Does Satan Exist? (Jesus, virtual, beliefs, followers, scriptures)

[Ben Masada]

Originally Posted by raffyv

@joeboonda

where in the Bible does it say that the devil does not exist??

+++Ben: - The Devil is mentioned in the Bible metaphorically. Do you know the meaning for the word "allegory?" You can't interpret allegories in a literal manner.

If you would actually read your Bible, you would see that there is at least one very literal manifestation of the devil.. not as a serpent, not as a dragon, but as a conscious and talking entity that tempts Christ into "evil" during his fasting period after he was baptized by John the Baptist.

+++Ben: - Do you really believe that Jesus was fasting in the wilderness for 40 days?
Why don't you ask the guy who wrote the fourth Gospel? The third day after Jesus baptism he - Jesus - was rather feasting at his wedding in Cana with Mary Magdalene. Read my topic about "The Wedding of Jesus" and you will change your mind.

What is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible is the name Satan as the proper name for the devil. The word satan, I've read somewhere, literally means "enemy".

+++Ben: - The same with Devil. It's just a concept to illustrate the evil inclination in man.

Bible verses that mention Satan did not use the word as his name but rather as a description of him as "the enemy".
this is not confirmed.. just something I remember having read somewhere.. "the word satan meaning enemy" however, is confirmed..

+++Ben: - All the same: Satan and Devil. The same symbols to be interpreted metaphorically.

Ben

[herushura]

Originally Posted by Heneni

And you are saying that resisting and imputing guilt and blame = wisdom.

Since you believe that satan is wisdom, why does the OT commonly refer to wisdom as a SHE?

Yes, GUILT is something you have done but Regret. so you gained WISDOM, for" Regretting what you did"
and you learned from that

[gnostic]

Originally Posted by herushura

Yes, GUILT is something you have done but Regret. so you gained WISDOM, for" Regretting what you did" and you learned from that

I thought regret is more like - something you'd wish you haven't done.

[gnostic]

Originally Posted by raffyv

where in the Bible does it say that the devil does not exist??

The OT bible or the Tanakh don't have a devil. It certainly isn't linked to Lucifer, nor Satan.

Satan who tempted Jesus in the wilderness is totally different character to the book of Job.

[Heneni]

Originally Posted by herushura

Yes, GUILT is something you have done but Regret. so you gained WISDOM, for" Regretting what you did"
and you learned from that

Id say wisdom would be to not stick your hand in the paper shredder rather than sticking it in there and regretting you did.

Whats the point of loosing a finger at the expensense of getting wisdom?

I think using at least 10% of our brain would be a good starting point to avoid regret. Yes we learn from our mistakes. But not making the mistake is greater wisdom.

And since god is very smart, it is wisdom to ask him what to do, rather than allow the devil to show you his wisdom instead. The wisdom of the world is foolishness for god. Shouldnt that be a clue that satan isnt wisdom incarnated? Sure he isnt stupid, in fact he's probably smarter than the smartest human, but his wisdom got him the booby prize.

And if satan is wisdom, id like to ask him a question. Why is he witholding it from me? God on the other hand said....if anyone lacks wisdoms he should ask god who gives to EVERYONE freely. We dont need satan to become wise. The wisdom that satan gives is described in the following passage in the bible:

James 3: 13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.