Is the Devil Real?
The devil is very real and still plays a role in our lives today. But it’s not a good one.
Better known as Satan, or the devil, Lucifer started out as one of God’s angels, but was banished from heaven for his prideful desire to be elevated above God. Now he’ll try anything possible to keep you out of heaven, too.
He spends his time preying on our very souls, using our pride to trap us, our guilt to enslave us, and our weakness to give into temptation and lead us into an eternity separated from our loving God.
You’ve no doubt heard his whispers: “Go ahead, pursue that affair.” “Lying is just part of the business.” “Nobody’s looking. Take the money.” Known in the Bible as the father of lies (John 8:44), he’s hell-bent on stealing, killing and destroying everyone he can.
That’s why the Bible cautions us to, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Satan knows that very soon, God will shut down his earthly reign. At that time, God will banish Satan to hell—the place of eternal judgment. Those who reject God like Satan did will go there, too.
But God doesn’t want anyone to go to hell and isn’t happy when someone ends up there (Ezekiel 18:23). His Son Jesus died so nobody would have to go to hell if only they would accept Him as Lord.
The devil does his best to distract, though. If he can get you to put off choosing Christ long enough, you’ll miss out on God’s free gift of eternal life with Him in heaven. Not choosing Christ is choosing an eternity without Him.
So which will you choose today: an eternity with Christ or an eternity with the enemy?
Step 1 – God’s Purpose: Peace and Life
The Bible says:
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
"I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Our Separation from God
The Bible says:
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Bridge: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God."
1 Peter 3:18
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 10:9
Here is how you can accept Christ into your life:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner)
- Be willing to turn from your sins. (Repent)
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. (Be saved by faith)
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive him as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that You raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do Your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen."
Did you pray this prayer?
