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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

 

Dear Rev. Graham: If the devil believes in the true God, what makes him go on in his evil ways? If he really believes that God is all-powerful, surely he must know that he is going to lose in the end. What motivates him? – D.E.

 

Dear D.E.: The devil and his demons know God exists. The demon world also believes in the facts of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection. But their belief is not a saving belief because it does not lead them to turn to God in repentance.

A saving belief in God is what happens when sinners turn from sin to Christ and put their trust and faith in Him. It involves not only an intellectual acceptance of certain facts about God and Jesus. It involves complete surrender and committing to living an obedient life according to God’s Word. This means to turn away from the former life and walk in new life with Him. Jesus Christ gives us this ability, but we must follow.

The Bible tells us over and over again of God’s love and warns us constantly of the devil who wants to come between us and God. Satan is ever waiting to ensnare our souls. But when our minds are on the things of God, Satan has little room to maneuver.

Satan does not care how much we theorize about Christianity or how much we profess to know about Christ. What he opposes vigorously is the way we live for Christ. It is Satan’s purpose to steal the seed of truth from our hearts by sending distracting thoughts. He will do everything he can to divide Christians and destroy our witness. We must not give Satan a foothold but discipline ourselves to stay close to God. He alone is our security.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)