If there is a “devil” as Scripture says, none of us in our right mind would claim to like him. …would we?
Here is what the Bible says:
“He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8)
If you cheer for the bad guy, we subconsciously understand, we are against the good guys. Although we want to be one of the “good guys.” Jesus looks past our lips and into the heart. Even if we get the words right, our actions can betray us. We may still be cheering for the “bad guy in out heart.
Many Christians are familiar with part of the verse above, quoting the second part; the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8) It is an especially powerful reminder of Jesus’ attitude towards the devil. But Jesus did not come to earth as a man, died on the cross and rose again just to chase the devil out of town. While I certainly believe in casting out demons (because Jesus told us we would), the intention of 1 John 3:8 runs deeper.
Jesus came to save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21) That was His purpose. His objective. Jesus did not have to die on the cross in order to battle the devil. He died on the cross to save you! He is “salvation-minded.” Everything He does is with our salvation in mind. And in the process of saving us from our sins, the works of the devil are destroyed.
Sin is a vote for the bad guy. If you and I are living in sin, we are under the influence of the devil. It is not consistent with the Christian life. You were meant for better.
Let’s get unstuck from our sin and get stuck on Jesus! Satan has done nothing for you and only comes “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” But Jesus gave His own life for us so we “may have life.” (John 10:10) He redeems our life from destruction! (Psalm 103:4b)
To be salvation-minded means we honor God by seeking Him and leaving sin behind. A repentant heart destroys the works of the devil.
Remember: God is holy and calls His people to “Be holy, for I am holy.”” (1 Peter 1:16) That is what His grace is for; to make us more like Himself.
So “let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:5, 12–13)
You are loved!