The Bible does not support the traditional Christian concept of The Devil/Satan.

As CON I will be attempting to show that the Bible does in fact support the traditional concept of the Devil/ Satan. ---- I accept my opponent's definition of the Bible. ---- As far as "'facts' that most Christians believe about Satan/The Devil" I would like to make a couple of distinctions regarding point 1. and point 5. 1. Satan was the Serpent who tempted Eve and caused the 'fall of man'. If my opponent agrees I would say that it could ALSO be said that Satan "spoke through" the serpent, and not that He "was" the Serpent. I believe that a "traditional Christian concept" would include this view also. 5. He lives in Hell where he tortures sinners. If my opponent agrees I would like to add in another "traditional Christian concept" of where the Devil lives. I would propose that it is also commonly held by Christians that the Devil is not living in "hell" per se, but rather is going to and fro on the Earth seeking those whom he can destroy by tempting them. He is known as a spirit who is invisible, but is actually on the Earth. The commonly heard phrase "The devil made me do it" alludes to his being around this Earth influencing and tempting people to sin. Job 1:7 And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. . http://scriptures.lds.org... ---- I will now address the points made by my opponent: 1. He is a loyal servant of God. Just because someone is doing what you want them to does not automatically make them a "loyal servant". .. they could in fact still be an enemy. I would use the example of a POW (prisoner of war) - many captured enemy POW's may be forced to grudgingly dig trenches for you if they are at gunpoint, and also do other forced labor, this does not make them a "loyal servant" per se but rather they are still an enemy. BUT they are accomplishing work for you that you want them to do, because they are being manipulated. This idea can be likened to the relationship between God and the devil. .. even though the devil is an enemy to God, he is still led into doing God's work and fulfilling God's purposes. This does not make an enemy of God into a "loyal servant of God" however. 2. God encourages and facilitates his tempting and testing of people. God does not tempt people but He knows what is going to happen, and He makes provisions for that. James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: . http://scriptures.lds.org... ---- 3. God appointed him ruler of the world. God may have granted the devil temporary control of this dominion but it will be short lived. He is not the permanent ruler here. John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. . http://scriptures.lds.org... (refers to the devil being cast out = because his ruling is TEMPORARY) VS. Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace THERE SHALL BE NO END, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice FROM HENCEFORTH EVEN FOR EVER. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. . http://scriptures.lds.org... (refers to Jesus Christ ruling FOREVER) But the main point is that it doesn't matter what POSITION OF POWER A PERSON IS IN - AS THIS DOES NOT DETERMINE THEIR RIGHTEOUSNESS! (POSITION ALONE DOES NOT DETERMINE IF THEY ARE A LOYAL FOLLOWER OF GOD OR NOT! ) The Lord explains this concept to His apostles in these scriptures: Matthew 20:25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; . http://scriptures.lds.org... What Jesus is talking about is that the princes of the Gentiles get power and then oppress people, and Jesus is explaining how that is not how it is supposed to be. .. but rather that those in power have a responsibility and obligation to use their power to HELP others. Where much is given much is required! Since God allows freedom of choice, there must be an opportunity to show what their true colors are by their actions. Sometimes people are put into positions of power by God but it can still be to the condemnation of the person who was put in power, if they choose to sin. The Parable of the wicked servant teaches this principle beautifully: Matthew 18: 23 ï¿½ Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. . http://scriptures.lds.org... I use this parable to illustrate a certain points: The wicked servant was placed in a position of power over another person, not because they were a loyal servant but because the king was kind and allowed the wicked servant another chance. Then the wicked servant abused his position of power over others and this also was not seen as being a 'loyal servant' by the king, but rather he was taken and punished severely. So again the moral is that just because a person is in POWER, does not necessarily mean they are in FAVOR! ---- 4. He is, like Jesus, a son of God. RELATIONSHIPS DO NOT DETERMINE RIGHTEOUSNESS! Someone can be a son of God and be evil OR righteous! The parable of the prodigal son teaches us that lesson. 2 sons both had a good father and a good upbringing but one son chose to rebel and one son chose to be obedient. .. the relationship of being a "son" did not matter at all. The devil though related to The Father, is still very wicked. Luke 15:11-32 . http://scriptures.lds.org... ---- 5. Lucifer (light bringer or morning star)is never identified with Satan or the Devil but with the king of Babylonia and also with Jesus. Lucifer is actually identified as a "son of the morning". Isaiah 14: 12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O LUCIFER, SON OF THE MORNING! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! . http://scriptures.lds.org... I thank the readers and my opponent and wish him good luck in the next Rd.