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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: People say that if we believe in Jesus, He accepts us, but the devil believes God is who He is, but was rejected by God and cast out of Heaven. Why does the devil persist in his wickedness? – B.G.

A: The devil and his demons know God exists, and he knows his end. Yet Satan stands before the throne of God, accusing mankind, as seen in the book of Job. The demon world also believes in the facts of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection. But their belief isn’t a saving belief because it doesn’t lead them to turn to God in repentance.

A saving belief in God is what happens when sinners turn from sin to Christ and put their trust and faith in Him, the Savior of sinners. It involves not only an intellectual acceptance of certain facts about God and about Jesus; it involves complete surrender and commitment to living in obedience to God’s Word, without reserve. This means turning away from the former life and walking in new life with Him. Jesus Christ gives us this ability, but we must follow.

The Bible speaks of God’s love and warns of the devil, who wants to come between us and God. Satan is ever waiting to ensnare our souls. But when our minds are on the things of God, Satan has little room to maneuver. “[Take] the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one” (Ephesians 6:16, NKJV). Satan knows his end, and he wants the world to follow him.

Satan doesn’t care how much we theorize about Christianity or how much we profess to know about Christ. What he opposes vigorously is the way we live for Christ, by faith, before an unbelieving world. We must not give Satan a foothold (see Ephesians 4:27), but discipline ourselves to stay close to God.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2026 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.