Is the Devil a Symbol or Reality? A Brief Biography
June 20, 2023
Katherine Schultz
In a recent conversation with a friend, she was surprised to realize that demons are real. Her own church background hadn’t addressed the question. It got me thinking about one of the questions on the 3-D Worldview Survey, which asks whether the devil is a symbol or a reality, and I thought I’d explore the answer from a biblical perspective by giving a brief biography.
In the Beginning
Let’s be clear: in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word Was God (John 1:1). But sometime before “the beginning” of Genesis (Chapters 1-2), the Devil – known as Satan – was thrown out of heaven for his rebellion against God, and about a third of the angels who had followed him were also thrown out (Isaiah 14:12-14). And Jesus was there to see the angels fall “like lightning” (Luke 10:18).
What He’s Like
His physical appearance is deceptive because he can disguise himself like an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). But his character is nothing like the angels. He has been sinning since the beginning (1 John 3:8), and he was a murderer from the beginning (John 8:44a) as well as a liar–in fact, lies are his native language (John 8:44b). And he knows he is in trouble–because he believes in Jesus, and trembles (James 2:19).
His History
The devil has made several appearances in human history, beginning in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-15). He disputed with the archangel Michael over Moses’ body (Jude 1:9). He got David to conduct a census of Israel against God’s instructions (1 Chronicles 21:1). And he wreaked havoc in the life of Job (Job 1:6-7 and throughout the book behind the scenes).
Then he tried to tempt Jesus–3 times (Matthew 4:1-11), inspired Peter to rebuke Jesus (Matthew 16:23), entered Judas to betray Jesus (John 13:27), and even tried again to claim Peter (Luke 22:31). And he inspired Ananias to lie about his donation to the early church (Acts 10:38).
His Job Description
If he had a resume, this is what would be on it: deceiver (2 Corinthians 11:3), accuser (Zechariah 3:1), oppressor (Acts 10:38), hinderer (1 Thessalonians 2:18), thief, killer, and destroyer (John 10:10). A prowling, roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8). And king over a bottomless pit (Revelation 9:11). I’m not hiring for that – just so you know.
His Influence on Unbelievers
He blinds the minds of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4), captures them to do his will (2 Timothy 2:26), and is at work in the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2). In fact, he was been given power over the whole world (1 John 5:19)… for a season.
The Christian’s Response
The Christian’s response to the Devil is to put on the armor of God and stand against him (Ephesians 6:11-16) because we know his ways (2 Corinthians 2:11). In fact, when we resist him, he flees (James 4:7). Because he has no claim on us (John 14:30). I have to admit, I could be intimidated by him if it weren’t for that fact, and that we know his future.
His Destiny
First, he will be cast out (John 12:31). He will be crushed underfoot (Romans 16:20), and be destroyed (Hebrews 2:14). He will be captured and bound for a long time, then released for a short time, and finally thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:1-10). But that’s what he was told back “in the beginning:” that the seed of woman would crush his head (Genesis 3:15).
Now What?
All that because of one question, whether the devil is a symbol or reality. If you’d like more questions to help you understand someone’s worldview, check out the pdf below to get you started.
