held the position of Adam, after Adam abdicated the place God had given him. Many Christians believe that Satan still holds the position of Adam today, giving him authority over all of creation. This one fact can induce an element of fear into people, and put Satan on a a kind of undue pedestal. But is it true that Satan still has a position of rule? Let’s hear what Jesus says in John 12:30-32:
“ 30Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
31Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to me.”
Please take time to meditate on what Jesus is saying here. He says now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
Do these words of Jesus surprise you? I would wager that many Christians are not even aware that Jesus spoke these words, because most people never mention them!
Notice the event surrounding this judgment also; Jesus is speaking about His death and resurrection. it is Jesus’ sacrificial atonement that brings judgment against sin, and His redemption of mankind which causes Satan to lose the position which he took from Adam.
The point is that because of the finished work of Jesus Christ, Satan no longer holds his lofty position. Once we realize how divinely potent the accomplishment of Christ is, and what it means for our position and status today, we suddenly realize that Satan is today akin to a monstrous shadow projected on a wall— imposing and threatening, but lacking any meaningful substance or potency. (Colossians 2:15)
The Truth is Revealed in Christ
The more we see of Jesus and His truth, the more the reality of Satan becomes clear. Check out what Isaiah 14:16-17 says:
“ 16They that see you shall narrowly look on you, and consider you, saying, Is this the one that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;
17That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?”
These verses are describing Satan as he really is, in all of his defeat and weakness— the small and pathetic thing that he is. As we behold Christ and live in unity with Him, we will marvel at Satan’s weakness and say Is this the one that made the earth tremble…? In-essence, we will say “That’s it?!”
The enemy is really not a big bad monster, but a weak and pathetic liar, a schemer who can only manipulate us through illusions and falsehoods. Once we truly realize our power in Christ Jesus and the supreme authority that we have over all of the forces of the enemy, the enemy is exposed for how weak he truly is, and we will begin truly walking in the victory which Jesus Christ has given us.
Be blessed.