According to a recent survey by George Barna, 58 percent of Americans believe that Satan “is not a living being but is a symbol of evil.” Yet over 65% of Americans would claim to be Christians. While the percentage of evangelicals is much smaller (10%), this clearly indicates a victory of deception for the Evil One.
It is to address this area of appalling spiritual ignorance that Erwin Lutzer has written this book. There have been many books written about Satan, but this is certainly one of the most readable. Lutzer has a conversational style of writing quite similar to his preaching, which makes for an easy read. However, in the first few chapters this style is, at times, almost flippant (one chapter is entitled “The Star that Bit the Dust”), which hardly seems appropriate for the seriousness of the subject matter under consideration.
In the opening chapter, he states that Satan has two main strategies. On the one hand he tries to get people to underestimate his power (by convincing them that he doesn’t really exist) and on the other, he tries to convince them that he is all-powerful so they live in fear.
Lutzer brings the Scriptures to bear on this infernal subject, giving us a biblical perspective so that we avoid falling into either error. He emphasizes repeatedly Martin Luther’s statement that the devil is “God’s Devil.” In other words, he is ultimately subject to God’s authority and only has as much power and influence as God permits him. Lutzer describes him as a tool that God uses to accomplish certain of His purposes. Much like a gardener uses a hoe to clear out the weeds in his garden, the Lord allows Satan to afflict the people of God so that by these trials they may be purified. Job, of course, is the classic example.
The book is subtitled “The Incredible Story of How Satan’s Rebellion Serves God’s Purposes” and it is with that theme in mind that Lutzer considers his subject and the dark record of Satan’s history. He demonstrates how Satan has repeatedly sought to thwart the plans and purposes of God, but in so doing, he has actually helped to bring about their accomplishment. The profound example of this is the cross of Christ. Satan thought he was demonstrating his ultimate sway over the world of men in leading them to disown their Creator when actually he was making possible their redemption.
He then considers the work of Satan in trying to destroy the Church, first by persecution, then by corruption and more recently by prosperity and apathy. His section on the Tribulation and the final effort of the Evil One to usurp the worship of men is fascinating reading. He brings in some interesting parallels with Hitler and Nazi Germany that seem to foreshadow the dark days that lie ahead. Lutzer traces his study through to the end as he considers the ultimate doom of the Evil One and his fate in the Lake of Fire.
Inevitably Lutzer comes up against some difficult theological issues with respect to the sovereignty of God and the relative freedom He has accorded to man, to spirit beings, and to Satan himself. While he does not gloss over them, I wished he would have delved into these difficulties in more detail.
This book is far more than just a theological treatise on Satan. It contains a very practical section on his methods and devices in assailing Christians, and gives guidance on how we can deal with these temptations.
The chapter entitled “Closing the Door when Satan Knocks” should be prayerfully studied by every Christian. He outlines seven areas where Satan can gain a stronghold in our lives, doors that we need to keep tightly shut. These include: rebellion / self-will, anger, hatred, guilt, false religions, fear, and sexual immorality. On the positive side, he emphasizes the best protection against Satan’s attacks is a clear understanding of the Person and work of Jesus Christ and our standing through justification in His presence.
In his foreword, R.C. Sproul writes: “I can hardly wait to read it again.” I would heartily concur.
Publisher: Moody Press, © 1996
ISBN: 080-242-7200
Price: $12.99 Binding: Paper, 194 pages