Check out this article from my digital library: Study a Theme In Genesis
Who is Satan and is Hell Real?
On the issues of Satan and Hell:
The name/term “Satan” means simply “adversary”. Anything or anyone who opposes the manifest will of God will be an adversary (and in some cases one who just takes on the role of being an adversary is a “satan” even if it is against another human—see Numbers 22.22,32 and 1 Kings 5.18).
In the early Old Testament times the serpent is not equated with Satan, it was later that the two were combined… but it makes sense because the serpent was opposing God’s instruction. In Job we see even the adversary actually performing the will of God under his direction (see Job 1.6 and the verses following). I think the fullest understanding of the roll of Satan as “the devil” is described by Zechariah 3.1-2 and its parallel passage in Revelation 12.10. With these verses in mind the devil’s action and character as described in Matthew 4.11; Matthew 13.39; John 13.2; Ephesians 4.27; 6.11,16; 1 Timothy 3.7; 4.1; 2 Timothy 2.26 and 1 Peter 5.8 makes sense and present a consistent testimony that Satan is an active force of evil in opposition to God’s rule on earth and in the hearts of humans.
It is important to remember that evil came into the world not because Satan was allowed access to the world, but because humans chose to be their own gods. Evil had no presence or authority until we stepped outside of God’s direction and allowed our planet to be marred by sin (see Genesis 3.17-19 and Romans 8.20-22). What authority the devil does have is overcome in Christ (see Hebrews 2.14-15, John 12.31; 1 John 3.8-10, 4.4; James 4.7).
Finally the “picture” we have of Satan as a personage who will be in hell (with his angels or messengers) for eternity comes from the Matthew 25.41 and Revelation 20.10. There is a lot of discussion related to the “physicality” of hell. Is there really “flame” there? Are people really tormented forever there? Of course I don’t know for sure and really don’t want to know for sure. This much is clear from the Biblical revelation: Hell is a real place where God is not and that is the most incredible torture imaginable and all those who God judges unrighteous will find that Hell is their end (Mark 9.43-48; Luke 16.19-31; Jude 6-7).
Posted in God Questions
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A Rough Beginning
Each year bears the promise of something new. Isn’t it the case, however, that a lot of what is old and often undesirable simply rolls past December 31st and demands attention January 1? This year is no exception to this calendar axiom. 2008 has already shown a penchant for bringing yesteryear’s troubles face to face with this year’s challenges. This circumstance of life would be terminally depressing if all I had to turn to was my ability to control or change my situation.
Fortunately I am not my own; I belong to God, being purchased through the sacrifice of the cross of Jesus Christ. In that state of grace I live and breathe and I am deeply grateful to God for loving and caring for me no matter what joys or disappointments lurk behind the numbered boxes on my office wall. Each day the call goes out to all who claim to be disciples of Jesus, “Deny yourself, take up your cross…and follow me!”.
I can think of nothing better to do.
Posted in Current Events
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TheNarrowRoadPursued 