"IF YE WILL INQUIRE, INQUIRE YE."
By Editor
This Inquirer's Department is conducted for the purpose of helping those who are studying the Bible. The answers are oftentimes only suggestive. They are never to be considered infallible, only as they agree with the infallible Word. The writer who may answer them does not consider that his opinion is infallible. He will simply give the best that he has, and plead with the inquirer to search the Word. Such questions only will be answered as, to the editors, seem to minister to the good of the readers and to the mission of the paper. We can not answer repeatedly in the same volume questions upon the same scripture. The name and address must accompany question, not for publication, but as an evidence of good faith, and that answer may be made by letter if deemed advisable. No letters are answered which do not contain the name of the writer. It is well always to enclose stamp for reply. 3178.—The Devil and His Angels
Will you tell me where in the Bible I can find out where the devil and his angels are at present? Is he a real being? Certainly if language means anything, to answer the last question first, the devil is a real being. He is brought before us as such. He is given titles and names which indicate the same thing. He does deeds which show that he has a personality. He has followers, his angels, his messengers, who do his bidding. He holds conversation, argues, quotes Scripture. Certainly we could not understand that this language would be used of an impersonal thing or principle. Where the devil is, is clearly shown in Revelation 12. "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." Verse 9. See also verses 12 and 13. Just where he or they are in this earth is another thing. The apostle Peter in his first epistle, chapter 5 and verse 8, warns us, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." He is powerful; he is crafty; he is a deceiver; but with God there is One stronger than he, who is able to meet all his power and devices.