Page 98 - Foundations

The Prince of This World

Satan in Council by John Martin (1831)

The Scriptures reveal that there are spiritual authorities behind the human authorities mankind
recognizes on the earth. These spiritual forces remain largely hidden, concealed even to the
knowledge of most Christian men and women. Like puppet masters in a skillfully executed play, these
angelic rulers control the drama taking place on earth from behind the scenes. Luke, the evangelist,
tells us of the encounter between Christ and Satan in the wilderness at the very start of Yahshua’s
ministry.

Luke 4:5-8
Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a
moment of time. And the devil said to Him, "All this domain I will give You, and their glory; for this
has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me,
all will be Yours." And Yahshua answered and said to him, "Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written,
'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'"

It is noteworthy that Christ did not accuse Satan of lying. He did not declare that the devil had no
authority over the nations, or that the kingdoms of this world were not his to give. Yahshua did not
dispute Satan’s power and authority over this world at all. The Son of God’s rebuke was occasioned
only by the unrighteousness of suggesting that He should bow before the creature, rather than the
Creator. In numerous places throughout the gospels, we observe Christ affirming that Satan has been
given ruling authority over the world.

John 12:31
Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

John 14:30
Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.