Satan's Authority and Divine Power: An Examination Through Biblical Lens
According to biblical teachings, Satan does not hold power over God. Jesus Christ, as the Word of God, emphasizes the extraordinary abilities granted to His followers. In Mark 16:17, Jesus pronounces that those 'in my name' will have the power to cast out demons, speak in new tongues, and even recover from poison. These miracles are conducted not by personal power, but by the right words spoken in Jesus' name.
Divinity and Authority Over Satan
John 1:1-14 in the New King James Version (KJV) establishes the role of Jesus Christ, stating, 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.' This passage clearly establishes that Jesus was the Creator God and the God of Eden, the God of the Old Testament.
Evangelicals believe that the verse 'and the world knew him not' (John 1:10-11) refers to humanity's lack of recognition of the Holy Spirit. However, it is argued that this verse actually refers to the incarnation of God through Jesus Christ. John's statement was intended to emphasize the importance of Jesus rather than the Holy Spirit.
The New Testament, through the ministry of John the Baptist (John 1:6-8), heralded the coming of Jesus as the true light of the world. It was John’s responsibility to bear witness of Jesus, which ascribes a significant role rather than limiting his identity to the Holy Spirit.
The Great Commandments and Their Significance
The first and second commandments of Matthew 22:37-40 state, 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.' These commandments are rooted in God’s decision for the universe and Adam’s decision for the world. Failing to adhere to these commandments leads to suffering in the form of a 'penal system' governed by Satan.
Satan, as the personification of penalty and punishment, is intricately tied to the laws that govern the universe. This is underscored by the biblical accounts of Job and the encounter between Jesus and Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:8-10).
Jesus and the Battle Against Satan
The narrative of the Bible reveals a complex relationship between Jesus and Satan. After the crucifixion, Jesus descended into Hell, symbolizing direct access to the Lake of Fire—outside of the creation and not subject to its laws. This action forced Satan to submit to the ultimate divine authority, which declares that love is superior to law.
Jesus, as the embodiment of love, took back control over the world and established the 40 commandments (Matthew 5-7) that act as a 'staircase to heaven.' These commandments, including the Eucharist, offer a path to redemption and forgiveness, emphasizing Jesus' ability to forgive repeated failures.
The second greatest commandment, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,' remains unsung by humanity, leading to lives of suffering. However, by adhering to the commandments of Jesus, individuals are guided and supported, allowing them to progress towards divine unity and peace.
In conclusion, while Satan has no power over God, the struggle against his influence is a central theme in Christian theology. Understanding the role of Jesus and the commandments provides a framework for overcoming the inherent penalties and suffering imposed by penality.