Topical Bible: Truth: The Devil is Devoid of

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In the Christian understanding, truth is a fundamental attribute of God, and by contrast, the devil is characterized by his complete absence of truth. This dichotomy is central to the biblical narrative and is emphasized throughout Scripture.

Nature of the Devil:

The devil, also known as Satan, is depicted in the Bible as the ultimate deceiver and father of lies. In the Gospel of John, Jesus directly addresses the nature of the devil, stating, "He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44). This passage highlights the intrinsic nature of the devil as one who is inherently opposed to truth.

Contrast with God:

God, in contrast, is described as the embodiment of truth. In the Psalms, it is written, "For the word of the LORD is upright, and all His work is trustworthy" (Psalm 33:4). The truthfulness of God is a recurring theme, underscoring His reliability and faithfulness. The devil's lack of truth is thus a direct opposition to the divine nature.

Deception in the Garden of Eden:

The devil's role as a deceiver is first illustrated in the account of the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 3, the serpent, identified with Satan, deceives Eve by twisting God's command, leading to the fall of humanity. This act of deception is a foundational example of the devil's modus operandi, using lies to lead people away from God's truth.

Spiritual Warfare:

The New Testament further elaborates on the devil's deceptive nature in the context of spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul warns believers to be vigilant against the schemes of the devil, who masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Believers are encouraged to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes" (Ephesians 6:11), emphasizing the need for truth as a defense against deception.

The Role of Believers:

Believers are called to live in truth and to reject the lies of the devil. In Ephesians, Paul exhorts the church to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15) and to "put away falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor" (Ephesians 4:25). This call to truthfulness is a reflection of the believer's alignment with God's nature and a rejection of the devil's deceit.

Ultimate Defeat:

The Bible assures that the devil's reign of deception is temporary. In the book of Revelation, the ultimate defeat of Satan is foretold, where he is cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). This final judgment underscores the triumph of truth over falsehood and the restoration of God's order.

In summary, the Bible presents a clear and consistent portrayal of the devil as devoid of truth, in stark contrast to the nature of God. This understanding is foundational to the Christian worldview, emphasizing the importance of truth in the life of believers and the ultimate victory of truth over deception.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 8:44
You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and stayed not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether the Prophets of the Demons ever Foretell the Truth?
... impossible to find one that is wholly devoid of good ... to falsehood by the semblance
of truth, even as ... John Chrysostom]: "The devil is allowed sometimes to speak ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the prophets of the.htm

Whether the Adornment of Women is Devoid of Mortal Sin?
... an assault on the Divine handiwork, a distortion of the truth. ... eyes that God made,
but those the devil has unmade ... the adornment of women is not devoid of mortal ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the adornment of women.htm

The Old and New Testaments have Many Things in Common -- Far More ...
... will bring them, Israel, nevertheless, will be devoid of the ... is the son of him who
is the Arch-liar, the Devil. The Christ of God is "The Truth;" the christ of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the old and new testaments.htm

Commandment Twelfth. On the Twofold Desire. The Commandments of ...
... if he falls into it and is devoid of understanding ... For this evil desire is the daughter
of the devil. ... You will practice righteousness and virtue, truth and the ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/commandment twelfth on the twofold.htm

Messianic Claims Met by Attempt to Stone Jesus.
... would be the judgment of the Father, and hence devoid of any ... By your hatred of the
truth and your ... commit murder, which are notable lusts of the devil, you show ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxx messianic claims met by.htm

On the Feast of the Nativity, iv.
... wisdom could rescue any one from the devil's bondage and ... Other heresies contain some
portion of truth, but the ... Macedonius was devoid of the light of the Truth ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xxiv on the feast.htm

Commandment Eleventh. The Spirit and Prophets to be Tried by their ...
... true words he does occasionally utter; for the devil fills him ... of the Lord, and are
clothed with truth, have no ... to any action is an idolater, and devoid of the ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/commandment eleventh the spirit and.htm

The Value of this Doctrine
... then is no mere metaphysical dogma which is devoid of practical ... come not by chance,
nor from the Devil, but are ... And herein is the preciousness of this truth. ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter twelve the value of.htm

"That those Grievously Sin who Despise or Neglect God's Gracious ...
... which the Lord "has prepared for the devil and his ... Ithaca, eagerly longing to see,
not the truth, not the ... apprehended empty." [972] But are ye so devoid of fear ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter ix that those grievously sin.htm

Among Snares
... of Jesus, they exclaimed, "Thou hast a devil: who goeth ... is not an argument against
the truth, that large ... her shame, the hard-faced dignitaries, devoid of even ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 50 among snares.htm