Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. I Peter 5:8 (New International Version, NIV)

It’s hard to comprehend how people can choose to believe only part of the Bible and shrug off other parts that they find distasteful. There are a number of people who don’t believe in the existence of the devil, although the Bible clearly tells about him and warns us about him. This opens them up for serious error in their doctrine.

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. Luke 10:19 (New International Version, NIV)

First of all, ignoring the reality of satan gives him free reign in your life. As born-again believers, Jesus has given us authority and power over the devil, but if we don’t believe he exists, we won’t use that authority. This means he can have free course to do what he wants- and that is never good.

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44 (New International Version, NIV)

Secondly, when we choose not to believe there is a devil, we are actually falling for one of his lies. He does not want us to believe he exists because it gives him more access to our lives and the lives of others. It also allows him to lie to us in other areas of life- lies about our own value and ability and the plans that God has for us. When we ignore his existence, he can convince us of many falsehoods.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (New International Version, NIV)

Finally, choosing to believe there is no devil messes up your entire belief system. It makes your faith of no effect because if there is no devil then there was no original sin and no need for a Savior. If there is no devil, then that means that bad things are brought to us by God Himself. These are damnable lies that have no basis of truth in them. But, if you neglect the reality of the devil, you can fall into the trap of believing these untruths. If you don’t believe that sickness and disease come from the enemy, you’ll erroneously believe that God made you sick. And if you believe that, then you’ll never have faith to be healed. If you don’t believe there is a devil, you’ll think God wants you poor rather than understanding that lack is a tool of the devil to manipulate and control you. In order to have a true understanding of God and of Scripture, we must acknowledge the existence of the enemy.

Yes, the devil is a defeated foe, but he does exist. We cannot ignore him, but we must be on our guard, continually using our authority against him, his lies, and his strategies. We are victorious through Jesus Christ, but we experience that victory only if we know that we have an enemy over whom we are victorious. We don’t have to fear him, but we have to be on watch against him. He fears the children of God, especially those who know who they are in Christ. As we walk in our authority and stand against him, he has to run in fear from us. So, don’t ignore the devil. Instead, put him on the run!