Is the devil real?
You formerly walked according to the prince of the power of the air the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.
Ephesians 2:2
The devil is alive and functioning as the god of this world, and he often disguises his operation as intriguing, harmless fun. The fact that he is enjoying success in the entertainment industry is evident. Popular movies like Ghostbusters, Poltergeist and Field of Dreams glorify experiences with spirits. Psychics and channellers are frequent guests on talk shows. New Age philosophy is being modelled in Saturday morning cartoons. And on Halloween we dress up our children as witches, goblins, and monsters. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Satan is systematically destroying the fabric of our society because he has convinced us that he's just a harmless little man in a red suit carrying a pitchfork.
In 1990, a newspaper in Los Angeles reported that more women consulted mediums and spiritists than professional counsellors for personal help and guidance. Isn't it amazing that a gullible public will accept such obvious expressions of the occult! Just change the name of a medium to a channeller and a demon to a spirit guide and suddenly it's acceptable, even sought after. The lure of knowledge and power is deceptive, sucking millions into the abyss and away from divine revelation and the ultimate power that is extended to those who believe (Ephesians 1:19).
The concept of Satan was not manufactured in the twentieth century. Orthodox Christianity has always held the belief in a personal devil (not just an impersonal force). C.S. Lewis wrote "There is no neutral ground in the universe: every square inch, every split second, is claimed by God and counterclaimed by Satan" (C.S. Lewis, Christian Reflections, Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdman's Publishing Company, 1967, p.33). A very real devil is intent on spoiling your life. But be assured that in Christ you have the authority to defeat Satan's schemes.
Let’s Pray: Father God, I will not accept any counterfeit power or knowledge. I determine to know Christ crucified, the power and wisdom of God.
Neil T. Anderson is the founder of Freedom in Christ Ministries. He began the ministry in 1989 and continues to spread the message of freedom to this day.