How Satan Rules

   As Catholics who attended Catholic School, we were raised and taught our religious beliefs from a young age. We learned how Satan was a fallen angel and rose against God. He was given 1,000 years to roam the world and he vowed to steer souls away from God. We were taught that only through God could we find love, protection, and our eternal reward with Him in heaven.

When we sin, Satan laughs and applauds, as sin isolates us from God. Not because our God does not forgive, but because our feelings of failure and unworthiness separate us from Him.  

In reviewing many of our Catholic Bible Verses, many have searched for armor against the devil, the Evil One. Various names have been given to the devil throughout history, including; Beelzebub (lord of flies, and Belial (“worthless”). Abaddon (“destruction”), Apollyon (“destroyer”), the Accuser, the Adversary, the Serpent, the Deceiver, the Dragon, the Evil One, the Tempter, and the Prince of Darkness. And even Lucifer (“the morning star”).

Let us delve into some of the Bible writings that refer to Satan as follows:

Ephesians 6:16 “In all things, take up the shield of faith, with which you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one.”

Peter 5: 8-9 “Discipline yourselves, keep alert. For your adversary, the devil is like a roaring lion, traveling around and seeking those whom he might devour. Resist him by being strong in faith, being aware that the same passions afflict those who are your brothers in the world.”

Note:  All verses are taken only from the Catholic Bible.

Corinthians: 4:4 States that those who do not believe have their minds kept in the dark by the evil god of this world. They are kept from seeing the Light shining on them, which comes from the Good news about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. The Lord is the one who judges, and we should not pronounce judgment before the time, as He will bring things hidden in darkness to light and disclose the purposes of the heart.

John: 14:30 “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming.” This verse is part of the Gospel of John, where Jesus speaks of His impending death and the coming of the Antichrist. Another related verse is John 14: 27-28, which speaks of the judgment of the world and the casting out of the Antichrist. In John: 14-26-28, Jesus also speaks of preparing a place for His followers and returning to be with them.  

   God did suffer and die to save us from our sins, to offer us the opportunity to absorb the great capacity of His love for us so that we might be with Him for eternity in heaven.

Note: It is, therefore, important to note that His love for His creatures is not unconditional. No, we must continually work at our faith, and refrain from sin. Lest we become entrapped in the Devil’s snare and become one of his. Be alert, and know the stronger we become in our faith, the more he will tempt and lie, and disturb us with his evil suggestions. He knows our weaknesses, be it pride, lust, envy, greed. He will go for our vulnerabilities. Recognize his voice, instantly call out to God saying; “I love you Lord, I belong to you.”

Revelation 20, Catholic Answers describes the 1,000 years figuratively. It does not begin with “When” or mention “After” at any specific time. It merely tells of what we might expect.