god of this world

The phrase god of this world (or god of this age ) indicates that Satan is the major influence on the ideals opinions goals hopes and views of the majority of people. His influence also encompasses the world s philosophies education and commerce. The thoughts ideas speculations and false religions of the world are under his control and have sprung from his lies and deceptions. Satan is also called the prince of the power of the air in Ephesians 2 2. He is the ruler of this world in John 12 31. These titles and many more signify Satan s capabilities. To say for example that Satan is the prince of the power of the air is to signify that in some way he rules over the world and the people in it. This is not to say that he rules the world completely God is still sovereign. But it does mean that God in His infinite wisdom has allowed Satan to operate in this world within the boundaries God has set for him. When the Bible says Satan has power over the world we must remember that God has given him domain over unbelievers only. Believers are no longer under the rule of Satan (Colossians 1 13). Unbelievers on the other hand are caught in the snare of the devil (2 Timothy 2 26) lie in the power of the evil one (1 John 5 19) and are in bondage to Satan (Ephesians 2 2). So when the Bible says that Satan is the god of this world it is not saying that he has ultimate authority. It is conveying the idea that Satan rules over the unbelieving world in a specific way. In 2 Corinthians 4 4 the unbeliever follows Satan s agenda The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ. Satan s scheme includes promoting false philosophies in the world philosophies that blind the unbeliever to the truth of the Gospel. Satan s philosophies are the fortresses in which people are imprisoned and they must be set free by Christ. An example of one such false philosophy is the belief that man can earn God s favor by a certain act or acts. In almost every false religion meriting God s favor or earning eternal life is a predominant theme. Earning salvation by works however is contrary to biblical revelation. Man cannot work to earn God s favor eternal life is a free gift (see Ephesians 2 8-9). And that free gift is available through Jesus Christ and Him alone (John 3 16 14 6). You may ask why mankind does not simply receive the free gift of salvation (John 1 12). The answer is that Satan the god of this world has tempted mankind to follow his pride instead. Satan sets the agenda the unbelieving world follows and mankind continues to be deceived. It is no wonder that Scripture calls Satan a liar (John 8 44). He also deceives the whole world with those lies Revelation 12 9 And the great dragon was cast out that old serpent called the Devil and Satan which deceiveth the whole world he was cast out into the earth and his angels were cast out with him. A little food for thought follows As an old writer says Poor ignorant men often find the door to heaven and enter in while the learned are looking for the latch. Yes a man may have clear eyes for worldly things he may be very keen as to his insight into the problems of life and yet the God of this world may have blinded his eyes. Right is right even when everyone is against it wrong is wrong even when everyone is for it . (William Penn)

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