Q: #34. How does Satan try to counterfeit the things of God?
A: Satan is a liar (Jn 8:44), and a deceiver (Rom 12:9)(Rev 20:7-8,10). One of the main ways he tries to carry out his evil plans is to counterfeit the good things of God so that people are fooled into thinking it is God and not Satan.
What does Satan counterfeit?
God has sent prophets to proclaim His word, and Satan sends false prophets (1 Jn 4:1)(Mt 24:11,24)(Mt 7:15-16).
God gives us teachers to teach His word and Satan sends false teachers (2 Pet 2:1-3) (1 Tim 4:1-3)(2 Jn 1:9-11)(Mal 2:8-9)(Gal 1:6-9).
Jesus is the “light” of the world (Jn 1:7-9)(Jn 8:12)(Lk 2:32)(Jn 12:35-36), and Satan appears as an “angel of light” (1 Pet 5:8).
God is a triune being (the trinity), and Satan will form an “unholy trinity” at Armageddon (Rev 16:13).
Satan takes God’s word and twists its meaning to serve his purposes (Mt 4:1-11).
Satan takes God’s spiritual gifts (i.e. tongues and prophecy), and causes them to be misused to create confusion.
Jesus is called the “lion of Judah” (Rev 5:5), and Satan is compared to a “roaring lion” (1 Pet 5:8).
Jesus instituted “communion,” and Satan falsifies it (1 Cor 10:16-22).
These are just some examples. So how do we know what is of God and what is counterfeit? We must diligently read and study God’s word, and know it so well, that when we hear or see something that doesn’t line up with the Bible, we will know it instantly. If we don’t spend time becoming familiar with God’s word, as well as spending time with God in prayer, we are likely to fall prey to Satan’s deceptions.
