Subject: Did Satan know God's plan for salvation |
Bible Note: Let me begin by saying that I am not trying too hard to argue this point... I have entered the fray to try and learn from the discussion. I do believe it is a stretch to say conclusively that Satan did not know God's plan for salvation. The best I can come to, after reading you posts and giving consideration, is that I don't know for sure. Let me respond individually to the Scriptures you quote: 1 Corinthians 2:7 Paul here is speaking about wisdom which was hidden from men. The very next verse says, "None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory". Does not this verse refer to men? Thus, in my view, it does not confirm nor deny Satan's knowledge. Colossians 1:26 Again, the same thought... "the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints." refers to man's knowledge of God's plan. Romans 16:25 "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began". ... "now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him." Same thought. 1 Timothy 3:16 Not sure how you meant to apply this Scripture to your point. Let me postulate a few somewhat rhetorical questions: If Satan did not fully understand the diety of Christ, does this not excuse Satan for being wrong? Can Satan be the "father of the lie" if he does not know and understand the truth to be truth? What does James 2:19 mean, if it does not mean that Satan and his minions have intellectual knowledge of Christ? In Genesis, did the serpent know that he was telling a lie to Eve? How did he know? Why did Satan offer Jesus rule over all kingdoms of the earth if He would deny the Father? Is it possible that Satan had intellectual knowledge, but that his fallenness was in his failure to worship God? Do you think Satan now knows and understands God's plan for salvation? Thanks for jousting with me. Its an interesting question, for sure. Curt |