This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Lewis Sperry Chafer was an evangelist and educator, founder and first president of Dallas Theological Seminary (originally Evangelical Theological College), and an influential proponent of Christian Dispensationalism and vehement opponent of covenant theology.
A light reading of Chafer's biography will tell you that he was one of the co-founders of Dallas Theological Seminary and an important figure in the popularity of Dispensationalism in the modern church. Because of that, this book focuses heavily on Satan's role in the dispensations of scripture. Even more, Chafer's main focus in this book is on Satan's role eschatologically more than anything else. While it is important to consider Satan's role and eventual defeat at the end of time, I was more hoping to come to this book and learn about Satan and spiritual warfare in other parts of Biblical history as well as his methods in our present day. Chafer really doesn't tackle much of this and the majority of this book is focused on his role in the last days. That being said, the last third of the book is definitely worth the read as Chafer does a great job expounding on how Satan tries to mimic Christ to deceive believers. In addition to that, Chafer's last few chapters on the believer's position in Christ and victory over Satan, the flesh, and the world through the Cross is also very good and encouraging for the believer. So, overall, this was an average book with some good spiritual truths here and there (especially towards the end of the book) but it had too heavy of a focus on Satan in the end times to make it a well balanced book on who Satan is and what he does.
There are some covers of this book that would irk the author to no end. As he points out, the devil doesn’t show up in horns and tail, sporting a pitchfork. He shows up in doctrines that leave out just enough Gospel to damn the souls of men. He motivates humanity to rebel in their actions and thoughts. It is really quite frightening when you really understand just how subtle he is. But this book bookends the dark scary Biblical revelations about the devil with the authority of God. It starts out establishing God the creator and ends with the victory our Savior gives every believer. Because of that format, the devil in all his power is never overwhelming. I would highly recommend this book to every Christian. There are so many myths and superstitions about Satan in everything from cartoons to sermons, that it’s clear exposition will settle fears and provide timely warnings.
If you are a student of "knowing your enemy", this is a very good book. One of the primary areas of scripture that I am currently studying is Satan & how powerful he is & the nature of evil & the inherited sin nature. Although I think the way this book is written leaves something to be desired, there is a lot of very good information in it. Some examples: Why God allows sin to continue, Satan is currently the ruler of this world, demon possession vs demon influence, Satan's ambition, etc. If Satan and evil are an area of interest for you, this is good reading. Just recognize that the book was published in 1919.
If you have read other books about Satan, don’t hesitate to go ahead with this one. Chafer deals directly with the devices and schemes of Satan and how they interact and manipulate human nature. In some cases, Satan is innocent and it is our own corrupt nature, in other cases the plot is so spiritually engulfing we are unknowingly caught up in it. I learned a great deal and Mr. Chafer uses lots of scripture. This was a man of God who often corrected himself as he matured in the Christian life and he spoke about what the Spirit proved to him.
I have had this book in my library for years before reading, and have discovered that I am a bit disappointed after reading it. I am not disappointed by the content of the book, which is quite good. I am disappointed by the title, thinking the book would be a biography of God's and man's arch-enemy. Don't get me wrong. I like the book and found it to be informative, just nothing like I imagined from the title.
The Author's view of Satan is very grounded and very Biblical. I contrast that with other works on spiritual warfare and Satan where such works make you think that you can kick Satan's butt! Our victory is never in our own strength when contending with the world, flesh, and the devil. It only happens by God through the Spirit.
Incredibly detailed insight into things of God and Satan.
I strongly recommend this for a deeper understanding of the world we live in. Our current events demonstrate that we are closer to the end times prophesied centuries ago.
Regardless of your theological and denominational stance, this book serves as a foundational understanding of who Satan is, his desire for Christians and our part in his plan to make him famous at any cost. There are many sections and quotes to wrestle with and ask the thoughts of others. There are a few grammatical errors, but that is to be expected of a free version of a book. The format and all other things worked well on Kindle. Definitely a book everyone should read. Ill leave the theological agreements and disagreements for another time.
Dr. Chafer takes a dispensational view of Satan in this book and even though I am not a dispensationalist I enjoyed the book. Therefore whatever your eschatology I believe you will enjoy the book. I really liked the section on how Satan works today.
Solid, entertaining piece. Although most of the best writing was from "previous" works. Jesus exorcising the evil spirits was always one of my favorites. It does do a decent job of the "end of days" scenario.
Do not let the title fool you. This book was excellent by going through the Bible and in depth to expose this individual as to how he functions while quoting scripture throughout. I would highly recommend this to any Bible student.