Billy Graham warns Christians: Never underestimate the devil's power to deceive

Evangelist Billy Graham warns Christians about Satan's real nature and to explicitly never underestimate the devil's deceptive powers.

In a post on his Billy Graham Evangelistic Association website, Graham discussed how the devil is able to deceive people and make them think that he's nothing to be feared. He even points out that the devil is so deceptive that most people are led to believe that he doesn't exist.

He went on to cater another perspective drawing on from what the Apostle Paul said about Satan sometimes seemingly a good angel promoting what's good and standing for what's right. "But even when Satan appears to be on the side of good, he is only using it as a mask to deceive us and hide his real intentions — which are always evil," Graham explained. He added, "Paul wrote, 'Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light' (2 Corinthians 11:14)." In an older post on the same website, Graham said that even Jesus referred to the devil as the murderer and the father of lies.

The world-renowned preacher also tackled the devil's definitely evil nature. He wrote that Satan is absolutely evil because of the fact that totally resists God and all of His plans. However, Graham emphasized that the devil is also a defeated foe. He explained that when Christ died on the cross and resurrected the third day, Christ defeated not just death and Hell but even Satan. The pastor noted that the day will come when Jesus will deal the devil a fatal blow as well.

Graham further said about the devil, "He is not as powerful as God — but he still is a powerful spiritual force who works against God in every way he possibly can," He pondered, "No wonder the Bible commands us to 'Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (Ephesians 6:11).'" Graham advised Christians to place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ to subdue the evil and his deceptive works.