Topical Bible: War: The Devil
Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, the concept of war is often intertwined with the spiritual battle against the devil, who is depicted as the ultimate adversary of God and His people. The devil, also known as Satan, is portrayed as a fallen angel who opposes God's purposes and seeks to lead humanity astray.
Origin and Nature of the Devil
The devil's origin is alluded to in passages such as Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-17, which describe the fall of a once-glorious being due to pride and rebellion against God. Although these passages primarily address the kings of Babylon and Tyre, they are traditionally interpreted as symbolic of Satan's fall. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to the devil as a "murderer from the beginning" and "the father of lies" (John 8:44), highlighting his deceitful and destructive nature.
The Devil's Role in Spiritual Warfare
The Bible presents the devil as the instigator of spiritual warfare, seeking to undermine God's kingdom and deceive believers. Ephesians 6:11-12 exhorts Christians to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage underscores the spiritual dimension of the battle against the devil, emphasizing the need for divine protection and strength.
The Devil's Tactics
Throughout Scripture, the devil employs various tactics to achieve his ends. In Genesis 3, he appears as a serpent to tempt Eve, casting doubt on God's word and enticing her to sin. In the New Testament, he tempts Jesus in the wilderness, attempting to divert Him from His mission (Matthew 4:1-11). The devil is also described as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8), illustrating his relentless pursuit of those who follow Christ.
Victory Over the Devil
Despite the devil's power and influence, the Bible assures believers of ultimate victory through Jesus Christ. Colossians 2:15 declares that Christ "disarmed the rulers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." This victory is further affirmed in Revelation 12:10-11 , where it is proclaimed that "the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down," and believers overcome "by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony."
The Devil's Final Defeat
The Bible foretells the devil's final defeat and judgment. Revelation 20:10 describes the ultimate fate of the devil: "And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." This passage assures believers that the devil's reign of terror will come to an end, and God's justice will prevail.
In summary, the Bible presents the devil as a formidable adversary in the spiritual war against God's people. However, through faith in Christ and reliance on God's power, believers are equipped to stand firm against his schemes and look forward to his ultimate defeat.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; it shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.
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2 Corinthians 2:11
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
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Ephesians 1:12
That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
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James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
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1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:
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Revelation 12:17
And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Only Chapter Treats of the Great Importance of Perseverance in ...
... MANSIONS ONLY CHAPTER TREATS OF THE GREAT IMPORTANCE OF PERSEVERANCE IN ORDER TO
ENTER THE LAST MANSIONS, AND OF THE FIERCE WAR THE DEVIL WAGES AGAINST US. ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/only chapter treats of the.htm
The Devil Vanquished; Or, Michael's War with the Dragon, Rev. 12 7
... Hymns. Book 1. Hymn 1:58. The devil vanquished; or, Michael's war with the
dragon, Rev. 12. 7. 1 Let mortal tongues attempt to sing ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 1 58 the devil vanquished.htm
The Devil Vanquished; Or, Michael's War with the Dragon. Rev. 12 ...
... HYMN 58 The devil vanquished; or, Michael's war with the dragon. Rev. 12:7. LM The
devil vanquished; or, Michael's war with the dragon. Rev.12:7. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 58 the devil vanquished.htm
Of the Loosing of the Devil, and of the Second and Greatest ...
... XXVI."Of the Loosing of the Devil, and of the Second and Greatest Judgment. ... then
be under the dominion of the righteous, that they may make war against the ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxvi of the loosing of.htm
Of the Binding and Loosing of the Devil.
... to compel us to believe that during that time, short as it is, no one will be added
to the Christian community, but that the devil will make war with those who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 8 of the binding and.htm
The War in Heaven.
... War and bloodshed, pestilence and famine, earthquake and tempest"all of them, as
sure as there ... good men and of God, or on the side of bad men and the devil? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xxi the war in.htm
That Injuries and Penalties of Persecutions are not to be Feared ...
... And even more strongly the Holy Spirit, teaching and showing that the army of the
devil is not to be feared, and that, if the foe should declare war against us ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/10 that injuries and penalties.htm
War! War! War!
... in their midst unbuilt upon, should bow themselves before the beast, and give so
much as a single farthing to the shrine of the devil's firstborn son Take ... War! ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/war war war.htm
For those who First, when the Persecution Waxed Warm...
... being inwardly inflamed, and with hearts enkindled, as hearing that they by this
means should war down and subdue the proud adversary the devil, were eager to ...
/.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/canon xi for those who.htm
The Interior Castle, or The Mansions
... ONLY CHAPTER TREATS OF THE GREAT IMPORTANCE OF PERSEVERANCE IN ORDER TO ENTER THE
LAST MANSIONS, AND OF THE FIERCE WAR THE DEVIL WAGES AGAINST US. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/
Resources
What is the just war theory? | GotQuestions.org
Is the war in Iraq a just war? | GotQuestions.org
What does the Bible say about war? | GotQuestions.org
War: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com
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