Uncovering the Devil’s Hiding-Places

By Ron Craig

Many erroneous concepts and practices inhabit this old world; and even the church world. This book exposes a lot of them. And of course, if it is erroneous, then the devil is behind it; for he is a liar and the father of lies and liars. Which makes this book a very timely work. God is the same as He has always been; so is the devil; so is lost mankind; so is religion! The outward appearances may be different in these modern times, but underneath, the devil, lost man, and even religion are basically the same as they have been in every generation.
The main truth this book emphasizes is that Satan is a diabolical character, but a shrewd one; requiring that he hide behind people, institutions, ideas and concepts that come across as genuine and on the up and up. Why would Satan have to hide his actions and purposes if they were the right kind of actions and purposes? The reader may be surprised, and perhaps even shocked, at some of the places the devil hides behind. Read and find out.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 17, 2019
• ISBN: 9781796031218

Ron Craig

I was called into the Gospel ministry in 1970, at the age of 25. I got a Bachelor of Arts degree and then attended a Charismatic Bible School. For twenty years now, I have been a home-church pastor, and have published 9 Christian books; and plan to keep writing. I also have two YouTube video channels, presenting more Bible-revelation truth.

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Copyright © 2019 by Ron Craig.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2019906209

ISBN:              Hardcover                978-1-7960-3123-2

                        Softcover                  978-1-7960-3122-5

                        eBook                       978-1-7960-3121-8

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Unless otherwise noted, ALL Scripture references are taken from the King James Bible Version; with some rewording for clarity. Within Scripture quotations, words in italics and/or ALL CAPITALS are this author’s emphases. And some of the author’s own words are in either italics or ALL CAPITALS for emphasis regarding certain Bible Truths.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date:  06/14/2019

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Contents

Introduction

I         Chief information about our chief adversary

II        Favorite hiding-place—political correctness

III      Political correctness in the Old Testament

IV      Political correctness in the New Testament

V       Religious correctness—The worst kind

VI      The blame-game

VII     Celebrity role models

VIII    Bible Interpretation I

IX      Bible Interpretation II

X        Bible Interpretation III

XI      Money

XII     Sex

XIII    Prayer

XIV    Fear

XV     Death

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

I acknowledge first of all Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, Who has given me all the revelation contained in this book. I also want to thank my wife, Joan, and the other members of Living Way Fellowship for their sustained patience and support of me in all my authoring endeavors. May this book and all of my other publications honor each of them.

Introduction

The devil never approaches human beings as his real self and yells: "Boo, I am going to deceive you, and destroy you!" No, the devil being a big bluff, he cannot afford to divulge his real character to people he seeks to destroy. No SANE person would fall for the devil’s lies if he or she knew they were lies. Proverbs 1:17 expresses that truth: "Surely in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird." Who would deliberately step into a trap they watched somebody set for them? Christians certainly ought to know that Bible Truth: Lest Satan should get an advantage of us [believers]; for we are not ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). But, many believers today are thoroughly ignorant of Satan’s devices! One good reason for this TIMELY work. This book has the DIVINE PURPOSE of re-educating believers, who have been thoroughly DECEIVED by both various religious traditions and nonsensical concepts propagated by this fallen-world system. Many in the modern church have become impressed by everything they ought not be impressed by, while they DELIBERATELY IGNORE GOD’S WORD—the only DOCUMENT that may safely be trusted.

During my 40-plus years of ministry, I have learned that many people (even many church members) actually want to be DECEIVED! It is crazy, but true. Isaiah 30:9-10: "Israel is a rebellious people, lying children, who WILL NOT HEAR the law of the LORD. They say to the Seers: ‘See not’; and to the prophets, ‘Prophesy not unto us right things. Speak unto us smooth things. Prophesy DECEITS.’ And Jeremiah 5:30-31: An astonishing and horrible thing is committed in this [My] land: The prophets prophesy FALSELY, and the priests bear rule by their own means; and My people love it that way."

Now, let us be honest. If that was prevalent among God’s own people back in those ancient days, be not deceived into thinking the same attitude is not hiding in today’s church. In fact, 2 Corinthians 2:11 is a warning to Christians regarding that very possibility. Why warn Christians of Satan’s devices if they neither exist nor pose any danger? Think abut this:

The devil’s destructive character and tendencies have not changed over thousands of years since his INITIAL rebellion. Moreover, this fallen world we live in is virtually the same as always (except for technological advances). And, religion has remained the same, except for its modern-day garb; which is basically the world’s concepts and practices camouflaged as Christianity, and donned by MODERN WOLVES IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING; which Jesus warned us about in Matthew 7:15.

Those are the reasons WE MUST UNCOVER THE DEVIL’S HIDING-PLACES. And surprisingly, many even in the church will likely be SURPRISED at some of the devil’s camouflages! Four of his FAVORITE hide-aways are identified on the front cover of this book; and those etceteras scattered on the front cover suggest that there are other hiding-places as well. Yet, all of those hiding-places have a common denominator—The Adversary himself. The devil has to hide behind some sort of diversion, so he can perform his DIRTY DEEDS without being detected. Thus, just as many illegal enterprises make use of legitimate businesses to launder illegal funds, SO does Satan HIDE his EVIL works behind organizations and activities that seem legitimate, but are in many cases contrary to Scripture. (Of course, money-laundering itself is one of the devil’s dirty deeds. His laundromat cleans not, but dirties its inventory!)

Upcoming chapters will DEAL IN DEPTH with some of the devil’s obvious hiding-places; and some places which are not so obvious. The first chapter focuses on the character known as the devil, and Satan, as Holy Scripture identifies him.

(Although this work uncovers many of the devil’s favorite hiding-places, this volume is not intended to be exhaustive. However, the lessons you learn from this book about Satan’s hide-aways will SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS in uncovering other satanic camouflages you may encounter on your own.)

Chapter One

Chief information about our chief adversary

First Peter 5:8 is a warning to us believers: "Be sober, be vigilant [constantly alert]; because your adversary, the devil, just as a roaring lion, walks about [on earth], seeking whom he may devour." So Satan is called our adversary. Why is he our adversary? Because we believers belong to God, and the devil is God’s chief adversary! He cannot get to God Himself, so the best the devil can do is get to us—God’s children. We who are BORN AGAIN are children of God—made in the very image of God! Satan hating the Head of the family (Hebrews 3:6), he hates every member of His heavenly household.

But how did the devil’s adversariness come about? God’s Word provides all the information we need. Isaiah 14:12-15: "How are you FALLEN from heaven [his original habitation], LUCIFER, you son of the morning! How are you cut down to the ground, who weakened the nations [All of that occurred before Adam was created.]! For you have said in your heart: ‘I WILL ASCEND into heaven, and EXALT MY THRONE above the STARS of God. [Then,] I WILL SIT upon the mount of the congregation [on God’s throne AFTER expelling God Himself], on the sides of the North. I will ascend above the heights of the CLOUDS [Lucifer had a God-given kingdom on earth.]. I will be LIKE the Most High.’ But you will be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit [instead of the sides of the North]." This refers to Lucifer’s fall—how he became the devil.

Ezekiel 28:12-19 provides even more biblical truth about that ancient origin of Satan—HOW he became our Adversary. "Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the King of Tyrus, and say to him: ‘You sealed up the sum; full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. You have been in EDEN the garden of God [not Adam’s and Eve’s Eden, because]; every precious stone was your covering; the sardius, topaz, diamond, beryl, onyx, jasper, sapphire, emerald, carbuncle, and gold. [In addition,] the workmanship of your tabrets, and pipes [some musical instruments], was prepared in you on the day that you were created. [Nothing like this was written about Eden or Adam. Nor this:] You were the anointed cherub [said only of angelic beings] that covers; and I [God] have set you so [His original position was the plan of the Creator.]. You were on the holy mountain of God [located up in heaven]; you have walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. You were perfect in all your ways from the day you were created until iniquity was found in you [could not have been stated of any human being after Adam]. By the multitude of your merchandis[ing (making deals)] they [other rebellious angels] have filled the midst of you with violence, and you have sinned. I therefore will cast you as profane out of the mountain of God. Thus, I will destroy you, Oh covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Your heart was lifted up [in pride], because of your [angelic] beauty, and you have corrupted your [original God-given] wisdom by reason of your [angelic] brightness. I will throw you to the ground. I will lay you before kings, that they may gaze on you [in your fallen state]. You have defiled your sanctuaries by the multitude of your iniquities, by the iniquity of your traffic[ing]. Therefore, will I bring forth a fire from your midst, and it will devour you; and I will bring you to ashes on the earth in the sight of all who gaze at you. And those who know you among the people will be astonished at you. You will be a terror, and will never be any more [not be annihilated, but ruined].’" (Lucifer was also given an earthly kingdom; from which he invaded heaven—Isaiah 14:13-15.)

Isaiah 27:1—future destruction of the devil: "In that day, the LORD, with His sore, great and strong sword will punish leviathan, the piercing serpent, even leviathan, that crooked serpent; and He will slay the dragon that is in the sea." That has to be Satan, the dragon of Revelation chapter twelve.

But, before we get into the fine details of the devil’s final fate, let us look at more biblical details of his real character. Notice that Isaiah 27:1 refers to the devil as a serpent. Early on in his shady earth-career, Satan got tagged as a serpent. The obvious reason being: the devil tempted Eve through one of Eden’s most beautiful and shrewd creatures—the serpent; a snake. Consider Genesis 3:1: "Now, the serpent was more subtle [shrewd] than any [other] beast of the field, which the LORD God had made." Moreover, Genesis chapter three and other Scripture passages seem to suggest that, the serpent, before the fall, could both talk, and stand upright—had legs. Why else would Moses record that the serpent talked to Eve? And, why did Eve not act surprised when the serpent spoke to her? Furthermore, why did God curse the serpent so that from that day forward serpents (snakes) had to crawl on the ground (Genesis 3:14; Isaiah 65:25)? If snakes were legless before that curse was pronounced, then God’s words made little sense. Let us believe what the Bible plainly teaches!

The obvious point I am pointing out here is the same as I pointed out up front in the introduction—That Satan rarely approaches his intended victims in person. He did tempt our Lord in person, but that seems to be rare. Satan hid behind the serpent to get to Eve, then used Eve to get to Adam. The devil tried to get to Job through his wife (Job 2:9); and Peter to get to Christ (Mark 8:33). Then, he commissioned a fallen angel (hiding behind the religious leaders) to harass Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7). Religious people seem to be Satan’s most useful tools in causing other people to fall, or get hurt. Read the New Testament with that in mind. But now, read this:

Job 1:6-7: "There was a day when the sons of God [quite obviously, the angels that had not rebelled] came to present themselves before the LORD. Satan came also among them. The LORD said to Satan: ‘Where did you come from?’ Satan answered the LORD: ‘From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.’ The same thing happened in Job 2:1-2. What was the purpose of Satan’s earth-walk? First Peter 5:8 answers that: Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about seeking WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR." Our adversary is LOOKING FOR VICTIMS! Peter tells us how to keep from becoming one of his victims—1 Peter 5:9.

What is the planned fate of Satan’s victims? John 10:10: "The thief [obviously referring to Satan, the chief thief] comes not, but for to steal and to kill and to destroy." Satan has no other purpose than to VICTIMIZE God’s creation. Therefore, it ought to be obvious why the devil has to camouflage his evil deeds. Just as the terrorists who hide behind civilians, using them as human SHIELDS, in order to protect themselves from exposure and damage, Satan himself HIDES BEHIND people others DO NOT SUSPECT, in order to take down other people; making them victims as well. In other words, the devil uses victims to make other victims! A Scripture revealing that very principle is John 8:44: "You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and remained not in the truth; because, there is no truth in him. When Satan lies, he does so from his own [resources]. For, he is a liar, and the father of [both lies and liars]." And, Jesus said that to some Jews who had believed on Him (John 8:31)! Like father, like son, was the scriptural principle our Savior established here. The devil’s SPIRITUAL CHILDREN act just like their SPIRITUAL FATHER—the devil. And the devil does have children—multitudes of them. First John 3:10: "In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: Whoever does NOT do righteousness is NOT of God, neither he who loves NOT his brother." If one is NOT of God, then he or she IS of Satan! There is NO middle ground. So says Matthew 6:24; and so teaches 1 John 5:19: "We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in wickedness [under the SWAY of the wicked one—different translations]. Moreover, consider Matthew 7:13-14: Enter in[to God’s Kingdom] at the strait gate. For, wide is the gate, and broad is the way [path] which leads to destruction; and many there be who go in thereat. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life; and few there be who find it." These passages and many others prove that most people go to hell when they die. Most humans are lost!

The Bible reveals that the devil is somehow connected to every human problem. Ephesians 6:12: "For, we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but rather against the principalities [fallen angels, and evil] powers, and rulers of the DARKNESS of this world; against SPIRITUAL wickedness in high places."

Just as many of the Scripture references in this book fit under more than one chapter-subject, so the NEXT passage fits THIS chapter-subject, as well as others. It is appropriate here in that it mentions the devil’s fall. In Paul’s instructions to Timothy about installing church leaders, Paul specifically laid down this rule: Not a novice [a new believer], lest being lifted up with pride [as Lucifer was] he [the new believer] fall into the condemnation of the devil [the same condemnation Lucifer fell into—becoming Satan, the Adversary]. Moreover, he must have a good report of those who are outside [people who are lost]; lest he fall into reproach, and the snare of the devil (1 Timothy 3:6-7). This Scripture passage adds to our knowledge about how the devil became the devil; and a little about how he presently operates. The world constantly looks for any scrap of supposed evidence that might be used to put the Christian believer in a BAD light; so those worldlings will think they are excused from obeying God. And, they are even more than willing to help Christians sin, so they can create a disclaimer, and dismiss the Gospel message as though it did not apply to them. Satan is obviously behind that deception. By such tricks he can snare both believers and unbelievers!

And now for Satan’s prophesied end. Way back in Jesus’ days on earth demons knew they were condemned to eternal punishment. Matthew 8:29 fills us in on that: "And, behold, they [the demons inhabiting their victims] cried out, saying, ‘What have we to do with You, Jesus, Son of God? Have You come to torment us before the time?’" The demons questioned not the fact of their infernal future, but protested the timing of it. Was Jesus cutting short their evil careers on earth?

And, although most prophesies of the book of Revelation are yet future, the devil obviously presently knows that they will come to pass, and that his loose-time on earth is limited. If demons knew about their time-limit long ago, then Satan is aware of it right now! Revelation 12:12: "Woe to inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For, the devil has come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has only a short time [left to tempt mankind before he is incarcerated in the abyss for a thousand years, then released for a short season, then cast into the eternal Lake of Fire]." Both Satan and demons know more truth than many church members!

But, not only will Satan burn forever in the Lake of Fire, every human being who is aligned with Satan will suffer the same eternal fate—only in different degrees. Matthew 25:41: "Then, He [Christ] will say to those on His left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you accursed, into the everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.’" That destiny was not intended for human beings (or for any angel) at creation, but was instead PREPARED for Satan and his angelic rebel rabble. However, Jesus made it clear in the previous passage that the Lake of Fire will be the eternal abode of human rebels, the same as angelic rebels. Yet, human beings can repent in this life and be saved, although angels cannot. And most people do not!

Still another Scripture passage proving that people go to hell is Revelation 20:11-15: "And I saw a great white throne, and Him Who sat on it, from Whose face both the earth and heaven fled away. But there was found NO PLACE for them. Then I saw the dead both small and great stand before God. Then the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. The dead were judged out of those things which were written in those books, according to their works. Then, the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and DEATH and HELL delivered up the dead which were in them. Then, everyone was JUDGED, according to his or her works. Then death and hell were cast into the Lake of Fire; which is the second death. And, whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the [same] Lake of Fire."

As for the varying degrees of torment suffered by people in that fire, Luke 12:47-48 explains: "The servant who knew his Lord’s will, yet prepared not himself [to obey it], neither did [his Lord’s revealed] will, WILL BE BEATEN WITH MANY STRIPES [will suffer greatly]. However, he who knew not [his Lord’s will], yet, [during this life] committed things WORTHY OF STRIPES, WILL BE BEATEN [but] WITH FEWER STRIPES [will suffer less intensely]. To whomsoever much [knowledge and privilege] has been granted; of him, or her, will much be required. To whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." (And Deity will certainly do the same!)

The devil will occupy the lowest and hottest room of that FIRE PIT, and suffer the most. But, ultra-evil human beings will also be confined to those lower and hotter quarters:

Deuteronomy 32:22: "A FIRE is kindled in My [Jehovah’s] anger, and it will burn to the LOWEST HELL. Moreover, We know Him, Who has said: ‘Vengeance belongs unto Me. I will recompense [repay],’ says the Lord. And yet again, ‘The Lord will judge [even] His people.’ It is a fearful thing to FALL into the hands of The Living God (Hebrews 10:30-31). Because: Our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29)." Therefore,…

Even though this chapter primarily concerns the biblical facts in regard to the devil’s own rise and demise, I want to expose as well yet another of his favorite hiding-places—his keeping hidden the Bible Truth that the sinner’s eternal fate is closely connected to the devil’s eternal fate. And so,…

A good place to begin is Isaiah 13:9-13: "Behold, the day of the LORD comes, cruel, both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate. And, He will destroy the sinners out of it. The stars of heaven and the constellations will not give any light. And the sun will be darkened [Joel 3:15, Matthew 24:29, Mark 13:24] in his going forth, and the moon will not cause her light to shine. And, I [Deity] will punish the world for their evil and the wicked for their iniquity. I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease, and lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. I will make a human more precious [rare] than fine gold; [rarer] than the golden wedge of Ophir. Therefore, I will SHAKE the heavens [Hebrews 12:26]; and the earth will REMOVE out of her place [orbit] under the wrath of the LORD of hosts in the day of His fierce anger." Now add to that,…

Nahum 1:2: "GOD IS JEALOUS [of His reputation and His creation]. Thus, the LORD revenges. The LORD revenges and is furious. The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries; and reserves wrath for His enemies." Add this as well,…

Zephaniah 1:14-15: "That great DAY of the LORD is near. It is near and hastes greatly; even the voice of the day of the LORD. [On that day,] The mighty man will cry there bitterly. [Because,] That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble, and distress, a day of wasting and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness." People on earth on that day who are not right with God will perish.

MORE Judgment-Day prophecies in the NEW Testament: Matthew 3:7: "When he [John the Baptizer] saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them: ‘Oh generation of vipers [snakes—connecting them to the Serpent—the devil], who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come?’" Now that refers to future wrath, but,…

John 3:36: "He who believes on the Son HAS everlasting life. But he who believes not on the Son will not see life; but the wrath of God [presently] ABIDES on him." Now-wrath!

Romans 1:18: "The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and all unrighteousness of those who hold the truth in unrighteousness." (Preachers be warned!)

Romans 2:5-6: "But, after your hardness and impenitent heart, you TREASURE UP for yourself wrath against the day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous JUDGMENT of God; Who will render to EVERY man according to his deeds."

Romans 2:8-9: "To those who are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness [instead, will come] indignation and wrath. Tribulation and anguish upon EVERY soul who does evil; of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile." God is no respecter of nationalities! And more Bible Truth:

Ephesians 2:2-3: "IN TIME PAST you [Christians] walked [lived] according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience [There is the sinner’s connection to the devil.]. Among whom also we all [including Paul] had our conversation [lifestyle] in times past…and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others [who are still lost]." So,…

Ephesians 5:3-6: "Allow neither fornication, uncleanness, nor covetousness to be once named among you [saints], as is proper for believers. Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient. But rather, giving thanks. Because you know that no whoremonger, or unclean person, or covetous man, who is an idolater, has ANY INHERITANCE in the Kingdom of Christ, and of God. Let no one deceive you with vain words. For because of such [evil] things comes the wrath of God [both now and in the future] on the children of disobedience [they being the devil’s children—1 John 3:10]."

Colossians 3:6 agrees with Ephesians 5:3-6, saying: "For which things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience." Only repentant sinners escape God’s wrath!

More intense is 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9: "You [Christians] who are troubled, rest with [the rest of] us [believers], when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on those who know not God; who OBEY NOT the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who will be PUNISHED WITH EVERLASTING DESTRUCTION from the presence of the Lord, and from His glorious power."

Jude 5-7: "I bring to your remembrance, even though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved [Israel] from the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed all of those who believed not. And,