To what extent does Satan have the means to cause death?

Question

According to Hebrews 2:14 Satan the Devil has the means to cause death. How does he do this and to what extent?

Answer 1

How does Satan exercise “the means to cause death”?

In the book of Job, we read of one instance that may be somewhat exceptional. The account says that Satan used a storm to ‘cause the death’ of Job’s children. Notice, though, that Satan could do this only with God’s permission, which was given because a vital issue was being decided. (Job 1:12, 18, 19) Indeed, Satan was not able to kill Job himself. Permission for that was withheld. (Job 2:6) This shows that even though, on occasion, Satan has been able to cause the death of faithful humans, we need not fear that he can snuff out our lives at will.

Satan has also caused death through human agents. Thus, many Christians have died for their faith, some being murdered by enraged mobs or unjustly executed on the orders of government officials or corrupt judges.—Revelation 2:13.

Further, Satan has sometimes caused death by playing on human weaknesses. Back in the days of Israel, the prophet Balaam counseled the Moabites to entice the Israelites “to commit unfaithfulness toward Jehovah.” (Numbers 31:16) That resulted in the death of more than 23,000 Israelites. (Numbers 25:9; 1 Corinthians 10:8)

Today, some likewise fall for satan’s “machinations” and are lured into immorality or other ungodly practices. (Ephesians 6:11) True, such ones usually do not immediately lose their lives. But they do risk losing out on everlasting life, and in that way Satan causes their death.

Even though we recognize Satan’s potential to cause harm, we need not fear him unduly. When Paul said that Satan had the means to cause death, he also said that Christ died in order that he “might bring [Satan] to nothing . . . and that he might emancipate all those who for fear of death were subject to slavery all through their lives.” (Hebrews 2:14, 15) Yes, Jesus paid the ransom and thus freed believing mankind from slavery to sin and death.—2 Timothy 1:10.

Answer 2

My Bible says "Since these children are people with physical bodies, Jesus himself became like them. He did this so that, by dying, he could destroy the one who has the power of death-the devil-and free those who were like slaves, all their lives because of their fear of death." That was Hebrews 2:14-15. I believe that Satan does have the power to cause death. But even God, Himself, gives Satan power. Otherwise Satan would be a cricket sitting in a corner dying. God gave him some power. Satan can help in death by troubling some people to suicide. I don't believe that he has COMPLETE control but does have some input in it. I pray that God would reveal the correct answer. I'm just a teen but I hope I helped.

Answer 3

Whether or not Satan has the means to cause death, is not the question you be asking, or worrying about!!! The question you should be asking is.....Am I right with my lord and savior? Have I been forgiven for my sins and tried to live the best life under his name as I possibly can? Of course we are all human and were made to sin, but thats why we repent and ask for forgiveness!! Have you excepted God as your savior and one and only father? Argueing about whether demons are walking among us, and can harm us, has been debated for years, and will continue to be!! I know that every religion has a different/same answer!! My advice to you, is not to worry about that, if the time comes to where you find yourself in a fight between good and evil, best to have the power, prayer, and faith of your god almighty to protect you and see you through it!! Whether you end up dispelling a demon, or cross over to the land of eternal light, and happiness.....HEAVEN!!!!!! God Bless you and good luck!!!

Answer 4

I believe the devil has a hand in the death of many people. The bible talks about how sin causes sickness and death. Sin separates you from God, which opens you up to the spirit realm, demonic influence, etc.

Answer 5

Yes, Satan can kill people. He does so by smiting people with diseases, and through the action of people controlled by evil spirits. Also, the person may cause his own death because of some area of disobedience to God's laws and principles.

I believe, however, that someone may accidentally kill someone, when there was no intention in the heart to kill or injure. I would not say that Satan would be responsible in such an event.

However, God, who knows all and sees all, may for His own reasons, overrule the action and save the person from death, or He may, for reasons of His own, permit the death to take place.

Above all, God rules and overrules. If God chooses to save a person, neither man nor devil can do him harm. Remember that God permitted Satan to smite Job in his body, but did not allow his life to be taken. (Job 2:6, see also Luke 10:19).

There also comes a time in everyone's life that God wants to take that person home. The One who gave life can also take that person's life. He may do this directly or may permit the person to die of an accident, or of some illness.

Answer 6

It relates to death of the soul. Which is obtained by turning your back on God. Satan can influence people and lay out temptation. Lord knows there is a bounty of that. But if you have asked Jesus Christ into your heart, it isn't possible.

Answer 7

Flesh & blood was an Old Testament figure for human nature. To destroy means to make inoperative or useless, but not to annihilate. Christ overcame death by His resurrection. The devil and all lost souls will exist in torment in the lake of fire forever.

Answer 8

Do not think primarily of physical death.
Satan leads people away from God ....and God is the source of life.
So, people may die at 50, 60 or 70 years BUT Satan has lead them away from eternal life.

Answer 9

Satan can only cause the death of the soul. This is however, to many, worsethan mortal death.

Answer 10

i don't think it means he can kill you, but he can tempt you with sin thus causing people to sin and bring on death, sin is the reason for death