Is Satan Real?

Is Satan Just a Symbol of Evil?

It is fairly easy to assert that the Satan we read about in the Bible is merely a symbol of all that is evil. But is that really what the Bible teaches?  If so, why does the Bible describe Satan as speaking with Jesus Christ and with Almighty God himself? Consider two instances of such conversations. 

WHEN SATAN SPOKE WITH JESUS

When Jesus began his ministry, the Devil tried to entice him with three temptations. First, Satan endeavored to pressure Jesus to use his God-given powers in s self way to satisfy his own hunger. Then, the Devil dared Jesus to risk his life foolishly and draw attention to himself. Finally, Satan offered Jesus  rulership over all the kingdoms of the world in return for on small act of worship. Jesus rebuffed all three clever attacks, each time, quoting the Scriptures. -Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13. 

To whom was Jesus talking? To an evil quality within himself? According to the Scriptures, Jesus "has been tested  in all respects as we have, but without sin." (1 Peter 2:22) Jesus remained perfect, holding to a course of integrity. He never let any evil quality develop within himself. Clearly, Jesus was not talking to some evil part of himself; he was talking to a real person. 

The same conversation reveals further evidence that Satan is a real person. 

* Recall that the Devil offered Jesus worldwide rulership in return for an act of worship. (Matthew 4:8, 9) This offer would have been meaningless if Satan were not real. Furthermore, Jesus did question Satan's claim to such impressive authority.

* After Jesus rejected the temptations, the Devil  "departed from him until another convenient time."  (Luke 4:13) Does Satan in this case seem like a quality of evil or, rather a persistent, determined adversary?

* Notice that "angels came and began to minister" to Jesus.  (Matthew 4:11) Were those angels actual spirit persons, providing encouragement and practical assistance to Jesus? Clearly so, why, then, should we assume that Satan was something other than an actual spirit being? 

Next time: Is Satan Real?-WHEN SATAN SPOKE WITH GOD

From the Watchtower magazine, 2014