The Real Devil An appeal to reason as opposed to romantic myth.

The Real DevilThe Real Devil

An appeal to reason as An appeal to reason as opposed to romantic mythopposed to romantic myth


The myth…The myth… We all love a deliciously scary story to tingle the spine We all love a deliciously scary story to tingle the spine

and spice up a dull existence. and spice up a dull existence. Paul the apostle warned his friend Timothy of this very Paul the apostle warned his friend Timothy of this very

human habit:-human habit:- "2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not "2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not

endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having they heap to themselves teachers, having itchingitching ears.ears.


The devil and satan myths are an example of this The devil and satan myths are an example of this human desire for a good story.human desire for a good story.

Consider the juicy satanic myth of:-Consider the juicy satanic myth of:-

““The Six Abodes of Satan”The Six Abodes of Satan” (the pictures that follow are extracted from an (the pictures that follow are extracted from an

internet based PowerPoint show entitled the “Six internet based PowerPoint show entitled the “Six Abodes of Satan” Enjoy, but take with a pinch of Abodes of Satan” Enjoy, but take with a pinch of salt).salt).

Satan’s “First Abode – The Holy Satan’s “First Abode – The Holy Mountain of God”!-Mountain of God”!-


Satan’s “Second Abode – The Mineral Satan’s “Second Abode – The Mineral Garden of Eden”!-Garden of Eden”!-


Satan’s “Third Abode – The Atmospheric Satan’s “Third Abode – The Atmospheric Heavens”!-Heavens”!-


Satan’s “Fourth Abode - Confined to the Satan’s “Fourth Abode - Confined to the Earth”!-Earth”!-


Satan’s “Fifth Abode - Confined to the Satan’s “Fifth Abode - Confined to the Abyss”!-Abyss”!-


Satan’s “Sixth Abode - The lake of Satan’s “Sixth Abode - The lake of Fire”!-Fire”!-


The Real DevilThe Real Devil So much for the myth…So much for the myth…

Many Christians (intelligent, ethical and caring) Many Christians (intelligent, ethical and caring) hold on to one or more components of this “supra-hold on to one or more components of this “supra-biblical” mythology that is derived out of the bible’s biblical” mythology that is derived out of the bible’s use of poetic imagery and hyperbole. use of poetic imagery and hyperbole.

They refuse to constantly seek the whole of bible They refuse to constantly seek the whole of bible truth by comparing verse with verse. Why?truth by comparing verse with verse. Why?

Paul knew: (2Ti 4:3) “….they will not endure sound Paul knew: (2Ti 4:3) “….they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears”.themselves teachers, having itching ears”.

And to any in the audience, who up until now have And to any in the audience, who up until now have enjoyed the myth, I humbly present to you our enjoyed the myth, I humbly present to you our understanding of the bible revealed truth…understanding of the bible revealed truth…


The AlternativeThe Alternative Let’s look at the bible, which has consistently withstood Let’s look at the bible, which has consistently withstood

the tests of prophecies proven, and “reality compliant” the tests of prophecies proven, and “reality compliant” description of man, and God and the Universe. description of man, and God and the Universe.

Why look at the bible? Why look at the bible? Because it is our handbook of life from our Creator, Because it is our handbook of life from our Creator,

who’s greatest desire is to show and share His who’s greatest desire is to show and share His Goodness. Goodness.

When He (the Lord of Heaven and Earth) speaks to us, When He (the Lord of Heaven and Earth) speaks to us, He deserves a to be listened to with our whole being! He deserves a to be listened to with our whole being!

(Myths may be fun for a season, but it is better to take (Myths may be fun for a season, but it is better to take God at His word than to rely upon the words and myths God at His word than to rely upon the words and myths of men)…of men)…

The Real DevilThe Real Devil Consider the Consider the

Myth…Myth… (I warn that these are (I warn that these are

not pretty pictures)!not pretty pictures)!


Does the devil myth make sense?Does the devil myth make sense?

God leads mankind in ways of goodness and God leads mankind in ways of goodness and righteousness but one of His own angels can, righteousness but one of His own angels can, with impunity, openly rebel against God, with impunity, openly rebel against God, triumphantly subjecting men and women to triumphantly subjecting men and women to every form of wickedness and ungodliness!!??every form of wickedness and ungodliness!!??

Why should God deal with rebellious angels by Why should God deal with rebellious angels by driving them out of His heavenly home to driving them out of His heavenly home to pester us? Why did He not kill them?pester us? Why did He not kill them?


Does the devil myth really make Does the devil myth really make sense?sense?

If such an evil creature existed, it would If such an evil creature existed, it would remove responsibility from mankind for the remove responsibility from mankind for the sins and evil they commit. sins and evil they commit.

Why then are the prisons full of people while Why then are the prisons full of people while the real “criminal” goes free?the real “criminal” goes free?

Is God powerless to destroy this evil creature?Is God powerless to destroy this evil creature?

The Real DevilThe Real Devil• Does the devil myth really, really Does the devil myth really, really

make sense?make sense? Genesis/Exodus/Leviticus/Numbers/Deuteronomy Genesis/Exodus/Leviticus/Numbers/Deuteronomy

(The Law of Moses) - for hundreds of years these (The Law of Moses) - for hundreds of years these books were the only Bible that God’s people had. books were the only Bible that God’s people had. It told them how to avoid sin and how God wanted It told them how to avoid sin and how God wanted them to live. It never mentions the devil, or Satan them to live. It never mentions the devil, or Satan – not once. Why did God not warn His people – not once. Why did God not warn His people about this deadly danger when He gave them this about this deadly danger when He gave them this early Bible?early Bible?

The Old Testament as a whole makes up more The Old Testament as a whole makes up more than three-quarters of the Bible yet in all the Old than three-quarters of the Bible yet in all the Old Testament “the devil” is never mentioned by that Testament “the devil” is never mentioned by that name, not once. name, not once.


The appealThe appeal To any in the audience who up until now have enjoyed To any in the audience who up until now have enjoyed

the myth, I humbly present to you our understanding the myth, I humbly present to you our understanding of the truth…of the truth…

That in all instances of the words Satan and That in all instances of the words Satan and Devil, the bible is referring to a person or thing Devil, the bible is referring to a person or thing that is an adversary, or one that would seek to that is an adversary, or one that would seek to destroy and “traduce” (make you look a destroy and “traduce” (make you look a disgrace).disgrace).

(We note in passing that modern bible translators (We note in passing that modern bible translators would have done us all a favour and saved us much would have done us all a favour and saved us much misunderstanding if only they had directly translated misunderstanding if only they had directly translated these words).these words).


The truth is ne’er so spicy as the The truth is ne’er so spicy as the myth…myth… But we look at the bible, which has withstood But we look at the bible, which has withstood

the test of consistency in proven prophecies the test of consistency in proven prophecies and in truthful descriptions of both man and and in truthful descriptions of both man and God.God.


Why does the Bible talk about a Why does the Bible talk about a devil then?devil then? There is a devil, let there be no mistake about There is a devil, let there be no mistake about

that. But the real devil is something even that. But the real devil is something even worse than a fallen angel! The one thing worse worse than a fallen angel! The one thing worse than an enemy battering at the walls of a than an enemy battering at the walls of a fortress is a traitor – an enemy inside -and that fortress is a traitor – an enemy inside -and that is what the Bible devil really is-is what the Bible devil really is-

– –an enemy inside US.an enemy inside US.


““Satan” and “devil” in the Bible is Satan” and “devil” in the Bible is usually used as a parable of human usually used as a parable of human sin. Sometimes very plain language sin. Sometimes very plain language is used about the source of sin. is used about the source of sin. Example:Example:

1.1. ““The The heartheart is deceitful above all things, and is deceitful above all things, and desperately corrupt; who can understand it?” desperately corrupt; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)(Jeremiah 17:9)


““Satan” and “devil” in the Bible is Satan” and “devil” in the Bible is usually used as a parable of human usually used as a parable of human sin. Sometimes very plain language is sin. Sometimes very plain language is used about the source of sin. used about the source of sin. Example:Example:

2.2. Now the Now the works of the fleshworks of the flesh are manifest, which are manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, retelings, and such like…And they murders, drunkenness, retelings, and such like…And they

that are Christ’s have crucified that are Christ’s have crucified the fleshthe flesh with the with the affections and lusts.”(Galations 5:19-24)affections and lusts.”(Galations 5:19-24)


““Satan” and “devil” are the Bible is Satan” and “devil” are the Bible is usually used as a parable of human usually used as a parable of human sin. Sometimes very plain language sin. Sometimes very plain language is used about the source of sin. is used about the source of sin. Example:Example:

3.3. ““The The heart of the sons of menheart of the sons of men is is full of evil” (Ecclesiastes 9:3)full of evil” (Ecclesiastes 9:3)



4.4. If ye If ye being evilbeing evil know how to give…” know how to give…” (Matthew 7:11)(Matthew 7:11)



5.5. ““Out of the Out of the heartheart come evil thoughts, come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false

witness, slander. witness, slander. These are what These are what defile a mandefile a man.” (Matthew 15:19,20).” (Matthew 15:19,20)



6.6. For from For from withinwithin, , out of the heart out of the heart of menof men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, , proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders…pride, foolishness: fornications, murders…pride, foolishness: all all these evil things these evil things come from withincome from within and defile the man” (Mark 7:15-23)and defile the man” (Mark 7:15-23)



7.7. ““In In me (that is, in my flesh)me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth dwelleth no good thing…for the good that I would I do no good thing…for the good that I would I do not..if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do not..if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me” (Romans 7:18-21). it, but sin that dwelleth in me” (Romans 7:18-21).


““Satan” and “devil” in the Bible is Satan” and “devil” in the Bible is usually used as a parable of human sin. usually used as a parable of human sin. Sometimes very plain language is used Sometimes very plain language is used about the source of sin. Example:about the source of sin. Example:

8.8. ““Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted with tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted with evil and He Himself tempts no one; but each evil and He Himself tempts no one; but each personperson is tempted when he is lured and enticed is tempted when he is lured and enticed

by his own desireby his own desire. . Then desire when it Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin.” (James 1:13, 14, has conceived gives birth to sin.” (James 1:13, 14, 15).15).



9.9. ““What causes wars, and what causes fightings What causes wars, and what causes fightings

among you? Is it not among you? Is it not your passions that your passions that are at war in your members?are at war in your members? You desire You desire and do not have; so you kill.” (James 4:12)and do not have; so you kill.” (James 4:12)


When we sin we can’t blame a When we sin we can’t blame a supernatural devil, or any other supernatural devil, or any other being. Blame ourselves. That is being. Blame ourselves. That is where temptation and sin come from where temptation and sin come from – from right inside your own heart, – from right inside your own heart, and my heart too.and my heart too.


Blame ourselves…Blame ourselves… This is the clear teaching of Paul in his Gospel This is the clear teaching of Paul in his Gospel

Manifesto (Roman’s chapters 1-8).Manifesto (Roman’s chapters 1-8).

Note that at no time in the book of Romans Note that at no time in the book of Romans does the Mythical Devil register in Paul’s does the Mythical Devil register in Paul’s preaching – though the special danger of, and preaching – though the special danger of, and rescue from rescue from “sin”“sin” rings out loud and clear. rings out loud and clear.



Manifesto (Roman’s chapters 1-8)…Manifesto (Roman’s chapters 1-8)…

Chapter 1 describes the wickedness of mankind. Chapter 1 describes the wickedness of mankind. But Paul does not blame this on some Satanic But Paul does not blame this on some Satanic being – he puts it down to “the being – he puts it down to “the lusts of lusts of their (men’s) heartstheir (men’s) hearts” (verse 24). ” (verse 24).




Chapter 3 blames “Chapter 3 blames “our wickednessour wickedness” (verse ” (verse 5). He makes it clear that we have no excuse 5). He makes it clear that we have no excuse for this. (verse 19). for this. (verse 19).




Chapter 5 is the plainest chapter of all. This Chapter 5 is the plainest chapter of all. This explains how sin and death came into the world. explains how sin and death came into the world. It was not through a wicked spirit but: “Sin It was not through a wicked spirit but: “Sin came into the world through came into the world through one manone man (Adam) (Adam) and death through sin, and so death spread to and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all men sinned” (verse 12). – all men because all men sinned” (verse 12). – Note that when it comes to entry of sin into the Note that when it comes to entry of sin into the world, Paul considers the Serpent (a mere beast world, Paul considers the Serpent (a mere beast of the field) to be an unimportant detail.of the field) to be an unimportant detail.

The Real DevilThe Real Devil Blame ourselves…Blame ourselves…

This is the clear teaching of Paul in his Gospel This is the clear teaching of Paul in his Gospel Manifesto (Roman’s chapters 1-8)…Manifesto (Roman’s chapters 1-8)…

In Chapter 6 Paul explains that we must think of In Chapter 6 Paul explains that we must think of ourselves as a “slave of righteousness” (verse 18). ourselves as a “slave of righteousness” (verse 18). Before we become true Christians we are slaves Before we become true Christians we are slaves of another master. Who? “Let not of another master. Who? “Let not SINSIN therefore therefore reign in your mortal bodies…Do not yield your reign in your mortal bodies…Do not yield your members to members to SINSIN…You are slaves of the one …You are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of, which leads to death, or whom you obey, either of, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness…You of obedience, which leads to righteousness…You were slaves of were slaves of SINSIN…but now that you have been …but now that you have been set free from set free from SINSIN and have become slaves of and have become slaves of God…” (verses 12, 13, 16, 20, 22).God…” (verses 12, 13, 16, 20, 22).



Manifesto (Roman’s chapters 1-8).Manifesto (Roman’s chapters 1-8).

Paul was arguably the finest Jewish Lawyer Paul was arguably the finest Jewish Lawyer (Pharisee) of his day, and was also well versed (Pharisee) of his day, and was also well versed in the law and culture of the Greeks. We in the law and culture of the Greeks. We appeal to you to read Romans and ask yourself appeal to you to read Romans and ask yourself why this brilliant man and direct student of why this brilliant man and direct student of Jesus Christ did not put the blame for our Jesus Christ did not put the blame for our troubles on some “Devil” Creature!troubles on some “Devil” Creature!


Myth Busting…Myth Busting…

We do not believe that the bible teaches the We do not believe that the bible teaches the existence of an angel or angels fallen from heaven.existence of an angel or angels fallen from heaven.

We believe that the devil with “a third of his angels We believe that the devil with “a third of his angels cast down from heaven” (Rev 12:9) signifies cast down from heaven” (Rev 12:9) signifies Emperor Licinius at the time of his final battles Emperor Licinius at the time of his final battles against Constantine when he lost the eastern third against Constantine when he lost the eastern third of the Roman Empire, and (eventually) his life. In of the Roman Empire, and (eventually) his life. In this interpretation, Michael and his angels refers to this interpretation, Michael and his angels refers to Constantine and his Imperial armies, and the Constantine and his Imperial armies, and the heaven was the political heaven of the empire of heaven was the political heaven of the empire of Rome.Rome.


Myth Busting…Myth Busting…

We assert that the biblical link between a fallen angel We assert that the biblical link between a fallen angel and the Genesis Serpent is none existent. It is merely a and the Genesis Serpent is none existent. It is merely a tradition taught by men.tradition taught by men.

To the contrary, the serpent is classified by the bible with To the contrary, the serpent is classified by the bible with the beasts of the field, and with “livestock” (Genesis 3:1 the beasts of the field, and with “livestock” (Genesis 3:1 and Genesis 3:14). and Genesis 3:14).

If Satan (in serpent manifestation) was a fallen angel, If Satan (in serpent manifestation) was a fallen angel, how come God did not acknowledge this at the time with how come God did not acknowledge this at the time with the type of curse he pronounced?the type of curse he pronounced?

If Satan is roaming the earth in accordance with the devil If Satan is roaming the earth in accordance with the devil myths, how come the curse of Genesis 3:14 never myths, how come the curse of Genesis 3:14 never actually took hold upon him (to eat dust and crawl upon actually took hold upon him (to eat dust and crawl upon the belly)? the belly)?

The Real DevilThe Real Devil Myth Busting…Myth Busting…

We believe that the words “Devil” We believe that the words “Devil” and “Satan” are used by the and “Satan” are used by the apostles to describe the collective apostles to describe the collective power of sin in the social, political, power of sin in the social, political, and pseudo-religious hierarchies of and pseudo-religious hierarchies of their time.their time.

For example, we read of the devil For example, we read of the devil casting believers into prison casting believers into prison (Revelations 2:10)(Revelations 2:10) . Was “the devil” . Was “the devil” that cast them into prison the that cast them into prison the character to the right? – Of course character to the right? – Of course not! – It was the Roman authorities!not! – It was the Roman authorities!


Myth Busting…Myth Busting… We state that demons that could be driven out We state that demons that could be driven out

from people were not a feature of the bible prior to from people were not a feature of the bible prior to the Babylonian exile, and only became a feature of the Babylonian exile, and only became a feature of the culture and language of the Jews during and the culture and language of the Jews during and after their time of exile.after their time of exile.

An examination of the Christ healing stories reveals An examination of the Christ healing stories reveals that Christ listened to sick people and met them that Christ listened to sick people and met them where they were at in their suffering. If you were where they were at in their suffering. If you were desperately ill, would you be ready for an desperately ill, would you be ready for an intellectual argument as to the Babylonian myth of intellectual argument as to the Babylonian myth of daemonic illnesses? daemonic illnesses?

No – you’d just want to get better. Jesus knew that.No – you’d just want to get better. Jesus knew that.


SummarySummary We enjoyed a graphic presentation of the myth We enjoyed a graphic presentation of the myth

“the Abodes of Satan” “the Abodes of Satan” It was a juicy morsel when compared with the It was a juicy morsel when compared with the

plain bible assertion that:plain bible assertion that: the Bible devil really is…the Bible devil really is… – – Sin, the enemy inside of Sin, the enemy inside of USUS..


Final WordsFinal Words O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver

me from the body of this death?me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of So then with the mind I myself serve the law of

God; but with the flesh the law of sin.God; but with the flesh the law of sin. There isThere is therefore now no condemnation to therefore now no condemnation to

them which are in Christ Jesus, them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the who walk not after the flesh, but after the

Spirit.Spirit. Thank you, FatherThank you, Father

The Real Devil An appeal to reason as opposed to romantic myth.

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Transcript of The Real Devil An appeal to reason as opposed to romantic myth.