Contending with the devil

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Stumpmaster

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No just letting you know the images are awkward - post the text, easy!
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Hiddenthings

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@Wick Stick

The previous slide is a good example of how poorly a Christian can read and interpret the text.

How can Satan be “transformed into an angel of light” if he was supposedly transformed from an angel of light due to rebellion?

In context, the "Satan" Paul refers to in this passage is not a fallen angel, but rather rebellious Jewish opponents who were actively working to undermine his authority in the Corinthian church. This becomes clear when examining 2 Corinthians 10:2, 10–18 and 11:3–26. Paul describes these individuals as “false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.” He adds, “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness” (2 Cor. 11:13–15, RSV).

The same adversarial figure, Satan, is also referenced earlier in 2 Corinthians 2:11: “So that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” In both instances, "Satan" represents a human opposition, not a supernatural being.

Now, is Stumpmaster interested in the Context?
Does Stumpmaster really care about truth?

Every post thus far would suggest not.
 

Hiddenthings

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Easy, the servants of Satan masquerade as servants of righteousness, promoting stuff and nonsense about Satan not being a fallen angel.
The only issue is that you're unable to clearly identify your interpretation of Satan, whereas I’ve provided multiple verses that do.

Increase your search!
 

Stumpmaster

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The same adversarial figure, Satan, is also referenced earlier in 2 Corinthians 2:11: “So that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” In both instances, "Satan" represents a human opposition, not a supernatural being.
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Hiddenthings

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@Stumpmaster

Review these questions and see how you go.

Who (or what) is the false accuser (devil) Paul is speaking to in that section?

Who represented the "spiritual forces" who crucified Christ and endeavored to overthrown Paul's ministry?

Why does he use the word heavenly?

Why is this mentioned in the context of a spiritual battle?

Was this spiritual battle something the believers could see or was it invisible?

How would one's defense in faith and works stay off this negative influence?

Is it tangible or intangible?
 

Hiddenthings

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I was awarded in the midst of doing battle with the adversaries (satans). Maybe it knows something I don't.
 

Matthias

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“So do I believe there’s an actual devil? You bet I do. And here are a few reasons why:

First, given the biblical explanation for the origin of existence, only evil persons explain the presence of evil in the world. In other words, to believe that evil is only a force - some ethereal wickedness or antagonistic but impersonal power - is to identify God, who is the creator of all things, as the author of evil. But the idea that evil only exists as a force in opposition to God and his holiness is more akin to Eastern religious views than to a Judeo-Christian worldview. Satan is no yin to the Lord’s yang.

The Bible explains that God created all things good but that he endowed his sentient creation - both angels and humans - with the freedom to will good or evil. Some angels rebelled, which explains the origin of evil as a personal, intentional insurrection. When Adam and Eve succumbed to temptation, they brought sin to all humanity in what is known as the Fall. Thus, while the power of sin is a pernicious spiritual force in the world, it is always manifested in either spiritual beings or humans beings. The Bible explains that one of these fallen angels is a chief leader in this wickedness.”

(Jared C. Wilson, “Yes, the Devil is Real”)


Satan and his demons stand in opposition to the Judeo-Christian worldview.
 
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Hiddenthings

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“So do I believe there’s an actual devil? You bet I do. And here are a few reasons why:

First, given the biblical explanation for the origin of existence, only evil persons explain the presence of evil in the world. In other words, to believe that evil is only a force - some ethereal wickedness or antagonistic but impersonal power - is to identify God, who is the creator of all things, as the author of evil.

It's fascinating how Christians often either attribute evil to a supernatural being or even to God, yet Christ's teachings are clear enough to guide you to the truth.

"There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him...For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders...pride, foolishness: all these evil things come from within and defile the man" (Mk.7:15-23)

Notice Matthias how your Lord mentions thoughts but then proceeds to list actions!

But the idea that evil only exists as a force in opposition to God and his holiness is more akin to Eastern religious views than to a Judeo-Christian worldview. Satan is no yin to the Lord’s yang.

And you consider yourself a Bible student - laughable hmmx1:

The Bible explains that God created all things good but that he endowed his sentient creation - both angels and humans - with the freedom to will good or evil. Some angels rebelled,

We're past searching for evidence of this rebel angel now. We're focusing on identifying the specific adversaries and false accusers, as there are many of them as the readers are finding.

which explains the origin of evil as a personal, intentional insurrection. When Adam and Eve succumbed to temptation, they brought sin to all humanity in what is known as the Fall.

Another contradiction M!

Thus, while the power of sin is a pernicious spiritual force in the world, it is always manifested in either spiritual beings or humans beings. The Bible explains that one of these fallen angels is a chief leader in this wickedness.”

All of this was the opinions of an untrained mind, hearsay and unfounded notions with not one Bible verse to support.

Surprised?