Satan is named a destroyer, laying nations low through deceptive ideologies, as foretold in Isaiah 14:12. His lies, like the philosophy of the greater good, foster tyranny and ruin, evident in historical and current crises. Jesus calls him a liar and murderer in John 8:44, driven by a self-centered, destructive nature opposing God's love. In Revelation 9:11, as Abaddon and Apollyon, he is king of the bottomless pit, embodying sin that destroys life, beauty, and relationships. His influence leads mankind toward ruin, as warned in Matthew 24:22, and his ultimate destruction with his demons in the Lake of Fire is prophesied in Revelation 20:11-15.

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The Tyranny of the Majority: Satan's Tool to Destroy Nations

Commentary by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

Satan, as the destroyer of nations, wields deceptive ideologies to bring ruin, as foretold by God in Isaiah 14:12, where satan is described as one who lays the nations low. Among these destructive tools is the philosophy of the greater good, a lie that fosters tyranny by the majority and justifies imposing will on others, even against their own interests. This principle, attributed to satan's influence, has fueled catastrophic outcomes, such as the promotion of Germ Theory over Terrain Theory, leading to widespread harm through misguided medical practices. The devastating cost of such lies is evident in historical events like the Spanish Flu, where compromised immune systems and poor conditions amplified mortality, reflecting the high price of satan's deception over decades. In the current pandemic, this destructive force manifests as economic ruin in the West, showcasing satan's ongoing role as a destroyer through ideological manipulation.

Love's Basic Definition

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Satan, named as a destroyer by God, operates in stark contrast to God's nature of love. While God gathers all things to Himself to share what He is, Satan seeks to gather everyone to himself for the purpose of destruction. As described by Jesus in John 8:44, satan is a liar and a murderer, driven by a self-centered and destructive nature. Unlike God, whose actions are always for the good of those He acts upon, satan's acts are channeled in a direction diametrically opposed to God's, inevitably leading to ruin because he cannot help but act according to what he is.

Do Angels Live Forever?

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Satan is named in Revelation 9:11 as the king of the bottomless pit, bearing the Hebrew name Abaddon and the Greek name Apollyon, both meaning destroyer. There is no destroyer greater than satan, who destroys life itself. Jesus declares in John 8:44 that he was a murderer from the beginning, embodying sin and continuously planning or committing it. Sin, as personified by satan, destroys everything life-giving, beautiful, beneficial, peaceful, and good, most tragically ruining relationships with God and among humans by eroding trust. The chaotic, lifeless state of the earth in Genesis 1:1 reflects the results of angelic sins, including those of satan and his companions. Jesus warns in Matthew 24:22 that mankind, due to its sins, heads toward destruction unless God intervenes by sending His Son. Satan and his demon spirits, unrepentant and defiled, will not survive the Lake of Fire, as prophesied in Revelation 20:11-15 and 21:1. In the New Heaven and New Earth, no unrighteousness in any form, including angelic sins, will exist, ensuring a pure moral and spiritual environment where nothing destroys loving relationships.

Do Angels Live Forever? (Part Two)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Satan is named by God as the enemy and specifically as a destroyer, with names like Abaddon and Apollyon, both meaning destroyer in Hebrew and Greek. There is no greater destroyer than satan, who destroys life itself. As a murderer from the beginning, satan embodies the essence of sin, continuously deceiving, persuading, and inspiring others to sin. Sin, driven by satan, destroys everything that is life-giving, beautiful, peaceful, and good, most tragically ruining relationships with God and among humans by eroding trust. The chaotic results of angelic sins are evident in the lifeless state of the earth, and the tragic beginning of human sin with Adam and Eve further illustrates satan's destructive influence. Unless God intervenes by sending Jesus Christ, mankind heads toward the same destructive path, with sin acting like a roaring forest fire consuming all in its way. Satan, as the personification of sin, will reap what he sows, facing the consequences of his actions. Prophecies foretell a major disaster for this anointed cherub, with destruction by fire explicitly stated, turning him to ashes upon the earth, to be no more forever. Demons, under satan's influence, express fear of God and of being destroyed by the divine powers of Jesus of Nazareth, aware of a set time appointed for their torment and destruction in the future. Ultimately, satan and his demons are to be burned up in the Lake of Fire, receiving everlasting death as the wages of their unrepented sins, aligning with God's law that the soul who sins shall die. In the New Heavens and New Earth, no unrighteousness will dwell, ensuring that unrepentant demons, including satan, will not survive beyond the Lake of Fire, preserving a pure, moral, and spiritual environment free from destruction.

The Adversary

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Pride, vanity, presumption, and self-absorption led to Satan's demise. Satan's madness (that he is his own god) is the spirit of this world,

Who Do You Trust? (Part Three)

Sermon by Mark Schindler

The corruption of sin was brought on the world through the rebellion of Satan and his fallen angels, an event which took place between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2.

Eradicating Humanity

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Ever since God created the first man and woman in Eden, Satan has been interested in nothing else but the eradication of humanity from his "proper domain."

The Spirit World

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Though many popular notions of angels come from non-biblical sources, the Bible offers the most accurate insights into their role, nature, and function.

What Sin Does

Article by John W. Ritenbaugh

Sin is driven by the attitudes of Satan, the Adversary of God and man, and it is the cause of the misery and destruction we witness everywhere.

The Right Use of Power

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

With dominion comes responsibility to maintain. The sad history of mankind shows that he has mismanaged his power, bringing about disease, war, and famine.

Whoever Loves and Practices a Lie

Sermon by Charles Whitaker

In Revelation 21:8, Christ lists three spiritual conditions and four behaviors, all of which He links to deceit and which will lead to the Lake of Fire.

The Handwriting is on the Wall: Conspiracies

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Conspiracies by political actors have led to grasping at power. We must not worry about conspiracies, but instead align ourselves with God's Kingdom.

Purpose-Driven Churches (Part 6)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Purpose-driven churches at the end time will have joined in the effort of a one-world government and making no attempt to come out of the world.

Living Among the Ruins

Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

To tear down cherished institutions is to leave a nation culturally ruined. God's people, in choosing the old pathways, tread the roadway to eternal life.

How to Be a Bad Disciple

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Looking at discipleship from a negative perspective can help reveal errors in ourselves. Jesus shows four main attitudes that make for bad discipleship in Luke 9.

Could You Be a Spiritual Terrorist?

'Ready Answer' by David F. Maas

Terrorism is commonplace today, yet we may be causing just as much destruction spiritually as the average terrorist through negligence and passivity.