The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of Man appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.

 1 John 3:8

 

I don’t often talk about the devil here. We do hear about him during sermons sometimes, but I wonder if you, like me, tend to ignore references to him, not truly considering that he might be real. However, when we read our Bibles, being aware of all it says, we will come to see he must be.

From Genesis to Revelations the existence of an intelligent but cunning personage is clearly taught. There is no indication that he is merely a symbol of evil. When we take the Bible literally, the name of Satan is mentioned in forty-seven NIV passages. The devil is mentioned in thirty-three more.

The devil is an angel who rebelled against God. He’s our enemy. We’re warned: “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

Satan’s major tactic is to deceive us. He twists and distorts what is true. His power is in the lie. Deceit is his greatest weapon, because most of us would never know when he’s deceiving us. He has shown a hatred for things of God—a hatred for those who love and serve God.

Satan’s intent is to keep people from God so they will only listen to him. At times he may take on human form. The Bible says he may even seem like a messenger from God. “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

However, if we live our lives close to Christ and his Word we will not be deceived. Through his death on the cross, he has defeated Satan. When we confess, repent, and ask forgiveness for our sins—asking him to be our Lord and Savior, we will be able to stand up against Satan.

What about the title of this piece? Would Jesus forgive in the following cases?

Do people who hurt us out of hatred for those who serve God deserve forgiveness? Should those who masquerade as God’s messengers? Should those who call themselves followers of Christ be forgiven when they don’t show remorse or repentance?

I believe if all the above characteristics were rolled into one, we need to be wary, but not afraid. We’re called to battle against such evil (Eph 6:12), resist the devil (James 4:7), wrestle against him (1 Peter 5:8).

But never forgive him!

Jesus came to fight Satan to save us. If Jesus came to fight Satan rather than forgive him, then so should we.

marja