* Satan is an Imitator and a Deceiver

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, 

lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, 

who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  

2 Corinthians 4:4

Beloved, it is more imperative than ever that we need to be alert to the deceptive power of Satan which imitates the power of God. 

We must be aware of spiritual wickedness in high places.  When Apostle Paul speaks of "spiritual wickedness in high places", he is referring to wicked spirits who have infiltrated the power and religious systems of the world. Satan has organized his evil forces to imitate the organization of the true Church of God and has set himself up among the powers of this world.  He has set up a form of worship in the spiritual "high places" of organized religion.

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:  Colossians 1:16 

The infiltration of the religious world is obvious as Satan has established his system right in the true Church through evil people who have "crept in unawares" 

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.  Jude 4 

Satan has imitators right in the Church who demonstrate power, but it is not God's power. The structure Satan has established in the high places of religion is based on imitation and deception.

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.  2 Corinthians 11:13-15

God established the true Church which is known as the "Body of Christ" of which Jesus is the head:

Now ye are the Body of Christ, and members in particular.  1 Corinthians 12:27

Satan has his own church which is called "a synagogue of Satan"

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Revelation 2:9

 Satan has a doctrine:  

God has a doctrine which is revealed in His holy Word, the Bible:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy  3:16

The doctrine of Satan is called the "doctrine of devils"

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.   2 Timothy 4:1

The doctrine of devils is any teaching presented as truth which does not agree with the written Word of God.

Satan has a system of sacrifice:

We are told to present ourselves to God as a living sacrifice. This means we are to surrender in total allegiance to God.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  Romans 12:1

 Satan, being a false imitator, demands sacrifices also:

But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 2 Corinthians 10:20

Satan demands total allegiance of body, soul, and spirit. There are actually services of sacrifice conducted where men and women dedicate themselves to the service of Satan. The blood sacrifice of humans and animals is also practiced.

Satan has his own communion.  

The sharing of the communion bread and wine was started by Jesus as a way of remembering His sacrifice for the sins of all mankind on the cross (Refer to 1 Corinthians 11:23-34). 

Satan counterfeits this with his own communion service:

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils; ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.  1 Corinthians 10:21

Satan has ministers.  

God calls some believers to serve as pastors and minister to His Church by proclaiming the Gospel. 

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  Ephesians 4:11

Satan also has ministers:

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.  2 Corinthians 11:14-15

Satan's ministers proclaim his “gospel” which is contrary to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ:

Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the Gospel of Christ.  But though we, or an angel from Heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  Galatians 1:7-8

Just because a message is delivered with a powerful style and presentation does not mean it is a message of the true Gospel.

Satan has a throne.  

God has a throne in Heaven. Satan also has a throne, although we are not told its exact location:

And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon (Satan) gave him his power, and HIS SEAT, and great authority.  Revelation 13:2

Satan has worshipers.  

There are many who worship the true God. Satan also has worshipers:

And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?   Revelation 13:4

Some worshipers of Satan pretend to be followers of Jesus:

The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;  The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. Matthew 13:38-39

Satan mixes the bad "seed" in with the good "seed" (true believers).

Satan has prophets.  

God has set prophets in the church, men who are especially anointed to bring a direct message from Him to the church 

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.  1 Corinthians 12:28

Satan also has false prophets:

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.  Matthew 24:11

Satan has teachers.  

God has anointed some people as teachers to explain His Word to others: 

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.  1 Corinthians 12:28

But all teachers are not from God. Satan has false teachers who spread his evil doctrine:

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.  2 Peter 2:1-3

Satan's teachers bring in "damnable heresies," teachings which are false and cause division. They speak lies and are experts at mixing truth and error in a way that makes error acceptable.

Satan has apostles.  

An apostle is a person who spreads the Gospel and establishes churches. Satan also has apostles doing his work throughout the world. They deceive people by imitating the true apostles:

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  2 Corinthians 11:13

Satan's apostles become leaders of false cults and infiltrate churches and even become leaders in the churches.

Satan raises up false christs.  

Satan has even imitated the Lord Jesus Christ by raising up false Christs. Jesus warned:

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.  Matthew 24:4-5

These false christs may use the name of Jesus. They may do many signs and wonders. But they are imitators of the power of God.

Satan has a communication system.  

The Bible is a record of how God spoke to man in times past. God continues to speak to men today. Satan also speaks to man. His first words to humans resulted in their fall into sin (Refer to Genesis 3).

God has communicated to man through His written Word, the Bible. Satan's message is also being communicated through written word by evil magazines, books, movies, and music. Communication from God through His written and spoken Word provide guidance for man in the affairs of life.

Satan has a system of false guidance accomplished through methods such as the following:

• Astrology and horoscope: Which use stars to predict events and give guidance.
• Readings of tea leaves, pictures, bumps on the head, palm of the hand and crystal balls. The formation of the tea leaves, lines in the human hand, crystal balls, and pictures are claimed to give guidance.
• Witchcraft: Using spells, potions, charms, rituals, seances, divination, methods of chance, visions, drawings, and similar un-scriptural methods to receive guidance.

Satan has supernatural power.  

Jesus promised supernatural power to his followers after they received the infilling of the Holy Spirit.  

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8 

Satan also gives supernatural power and authority 

And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon (Satan) gave him his power, and HIS SEAT, and great authority.  Revelation 13:2

His demons create supernatural strength and energy. Satan gives both power and authority, as did Jesus. Satan can perform many supernatural signs and miracles:

For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.  Revelation 16:14

Jesus said:

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:22-23

Note that Jesus said "I NEVER KNEW YOU".   These people with their impressive demonstrations of power were NEVER of God. They were deceiving counterfeits.

The only authentic power comes from God!

God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. Psalm 62:11

(Biblical Studies)




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