Topical Bible: The Devil: Perverts the Scripture

◄ The Devil: Perverts the Scripture ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Devil, also known as Satan, is depicted in the Bible as a master of deception and the father of lies (John 8:44). One of his most insidious tactics is the perversion of Scripture, twisting God's Word to serve his own purposes and to lead believers astray. This entry explores instances in the Bible where the Devil manipulates Scripture and the implications of these actions.

Temptation of Jesus

A primary example of the Devil's perversion of Scripture is found in the account of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. After Jesus had fasted for forty days and nights, the Devil approached Him with a series of temptations. In Matthew 4:5-6 , the Devil takes Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and says, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command His angels concerning You, and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.'" Here, the Devil quotes Psalm 91:11-12, attempting to manipulate Jesus into testing God's protection.

Jesus responds by quoting Scripture correctly, saying, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test'" (Matthew 4:7). This exchange highlights the Devil's strategy of using partial truths and out-of-context Scripture to deceive, while Jesus demonstrates the importance of understanding and applying Scripture accurately.

Garden of Eden

The Devil's perversion of Scripture-like truth is also evident in the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 3, the serpent, a manifestation of the Devil, questions Eve about God's command regarding the forbidden fruit. The serpent says, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" (Genesis 3:1). By twisting God's command, the serpent sows doubt and confusion, leading Eve to question God's Word and ultimately disobey.

False Teachings and Prophets

Throughout the New Testament, believers are warned about false teachers and prophets who distort Scripture, a tactic inspired by the Devil. In 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 , Paul writes, "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness." This passage underscores the Devil's ongoing efforts to corrupt the truth of God's Word through those who claim to speak for Him.

The Importance of Discernment

The Devil's perversion of Scripture serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for discernment among believers. In 2 Timothy 2:15 , Paul exhorts Timothy, "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth." This call to accurately handle Scripture is crucial in countering the Devil's deceptive tactics.

Conclusion

The Devil's manipulation of Scripture is a powerful tool in his arsenal of deception. By understanding his methods and grounding themselves in the truth of God's Word, believers can resist his schemes and stand firm in their faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 4:6
And said to him, If you be the Son of God, cast yourself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning you: and in their hands they shall bear you up, lest at any time you dash your foot against a stone.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 91:11,12
For he shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Papal Infallibility Explained, and Tested by Tradition and ...
... Virgin Mary from sin and guilt, perverts Christianism into ... proof from tradition first,
from Scripture next, and ... he was charged with having a devil, because he ...
/.../ 34 papal infallibility explained.htm

The Ninth Commandment
... The Scripture calls slandering, smiting with the tongue. ... accuser of the brethren.'
Though the devil is no ... A false witness perverts the place of judicature; he ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 9 the ninth commandment.htm

section ii.
... This was the Scripture and Theology of the Heathens ... of Nature God seldom alters or
perverts, but, like ... of Meanders and Labyrinths, whereof the Devil and Spirits ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/religio medici/section ii.htm

A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles ...
... When a minister of thy word perverts it to overthrow thy kingdom, and to destroy
scripture with scripture! ... prudence of the world, the flesh, and the devil. ...
/.../a preservative against unsettled notions.htm

'Let Him Alone'
Expositions of Holy Scripture. ... in your faith, and leave the world to go to the devil;
but I ... is a great deal more frequently the case that he perverts her than ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/let him alone.htm

The Praise of Men.
... an evil principle which perverts them to a bad end ... the contrary is the case, since
the world (as Scripture tells us ... so to have been beguiled by the devil, and to ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon iv the praise of.htm

Baptismal Regeneration
... his works, while they themselves serve the devil and do ... subscriptions, upon a few
titled perverts, and imported ... admit there is very much ascribed in Scripture. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/baptismal regeneration.htm

Hebrews xii. 14
... For being exceedingly bitter, it perverts the reasoning faculty itself ... which hath
been prepared for the devil and his ... as a citation from Holy Scripture, but it ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxi hebrews xii 14.htm

Of Justification by Faith. Both the Name and the Reality Defined.
... With the same rashness he perverts the whole of the ... The Sophists, who delight in
sporting with Scripture and in ... is extinguished, sin by which the devil held us ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 of justification by.htm

Israel and Britain. A Note of Warning
... He that perverts truth shall soon be incapable of knowing ... hence they are servants
of the devil rather than ... of God and the doctrines of Holy Scripture to follow ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/israel and britain a note.htm