Information Related to "The Role of Satan in the End Time"
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Making
fun of Satan is easy to do. On Halloween, people often dress up as the
devil in solid red outfits brandishing pitchforks. If someone does something
bad, they may coyly say, "The devil made me
do it." Many people simply joke about Satan.
Although polls indicate that a majority of Americans do believe in a literal
devil, most don't know and aren't concerned about his future plans. It's
the old out-of-sight, out-of-mind situation. And staying out of sight is
something Satan is very good at doing. After all, he is invisible. But
being invisible doesn't mean he doesn't exist.
Since the terrorist attacks upon the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, many people, including young people, have become more concerned about the future. Evil has come to our doorstep. Youth want to know what the Bible predicts and whether they will be safe from future atrocities in "this present evil age" (Galatians 1:4). These are sobering questions requiring sound answers.
The Bible reveals that there are two basic ways of life—God's way and Satan's way. Satan is described as "that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world" (Revelation 12:9). Having deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden and thereby causing her and Adam's deaths, Jesus said that Satan was "a liar" and "a murderer from the beginning" (John 8:44). Frankly, Satan is the world's worst terrorist. He is the one who delights in the suffering and deaths of human beings.
As the time gets closer for Jesus to return to establish the Kingdom of God, Satan will become very angry with humanity and especially with those striving to obey God (Revelation 12:12). Understanding this basic foundation, let's examine the Bible to see what Satan will do.
When asked for signs of His second "coming, and of the end of the age" (Matthew 24:3), Jesus said there would be many false religious teachers (verses 4-5,11). These teachers are going to be especially persuasive. Not only will they be deceived themselves and teaching deceptions, they will also have supernatural powers to "show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect [those faithful to God]" (verse 24).
Other passages in the Bible help us understand why these false teachers will be so successful. They will have supernatural help. Satan disguises himself as "an angel of light" and his ministers disguise themselves as "ministers of righteousness" (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).
As this present age comes to an end, the Bible says there will be a "lawless one" who comes to deceive people. His work will be "according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception" (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). Satan will have a hand in helping the false teachers deceive human beings. By his work, many will be deluded into believing a religious lie (verse 11).
While we aren't told every tricky argument that Satan's false teachers will use, the Scriptures do reveal the general nature of their deception. It will be based on the idea that God's law is done away and no longer necessary to be obeyed (Matthew 24:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12). For a better understanding of God's laws, request our free booklet, , or read it on-line.
The political picture prior to Christ's return will be marked by a great
multi-nation union called the "beast" (Revelation 13). This term was previously
used by the ancient prophet Daniel to describe world-ruling empires (Daniel 7). The end-time "beast" is a successor to this previous fourth empire
and will once again have extensive power over nations and peoples.
The driving force behind this political power will be Satan the devil. As Revelation 13:2 explains, "The dragon [Satan] gave him his power, his throne, and great authority." The result will be as John saw in vision: "So they [the people] worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast saying, 'Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?'" (verse 4).
Satan will deceive people into worshiping him and the government he will create instead of God. To further tighten his control over those he has deceived, Satan will establish another beast [leader] who will use his authority to cause "all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name" (verses 16-17).
Many people have speculated on just what this "mark" will be so they can avoid it. Some think it will be one's social security number or perhaps a personal identification number. Regardless of what it turns out to be, the important concept to remember is that this mark will simply identify those who support this government and its deceptive thinking.
This beast power will be rife with economic coercion and religious deception. The religious trickery will feature supernatural signs, including calling fire down from heaven (verses 13-14). All of this pressure will culminate in Satan stirring up the nations and peoples of this system to fight against Jesus Christ when He returns (Revelation 17:12-14). It will take clear understanding and loyalty to God to resist the psychological propaganda that will spew forth from this satanically orchestrated government.
Understanding what Satan will do in the future is sobering information. Some might even become fearful for their lives. But there is no need to fear if we are faithfully committed to God.
When facing tests and trials, it is always good to remember God's many promises of help and encouragement for those who remain faithful to Him. As Revelation 13:8 acknowledges, there will be some, those whose names are written in the "Book of Life," who will not worship Satan.
One of the Bible's most encouraging scriptures regarding God's help is found in 1 Corinthians 10:13 which says that He "will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." God sometimes allows us to face tests that can strengthen our faith, but He also promises to provide relief if we persevere.
The encouraging news is that when Jesus returns, Satan will be bound for 1,000 years so he won't be able to deceive people anymore (Revelation 20:1-3). Between now and then, our job is to stay close to God through prayer, studying His Word and obeying His commands. As Psalm 34:17 explains, "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles."
If you would like to learn more about Satan and whether we are now living in
the biblically prophesied end time, request, read or download the free booklets Is
There Really a Devil? and Are
We Living in the Time of the End?. YU
About the author:
David Treybig is the managing editor for Youth United e-magazine and pastors United Church of God congregations in Ft. Myers and St. Petersburg, Florida.
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Keywords: Satan and the end times false teachers beast power
False Christianity: