Friday, 11/9/18 – Tough Question

“Is the devil everywhere like God?”

The big theological word for the idea of something that is present everywhere is “omnipresent.” The prefix “omni” means “all,” so together “omni+present” means all-present – existing in all places at all times.

Omnipresence is certainly an attribute of God.

“’Do not I fill heaven and earth?’ declares the Lord.” (Jer. 23:24)

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” (Ps. 139:7-10)

“He [Christ] is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Col. 1:17)

God is also omniscient (all-knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful), immutable (un-changing), holy and eternal to name a few.

The devil, or Satan, however is none of these. The devil is limited in every area of power and presence, the exact opposite of holiness, and destined to eternal torment in hell “prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41).

In regards to his presence in space he and his demons are limited. Consider these insights from the Word of God…

When the devil appeared before God to discuss godly Job he did a lot of coming and going…

“The Lord said to Satan, ‘Where have you come from?’ Satan answered the Lord, ‘From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.’…Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord… and Satan also came with them to present himself before him. And the Lord said to Satan, ‘Where have you come from?’ Satan answered the Lord, ‘From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.’…Satan went out from the presence of the Lord…” – Job 17,12; 2:1,2,7

When Jesus was tempted by the devil scripture is clear that his presence was not continual… “The tempter came to him… Then the devil left him…” – Matt. 4:3,11

Later, during His ministry, Jesus testified “…I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” – Luke 10:18

We are also promised that when we persist to resist temptations the devil will eventually flee away from us. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 1:7).

Thankfully, in our trials, we have the Lord Christ by us and within us at all times. Indeed, He is “an ever-present help in trouble.” (Ps. 46:1).

Press on…

Got a question? Use the Contact page and send It to me. We’ll search the Word for God’s answer.