The greatest deception of humanity happened in the Garden of Eden. The false promise that he gave Adam and Eve has been repeated again and again in different contexts, culture throughout history trapping individuals, families, communities, and nations. “But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:4,5)
1) Doubt: Satan’s ploy was to plant a doubt portraying God as bad, and sin as good. In that, Satan marginalized or hid the consequences of sin. Adam and Eve may not have understood the concept of death as they had not seen or experienced death in the universe. Probably, they did not understand death as separation from living God. Adam and Eve failed to understand that their dignity and life was based on their relationship of faith with God.
2) Dream: Satan promised that their eyes would be opened. Satan gave a false hope of higher aspiration that was not possible. What a blatant lie? Satan effectively blinded their eyes. (II Corinthians 4:4) Sadly, they lost what they had. It was like a dream of a blind person. Paul’s commission was to open the eyes by preaching the gospel. (Acts 26:16-18)
3) Discontent: Satan sows seeds of discontent. Satan suggested that the exalted status of Adam and Eve to rule over the created universe was not good enough. Satan transferred his wicked aspiration to be equal with God to the first human couple. (Isaiah 14:34) When he tried, he was cast out of heaven. Many false religions follow this idea or desire for humans to become god. There are religions and cults that believe that humans are gods or yearn to discover god within themselves.
Satan is using the strategy of Doubt, Dream and Discontent to enslave millions in sin, despair and ultimate second death. Praise God, our eyes are open, we could have faith in him, love and serve him.
Am I careful to defeat Satan with Lord’s strength?