Are not the words 'satan' and 'devil' used figuratively?

Question

Are not the words 'satan' and 'devil' used figuratively to describe the natural sinful tendencies within us? The connection between the devil and our evil desires - sin within us - is made explicit in several passages: "As the children (ourselves) are partakers of flesh and blood, he (Jesus) also himself likewise took part of the same; that through (his) death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil" (Heb.2:14). The devil is here described as being responsible for death. But "the wages of sin is death" (Rom.6:23). Therefore sin and the devil must be parallel.

"Now shall the prince of this world be cast out."

"The prince of the power of the air" is identified with sin in Eph. 2:2, 3. Notice the parallel structure: "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, {Greek: "aion" of this "kosmos"} . . . the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience." "The prince of this world" which had nothing in Christ was sin. The outward appearances in the death of Christ were deceptive since it appeared as if he were condemned, when it was the sin which was cast out and condemned. (Rom. 8:3). This personification of sin is in the pattern of other Scriptures. Sin is compared with a master who pays wages (Rom. 6:23), a slave owner from whom men are emancipated that they might serve God (Rom. 6:17), a reigning monarch (Rom. 5:21), and as indwelling with men. (Rom. 7:17).

Answer 1

Any "true" answer to this question would be redundant, since you have more than adequately answered the question yourself.

Very good observations on your part!

The mystery of iniquity has been revealed! Thank you, god!

"You Must Find The Plus Sign!"
Peace.

Answer 2

I think the problem here is that there are two kinds of death in the Bible. First there is physical death, when the body dies; then the Spiritual death.
The idea that Hell is just a place where it's really hot and the devil rules everyone doesn't come from the Bible. It is the place where you are completely separates from God and any spiritual life.
So the wages of sin is SPIRITUAL death (being completely cut off from God forever)
Satan is addressed as a person, and has times in the Bible when he speaks, and has conversations...so he can't be just an allegory.
And I think that Hebrews is referring to when Jesus called the Satan the 'murderer' "He [Satan] was a murderer from the beginning."
If you are a Christian, (Again, Hebrews 2:14 is addressing believers) Satan's power of death over you has been destroyed. You now have the ability to say no to sin and to follow God with your whole heart.
I hope that this answers your question..God bless you.

Answer 3

In ancient Jewish tradition Satan is simply an angel doing the work that God assigned to Satan to do.

The word Satan means challenger. With the idea of Satan challenging us, or tempting if you will. This description sees Satan as the angel who is the embodiment of man's challenges. This idea of Satan works closely with God as an integral part of God plan for us. His job is to make choosing good over evil enough of a challenge so that it becomes clear to us that there can be only one meaningful or logical choice.

Contrast this to Christianity, which sees Satan as God's opponent. In Jewish thought, the idea that there exists anything capable of setting itself up as God's opponent would be considered polytheistic or setting up the devil to be an equally powerful polarity to god or a demigod.

Oddly, proof for The Christian satan/devil mythology is supposedly found in the ancient Jewish texts that were borrowed to create the bible. One can’t help but wonder how Christians came up with such a fantastically different interpretation of Gods assistant Satan in their theology.

Other hints about Satan’s role in human relations can be seen if you look at the name Lucifer. It meaning in the original tongue translates as Light bearer or light bringer. Essentially the bringer of enlightenment. The temptations of the Satan idea bring all of us eventually into Gods light. Hardly the Evil entity of Christian mythology.

Love and blessings
don

Answer 4

No. Check here.

http://www.gotquestions.org/devil-Satan-person.html

Answer 5

I don't see it. The Bible is very clear tht the adversary exists. Yet, Christ already defeated Him. In Jesus, we have victory over him as well.

http://www.chick.com/information/general/salvation.asp
http://www.gotquestions.org/devil-Satan-person.html

Answer 6

I'm not sure of just what your question is but Jesus said "I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven" For a description of Satan please refer to Ezekiel Ch.28 V11 onwards