This is an important question that many Christians wonder about. The Bible provides some insight into the relationship between God and Satan, and how much power and authority Satan has to carry out evil in the world.
Satan is a Created Being Under God’s Authority
First, it’s important to understand that Satan is a created being, just like humans and angels. He was originally created good as an angel named Lucifer, but rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:12-19). Though Satan seeks to act independently from God, he remains under God’s sovereign authority and power.
The Bible says that all things were created by God and for God (Colossians 1:16). This includes spiritual powers like Satan and his demonic forces. So while Satan seeks to wreak havoc in opposition to God, he can only operate within the boundaries and limitations God has set for him.
Satan Can Only Act With God’s Permission
Throughout the Bible, we see evidence that Satan and demons have to ask God for permission before they can carry out evil activity. Satan had to ask God for permission to attack Job, and God set clear limits on what Satan could do (Job 1:6-12, 2:1-6). The demons who met Jesus in the country of the Gergesenes begged him repeatedly not to send them out of that region (Matthew 8:28-34). Jesus even said he saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning, meaning Satan was decisively cast out and bound (Luke 10:18).
These biblical accounts show us that Satan does not have autonomous authority and is subject to God’s sovereignty. Theologian Wayne Grudem says, “Though Satan is permitted a measure of power and authority, he remains under God’s sovereign control at every moment.”
Why God Allows Satan to Attack Us
If Satan has to ask God’s permission to attack us, then why does God allow it? Though we cannot fully understand the mysteries of how good and evil interact under God’s sovereign will, Scripture gives us some clues.
The book of Job shows that God sometimes permits Satan to attack His faithful followers not as punishment, but as a test of their faith. By remaining faithful through trials, believers can grow in character and bear witness to God (James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7). God can also use attacks from Satan to chastise, discipline, and train His children when they are disobedient (Hebrews 12:3-11). He may permit Satan to sift us like wheat, so that our faith may emerge purified (Luke 22:31-32).
Scripture assures us that God is sovereign even over the evil in this world. Evil cannot thwart His ultimate plans. When we face attacks from Satan, we can trust that God is still in control and will use everything for His glory and our good in the end (Romans 8:28).
God’s Power and Protection Over Satan’s Attacks
While God may allow Satan to attack believers at times, we have strong assurance in Scripture that God places firm limits on what Satan can do. He will never allow more than we can bear with His help (1 Corinthians 10:13). He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).
As believers, we have God’s power and protection against our spiritual enemy. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have overcome the evil one (1 John 2:13-14). God has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into His kingdom (Colossians 1:13). He has given us power to tread on serpents and scorpions – symbols of satanic attacks – and they cannot ultimately harm us (Luke 10:19).
Jesus’ death and resurrection broke the power of Satan over our lives. God’s Word reminds us that “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). Though we battle against spiritual forces, our victory is assured because Jesus has already won the victory (Romans 8:37-39, Revelation 12:11).
Our Defense Against Satan’s Schemes
While God does not allow Satan to attack us beyond what we can handle, He does call us to do our part standing firm against the enemy. Ephesians 6 instructs us to put on the full armor of God for protection against evil spiritual forces. James 4:7 tells us to resist the devil so that he will flee from us. When facing satanic attacks, we can call on God’s strength and stand firm in faith on His Word and His promises to us.
Through prayer, vigilance and sober-mindedness we can resist temptation and not fall into the traps of the enemy (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8, Matthew 26:41). Keeping ourselves far from sin through obedience and submission to God is key to protecting ourselves against the devil and his attacks (James 4:7, 2 Corinthians 10:3-6).
God Uses Satan’s Attacks for Our Good
While Satan intends harm when he attacks believers, God can use even these attacks for good. Romans 8:28 promises us that “All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” God can bring good out of attacks meant for evil.
By increasing our dependence on God, Satan’s attacks can draw us closer to Him. They can reveal areas we need to strengthen, sins we need to repent of, and spiritual disciplines we need to practice. Attacks can also develop godly character, deepen our faith, and expand our capacity to receive more of God’s grace and mercy.
When we turn to God in the midst of affliction, He promises to be near to us and sustain us (Psalm 34:19, Psalm 46:1). As we resist the devil steadfast in faith, we receive the crown of life promised to those who persevere under trial (James 1:12). What Satan means for harm, God uses to develop Christ-like maturity in us (James 1:2-4).
Our Hope in God’s Final Victory
While Satan continues to prowl around seeking someone to attack, we have hope knowing his time is limited. One day Satan will be bound and cast into the lake of fire forever, no longer able to wreak havoc on earth (Revelation 20:1-3, 7-10). God will create a new heaven and new earth free from all sin, pain, and suffering (Revelation 21:1-4).
Until then, we can stand confident in the victory Christ has already won over Satan at the cross. We can resist the attacks of the enemy, knowing his power is limited. We can rest in God’s sovereignty and trust that He will only allow what will ultimately strengthen our faith and conform us to the image of Christ. Though afflicted in every way, we are not crushed; though struck down, we are not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). In Christ, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).
