The Ultimate Powerlessness of Satan
Satan’s Limited Authority
While Satan is often referred to as “the ruler of this world” or “the prince of the power of the air,” his power is not absolute. God permits Satan to exist and pursue his evil path, but never gives him freedom that God himself does not restrain and direct for his wise, just, and good purposes.
The Deception of Satan’s Claim
In Luke 4:5-7, Satan claims to have the authority to give the kingdoms of the world to whomever he wills. However, this is only a half-truth. While Satan does play a role in maneuvering evil leaders into power, he does so only at God’s permission and within God’s appointed limits.
God’s Sovereign Providence
The Bible makes it clear that God is the one who removes and sets up kings (Daniel 2:21), and that all authority exists because of God (Romans 13:1). Even the king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, and he turns it wherever he will (Proverbs 21:1). Satan and his rulers do not move without God’s permission, and they do not move outside God’s decisive providence.
The Demonic Realm
Satan has thousands of cohorts in supernatural evil, known as demons or evil spirits. However, the Bible leaves no doubt as to who is in charge in these spiritual battles. Martin Luther’s hymn gets it right: “And though this world with devils filled should threaten to undo us, / We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.”
The Sovereignty of God
In the face of demonic opposition, Jesus demonstrates his authority by speaking a single word: “Go.” And the demons obey (Matthew 8:29-32). God’s providence holds sway over Satan’s angels, and this is as true today as it was when Jesus walked the earth.
Persecution and Providence
When Christians suffer persecution, they do not suffer apart from God’s governing providence. Peter writes that if God wills that we suffer for doing good, we will suffer (1 Peter 3:17; 4:19). The lion of persecution does not have the last say; providence does.
The Ultimate Authority
In the end, it is God who has the final say in life and death. No one lives or dies but by God’s sovereign decree (Deuteronomy 32:39). God, not Satan, makes the final call.
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