DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I suppose you believe in the devil, but how do you know he even exists? I think evil things only happen because of our selfishness, not because some imaginary supernatural being called Satan is working behind the scenes.
-- L.G.
DEAR L.G.: The Bible clearly teaches that the devil is real, and that he is a powerful spiritual being who is at the root of all the evil in the world. Satan isn't equal to God, but he is totally opposed to God and far more powerful than most of us realize. No wonder the Bible calls him "Your enemy ... looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).
I believe in the devil's reality for several reasons, but one reason is because of all the evil in the world. How else can it be explained? Human selfishness and greed cause much evil, but where did they come from? They didn't just happen, nor can we simply wish they would go away -- because they won't. The Bible says human selfishness and greed started with Satan, who convinced our first parents that God was a liar, and that they would be better off living only for themselves (see Genesis 3:1-13).
But evil isn't limited to human selfishness. We live in a fallen, sin-scarred world -- marked by everything from violent natural disasters to the inevitability of death. All of this has happened because of Satan's rebellion against God. Remember, Satan is for death, not life; chaos, not order; despair, not hope.
Yes, Satan is real, but so is Christ, and someday Satan will be defeated and Christ will rule forever. Don't be deceived, but open your heart and mind to Jesus Christ, and put your life into His hands. The Bible promises, "Come near to God and he will come near to you" (James 4:8).
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the website at
billygraham.org
Weekend on 05/29/2014