The shadows of theological salt have scattered across the centuries—ever since we held Scripture in our own language. The Reformation handed us that gift: the ability to read, study, and understand the words of our Creator for ourselves. That clarity opened our world to the deep, ancient wells of God’s truth. But such freedom came at a cost. Many laid down their lives so we might hold this treasure in our hands.
And now, we stand in the light of that truth, looking into the face of our King—Jesus, ruler of all things.
Yet Scripture acknowledges the presence of one who opposes Him. Whether spirit or creature, we are left with mystery. Some believe this being—Satan—is bound and inactive. Others say he roams freely, devouring at will. Some consider themselves warriors against this evil, while others war within themselves against the “natural man.”
But here’s the real conflict: Who is the enemy?
Is it truly Satan… or is it us?
The Devil and the Desires of Man
Scripture gives us only limited references to the Devil—just eleven times by name. Yet it gives abundant attention to the human heart and its relentless bent toward evil. We desire to be as gods. We crave worship. We are deceived by pride, just as Isaiah 14 metaphorically speaks of kings rising above the heavens—”Lucifer” in name, but men in action.
Some claim that this is the spirit of Satan influencing these behaviors. But isn’t it convenient to blame an invisible being for choices born in the shadows of our own hearts?
And if Satan causes us to fall, then what do we repent of? Wouldn’t our sins be his doing?
This presents a predicament.
Nowhere in Scripture (except with Eve) does anyone blame Satan for their own sin. Even then, Satan is cursed just as the Earth is, and he disappears from action until Revelation. So what does that mean for us?
It means this: Disobedience to God is the very spirit of Satan.
“…the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.” – Ephesians 2:2
Whether or not Satan is a physical being, the real battle is spiritual—and it’s within you. When we choose disobedience, we are not just sinning; we are participating in the spirit of Satan. And that’s not a pitchfork-and-fire kind of satanism—it’s subtle, internal, and much more terrifying.
Are We All Satanists?
Of course not. As Paul would say: God forbid.
But we do wrestle with the same spirit—the spirit that rejects God and exalts self.
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do…” – John 8:44
Even as believers, our new birth is spiritual, not biological. Sanctification is required. Without the Spirit of God, our hearts would naturally serve evil. Yet we are sealed—praise God—with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance.
“…ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise…” – Ephesians 1:13–14
Stop Giving the Devil Credit
Maybe the devil is prowling. Maybe he’s trying to destroy. But maybe—just maybe—he’s inside you, not in a literal sense, but as the legacy of your sin nature. He doesn’t need to appear in a red suit to tempt you. He simply needs you to want what God has forbidden.
And if that temptation comes, it is only by God’s permission (see Job). At the judgment seat, you won’t be able to point at Satan. God will look at you. Because disobedience is your choice, not Satan’s.
If you reject Christ and take up Satan’s role—exalting self, opposing God—you will share in Satan’s fate.
The Real Battle: The Spirit, Not the Creature
We do not war against a red-skinned monster but against the spirit of rebellion—one that lives in our flesh. To externalize evil as merely “the devil” is to avoid confronting the wickedness we secretly love.
This is the reality:
If you are tempted, check your love.
Do you love Jesus? Or do you love disobedience?
Do you seek God’s heart? Or do you follow your own?
Those who speak against God often say, “Follow your heart.” But every time you do, it leads to destruction.
Satan is the accuser, yes—but:
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…” – Romans 8:1
Sin is still dangerous. It will take you farther than you want to go, and keep you longer than you want to stay.
So turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim…
In the light of His glory and grace.
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