He is spreading the knowledge.
In a recent installment of his “Ask Pastor John” podcast, John Piper, a revered pastor and celebrated author, delved into the enigma surrounding Satan’s formidable influence within the spiritual realm, particularly his knack for obscuring the Gospel’s message.
Piper, whose role as the 78-year-old chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota, positions him as a sought-after authority on matters of faith, confessed that inquiries regarding Satan outnumber all other biblical inquiries he receives. He conceded the elusive nature of these inquiries, acknowledging that while the Bible hints at Satan’s fall from grace as a rebellious angel, the precise impetus behind his rebellion remains shrouded in mystery. “There are hints that he’s a fallen angel and that there was rebellion in Heaven,” Piper elucidated, “But that’s not a full explanation for where he comes from, because it’s very difficult to explain why a personal, rational being — an angel — who is created perfect, would ever find a motive to rebel in a perfect universe.”
Piper articulated the palpable presence of Satan’s influence throughout scripture, emphasizing his role in tempting, deceiving, and obstructing humanity’s spiritual journey from Genesis to Revelation. This pervasive influence prompts believers to grapple with the paradox of why an all-powerful and benevolent God permits such malevolence to persist.
Drawing upon biblical narratives such as the parable of the sower and the Apostle Paul’s warnings of spiritual blindness, Piper underscored Satan’s capacity to thwart the reception of divine truth. He proposed that God’s allowance of Satan’s presence serves to magnify the triumph of salvation, showcasing His power in overcoming both human depravity and Satanic deception.
Piper contended that the persistence of Satan’s influence underscores humanity’s double bondage: the darkness of our own delusions and the added darkness of Satan’s lies. He argued that if Satan were vanquished prematurely, God’s power might be glorified, but His superior beauty would remain concealed. The essence of conversion, Piper posited, lies in the revelation of Christ’s incomparable worth, a revelation made possible by the contrast with Satan’s deceit.
Closing with a resounding call to find joy and solace in Christ’s supremacy, Piper reassured listeners that despite Satan’s formidable presence, ultimate victory rests with those who believe in Christ. He emphasized that while Satan may wield tremendous power, it is always subordinate to the authority vested in Christ, culminating in a decisive defeat for the adversary.