Bible Question:
Is God or Satan in control of this world?
Bible Answer:
Satan Tempts Jesus Christ
Who is the god of this world? 2 Corinthians 4:4 says that whoever the god of this world is, he has blinded the minds of the unbelievers that they will not see, that is believe, in the gospel of Christ, who is God, and be saved.
In whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NASB)
God of this World Identified
John 12:31 refers to this being as the ruler of this world.
Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. John 12:31 (NASB)
It is clear that no human is reigning as a king over this world today. That is, this ruler is invisible. 1 John 5:19 adds that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. That is, the god of this world or the ruler of this world is evil. He is called the evil one.
Ephesians 2:1-2 calls this god or ruler the prince of the power of the air. The picture that is given to us is a being who has great power. The passage also says he is a spirit; that is, he is an evil angel (Daniel 10:13-20). He is part of the demonic world. He is clearly not a holy angel. Revelation 20:3 adds that he deceives the whole world. This evil angel acts as if he is the god of this world.
Revelation 12:9 helps us identify this god of the world, the ruler of this world, the evil one, and the prince of the power of the air. The verse reveals that this being was the serpent in Genesis 3. He is also called the devil and Satan.
And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Revelation 12:9 (NASB)
The verse also reveals that he is an angel. Verses 7-8 reveal that Satan has an army of angels. Jesus tells us in Luke 10:17–18 that He saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning. He fell from heaven because he wanted to become God (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:11-17). In those passages we discover that Satan was a cherub or an angel who wanted to become God. That was his first sin. As a result, he was cast out of heaven along with one-third of the angels in heaven (Revelation 12:3-4). 1 John 3:8 adds that the devil practices sin and he has sinned from the beginning. That is, Satan or the devil is an evil angel.
Now we are ready for Acts 26:18 which records the words of the apostle Paul. The verse describes part of the ministry that was given to Paul. He was called . . .
. . . to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me. Acts 26:18 (NASB)
Notice that Satan is not in total control. By the preaching of the gospel, Satan will lose control of people when they believe in Christ. At that point, they escape the control of Satan. So, the god of this world is Satan, but he is a “lower-case god” and not the God of the Bible.
God of this World’s Authority
This reveals that Satan was created as an angel. Even though he is called the god of this world, the ruler of this world, the evil one, the prince of the power of the air, and the deceiver of the whole world, he is only a created angel—an evil angel. His power is limited.
The book of Job reveals that Satan had to obtain God’s permission to test Job (Job 1:12; 2:6), for God had placed a “hedge” around Job to protect him. So in order to afflict Job, God had to drop the hedge and allow Satan to test him. Another important passage that reveals Satan does not have total control over the world is Luke 22:31. It reveals that Satan had asked for permission to sift Peter like wheat. That is, if and when Satan desires to do so, he cannot just attack those who believe in God. He must obtain permission from God. Satan is a “god” only in a figurative and limited sense.
Romans 16:20 adds that eventually Satan will be crushed. He will be crushed by Christ (Revelation 19:19-20:2) at His second coming. In addition, Luke 4:5-6 indicates that God has given Satan control over this world.
And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.” Luke 4:5-6 (NASB)
But Satan’s authority and power is limited and temporary. This evil angel is a god of this world only in a limited sense. He is only a god. He is not God.
God of this World’s Permissions
Further proof that Satan has limited power is revealed in the book of Job. Job 1:13-15 states that he can cause animals and people to be killed. He can cause lightning and wind (Job 1:16, 19). A number of passages reveal that he can cause sickness (Job 2:7; 1 Corinthians 5:5). Satan can cause people pain (2 Corinthians 12:7).
2 Thessalonians 2:8-9 indicates that he has great powers that will be revealed to the world in the future. God allows him to prowl around looking for people to devour (Job 1:7; 1 Peter 5:8). Zechariah 3:1 reveals that he accuses believers. Numerous passages state that Satan tempts unbelievers and believers (Matthew 16:23; Luke 22:3; Acts 5:3; 1 Corinthians 7:5). He can also hinder the ministry of believers (1 Thessalonians 2:18). He can cause us suffering (1 Timothy 1:20).
God is allowing Satan to appear as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). The most likely reason is to confirm those who have rejected God in their unbelief. Then Satan offers a smorgasbord of different false religions and cults that will satisfy those who have already rejected God (Revelation 2:9, 24).
Finally, after Christ died on the cross so that our sins can be forgiven, Satan can no longer use sin to cause men and women to die spiritually and go to hell.
Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil. Hebrews 2:14 (NASB)
Hebrews 2:14 clearly states that Satan has lost power. The god of this world has very limited power.
Conclusion
So, how can believers survive in this world against the power of such an evil angel? Both Ephesians 6:11-13 and James 4:7 tell believers to resist Satan. The passages do not tell us to fight or rebuke Satan. They say we are to resist him.
Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:11-13 (NASB)
Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7 (NASB)
Remember that we can resist Satan because he is not the true God of the Scriptures. Some day Satan will be thrown into hell or the lake of fire for all eternity (Revelation 20:10). Praise the Lord.
Suggested Links:
Is Satan in control of this world? — Ruler of this world?The King of Tyre and Satan, The Power Behind The Throne
Satan’s Power — What Power Does Satan Have?
Is Satan a serpent, dragon, devil or a cherubim? — The Evil One
Will Satan live forever in the lake of fire?
Can Satan put thoughts in our minds?