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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] came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Sin Separates Us
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 free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Remedy: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God."
1 Peter 3:18
"But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me."
Revelation 3:20
"But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you confess with your mouth that 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 receive Christ:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner.)
- Be willing to turn from your sins (repent) and ask for God's forgiveness.
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I want to turn from my sins, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I want Him to come into my heart and to take control of my life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward. In Jesus' Name, amen."
Did you pray this prayer?