Demons and the believer

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

Who was tempting Jesus in the desert? Who was Jesus talking to?

Who was God talking to in Job 1?

Regarding Job what is its genre? It is Wisdom literature in the form of an extended parable. It NEVER was considered a straightforward historical record. Besides which, even if it were, it still wouldn't prove satan is a fallen angel because it says no such thing.

And this is the whole point: while many read various passages as though there is an evil fallen angel running amok, yet just like trinitarianism, the theory has to be in place and fully developed PRIOR to reading the Bible. The Bible is interpreted in light of an already formed belief. Because just going by the Bible only this belief system doesn't appear and is nowhere taught.

Perfect examples include assuming Isaiah 14 is about Satan and not what it actually says it is about, the king of Babylon.

Regarding the temptations of Christ in the wilderness, we must allow scripture to interpret scripture. Every man when he is tempted is drawn away by what? A guy in a red suit sitting on his shoulder? Just what exactly is the Biblical satan or devil being discussed? Again, just let scripture itself tell you, and you will understand how things work in the real world.

You will also understand why "the devil made me do it" is a cop out enabled by error in doctrine on this subject.

What is really interesting is if you read all the scriptures in the NT taken from the OT and see how the NT writers interpret those OT scriptures. You will find some interesting renderings of the OT by NT writers in which the NT writers find Jesus everywhere in the OT where many in the OT would have understood the OT scripture differently at the time. Try Isa 7:14 and Matt 1:23. I choose to believe the NT writer's interpretation of the OT but at the same time believe there may have been a near and far interpretation of the OT scripture.

The apostles found Christ everywhere in the OT but modern apostolics find the devil everywhere instead? Funny that...