Why Would the Devil Punish Those Who Serve Him?

Welcome to this deep dive into the complexities of the relationship between God, Satan, and human obedience. Many misunderstandings surround these concepts, leading to the persistent question: why would the devil punish those who serve him? By unraveling the mysteries through biblical perspectives and logical reasoning, we aim to provide clarity and insight.

The Nature of God and His Adversary

According to biblical teachings, Satan (referred to as the devil elsewhere) is God's adversary. However, in the grand scheme of things, the real ‘punisher’ is God Himself. Satan does not possess the authority to punish humans, let alone his proxies. This leads to the initial confusion: if Satan is God's adversary, why would he punish those who do his bidding?

Why Would Satan Punish Humans for Doing His Bidding?

The answer lies in the root of his nature and actions. Unlike God, Satan is driven by malice and sadism. He relishes in causing discomfort and pain to others. The Bible describes his cruelty and desire to inflict suffering, as evident from passages:

Sa 2Pe 5:8 "Keep your senses; be sober. For your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about seeking someone to devour." (New American Standard Bible)

This passage highlights Satan's relentless pursuit of causing harm, making him a relentless enemy to God's creation.

Why Would Satan Punish Humans for Doing God's Bidding?

From a theological standpoint, Satan would not punish humans for doing God's bidding. This follows from the clear statements in the Bible:

Jas 1:13 "When someone is being tempted, let no one say, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted by bad things, and he himself does not tempt anyone." (New American Standard Bible)

This passage clarifies that humans are not punished for carrying out God’s will, nor are they tempted by God’s evil desires. Instead, they can be tempted by their own desires, as indicated in:

James 1:13 "When someone is being tempted, let no one say, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted by bad things, and he himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own desire." (New American Standard Bible)

Why Would Satan Punish Humans for Doing God’s Bidding?

Despite this, Satan's nature and intentions can still lead to chaotic situations. His adversarial role with Jehovah God is well-documented. He seeks to ruin God’s creation, including his loyal followers. This adversarial stance is explicitly mentioned in:

Revelation 12:4 "And its tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child." (New American Standard Bible)

In this vision, Satan's goal is to disrupt the divine plan and hinder God's kingdom, even by means that appear brutal and cruel.

Why Would God Punish Humans for Doing Satan’s Bidding?

Interestingly, God does not punish humans for doing Satan’s bidding due to the inherent order and nature of the universe. The role of the creator is paramount:

Revelation 4:11 "And all the angels were standing before the throne and before the ancients, and they fell on their faces and worshiped God. 12 Then I saw another angel coming, and he had an eternal covenant for heaven. And he began to say to those who were given the seven thunders, "Keep your senses! 13 For the rest of the words of the seven thunders must not be told, so that no one except the seven thunders would know. 14 But the words you have heard, keep in your heart. 15 You know that the Lamb of God has come, and He has conquered the world. " (New American Standard Bible)

This passage highlights the uniqueness of the creator's role and the protocols established to maintain order and peace. Adherents of Satan disrupt this order, and thus they are punished accordingly.

Conclusion

Understanding the complex relationship between God, Satan, and human actions is crucial. The devil's actions, driven by malice, disrupt the divine order, and this leads to his punishment of those who serve him. However, God provides clear guidance and protection, ensuring that no one is punished for doing His will. This insight helps us navigate the intricate layers of biblical teachings with greater clarity.