Life is short. Everyone dies. Eternity is long. God offers the free gift of life. Why do people choose not to believe in the gospel? Why do some see the message of Jesus as unattractive? Why do others communicate that this free gift is actually not free at all, but one must work to attain it? The answer to all these questions is Satan. Here is what he does.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
The “god of this world” is at work to keep unbelievers from believing. He is focused on concealing the gospel. He uses his influence to keep people from thinking clearly about spiritual things. How does Satan do that? First, he works to keep people centered on themselves. If someone is zeroed in on self-worship, there is no need or desire to worship God. Second, Satan endeavors to make the gospel seem legalistic—just a list of dos and don’ts. Legalism is enslaving…and unattractive. Third, Satan deceives people to blame God for the things that Satan is responsible for. If a person blames wars, death, atrocities, and all the evils of this world on God, there is no desire to follow him. Finally, Satan confuses minds by devising a gospel based on human endeavors. Efforts to work our way to God leave the free gift of grace out of the picture.
Because the “god of this world” aims to keep unbelievers in the darkness, our job is to shine the light clearly and boldly. Paul explained that Jesus commissioned him to share the gospel with unbelievers to “open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith…” (Acts 26:18). Jesus commissions us to do the same!
Father,
Please give us the boldness to share the gospel clearly. Help us explain the gospel in a way that opens blind eyes, turns darkness to light, and turns people from the power of Satan to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Ron, I have a question I’ve pondered. Why did God send Satan to earth knowing that he would b there when he created man. It’s sort of like sending ur kids to play in the road knowing eventually cars will b coming