5.19). This confirms that the Devil was not speaking empty words
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accuser of our brethren," and 9.11 states he is "the angel of the abyss." To the unwatchful and careless he is "as a roaring lion" (1 Peter 5.8). And to the watchful believers, he "fashioneth himself into an angel of light" (2 Cor. 11.13-15).
2. His kingdom. "The whole world lieth in the evil one" (1 John 5.19). This confirms that the Devil was not speaking empty words when he declared to Jesus while tempting Him, "To thee will I give all this authority ["all the kingdoms of the world" —v.5], and the glory of them: for it hath been delivered unto me" (Luke 4.6). By reading Luke 11.14-18, 20-24, we know that men are also included in the scope of the Devil's kingdom.
3. His government and subordinates. By reading Revelation 2.13 we know where the Tempter's dwelling place is. From reading Ephesians 6.12 we know all those who are in his army. Through reading Daniel 10.13,20 we learn about his subordinates. And as we read 2 Corinthians 12.7 we know something about his messengers.
4. His religion. Satan also has his religion, a worshipping with the spirit of confusion: "the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan" (Rev. 2.9). This indicates that the words spoken in the synagogue of Satan are but words of blasphemy and of distortion! How many are the synagogues of Satan today! Full of criticism and doubt, mocking and slandering—this is the religion of Satan. 1 Corinthians 10.20-21 mentions about "sacrifice to demons" and "the cup of demons," thus revealing that Satanic religion also has sacrifice and communion. 1 Timothy 4.1-4 speaks of the "doctrines of demons." By studying carefully these four verses we come to know how the present-day apostasy concurs with the Scriptures. We thereby also discern that this present time is really the end time. How very pitiful that those who believe in the doctrines of demons do not realize they are of the demons. They not only follow but also propagate them.