Satan

by Lewis Sperry Chafer

The world has been willing to comply with the wishes and projects of Satan to the extent of ceasing to believe that he really exists; this unbelief being most advantageous to his present undertakings. Yet the opinions of men have never changed the facts of revelation, and, according to Scripture, Satan exists; still possessed with great power and influence over the affairs of men--a power and influence to be increasingly dreaded as this present age advances.

The teachings of Scripture on this important subject are but little understood by Christians and seem to be entirely outside the thought of the world. It is, therefore, to be expected that any attempt to present this truth will seem, to many, mere folly and fiction.

The name Satan has by no means been lost. It has, however, been associated with a most unscriptural fancy. Without reference to revelation, the world has imagined a grotesque being, fitted with strange trappings, who has been made the central character in theatrical performances; and by this relation to the unreality of the theatre, the real character of Satan has come to be only one of the myths of a bygone age.

Scripture reveals a detailed description of the person and career of Satan; beginning with his creation; his original condition; his fall, and on to his kingdom with all its developments, and his final defeat and banishment. It presents a personage so mighty and so prominent in the world to-day that the Christian heart would fail, were it not for faith in the One who has triumphed over all principalities and powers.

This attempt to outline the Scripture teaching on this character will be undertaken under certain general conditions:

First--The authority of the Scriptures of both the Old and the New Testaments will be accepted without question.

Second--Evidence will be drawn from the Word of God alone, since no final light can be found on this subject other than it has pleased God to reveal in the Bible.

Third--There will be no discussion as to the actual existence of Satan; this being both assumed and taught from Genesis to Revelation.

These pages are prepared especially for believers; knowing that this body of truth will be wholly unnoticed or rejected by the Satan-blinded world (2 Cor. 4:4).

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Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity

97 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1919

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Andrew Klob · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Yibbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Anthony A · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Dennis Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[John Waldrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Cory Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A proper view of satan

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.

[Ricardo Bolivar · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Samuel Malama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

[Christine Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolute required reading for true christians! the best i have read so far!

[John Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Introduce

A wonderful yet passé introduction to the mythology of Satan as a spiritual entity as defined by european pop culture & religiously minded persons.

[Trent · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Alex Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dispensational View of Satan

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.

Yours in Christ,

Alex

[Jeremy Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Darrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting