Divine Deliverance from the Devil

Brian R. Kenyon

The devil is real and so is the eternal destruction that results from his “wiles [schemes, ESV]” (Eph. 6:11). We first encounter this arch enemy of God and all that is good in Genesis 3:1-5, where he deceived Eve into thinking that “the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise” (Gen. 3:6). The rest is history! From that time until this very moment, the devil has been doing what he does best—deceiving as many as he can (Rev. 12:9 cf. 2 Cor. 11:13-15)! The devil tempts us to sin (Mt. 4:3; 1 Thes. 3:5 cf. Jas. 1:12-15), and when we succumb, we are separated from God (Isa. 59:1-2). Paul reminds us that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Again, Paul reminds us, “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). “Death” here is not limited to physical, although this is a consequence of Adam’s sin (Gen. 3:22-24 cf. 1 Cor. 15:21-22), but primarily refers to separation from God. In fact, eternal separation from God is the worst possible thing that can happen to a human being (2 Thes. 1:8-9)!

By the grace of God, however, no human being has to suffer eternal separation from Him! Deity has delivered us from the devil. Centuries ago, the Hebrews writer wrote,

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. (Heb. 2:14-16)

From this passage, consider three aspects of Deity’s rescue of us from the devil.

Deity Descended

In order for Deity to deliver us from the devil, God first had to become human. This happened in the person of Jesus Christ (Heb. 2:14a cf. Jn. 1:1-2, 14). Jesus took on the same nature as those He came to save. In the context of our main text, note that the terms “all of one” (Heb. 2:11a), “brethren” (Heb. 2:11b), “brethren” (Heb. 2:12), “children” (Heb. 2:13), “took part of the same” (Heb. 2:14), “seed of Abraham” (Heb. 2:16), and “brethren” (Heb. 2:17) all emphasize that Jesus, the Word who became flesh (Jn. 1:14), shared our exact human nature. Jesus came to save humans lost in sin!

The perfect tense form of the word translated “are partakers” (from koinoneo, κοινωνέω) in “as the children are partakers of flesh and blood” indicates that from the time of creation until now, human nature has always been the same. There is no evidence of macro evolution in human beings (or any other living creature)! Jesus also shared that exact nature. The aorist tense of “took part” (from metecho, μετέχω) indicates that at a specific time in the past Jesus became what He never was before—human (Phil. 2:6-8). One commentator correctly states this refers to “a preexistent being who at a particular point in time took upon himself human nature” (Hagner 52). Because God is Divine, it would be impossible for Him to save us from sin unless He Himself shared in our humanity. Thus, the Word became human to die for humanity’s sin. Paul who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Cor. 5:21). Paul also said,

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. (Rom. 8:3)

To deliver us from the devil, God had to become human. “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift” of Jesus!

Deity Died

Not only did Deity descend to this earth and become human, Deity also died for us. While at first, the phrase “Deity died” seems contradictory because God is eternal and living (Ps. 90:2; Jn. 6:69), we must remember that Jesus was both God and man (cf. Jn. 1:1-2; Phil. 2:6-11; Rev. 1:18). Jesus was not just a mere innocent man dying on that cross; He was God (cf. Mt. 27:54)! The Hebrews writer goes on to say of Christ that “through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Heb. 2:14b). The death of Christ is what destroyed the devil (Gen. 3:15). The physical death of all humans can be traced back as a consequence of Adam’s sin (Gen. 3:22-24 cf. 1 Cor. 15:21-22; Heb. 9:27). Spiritual death is a result of our own sin (Rom. 5:12; Jas. 1:12-15). We die because of our own sins; Jesus died because of the sins of others!

The devil is real. The term “devil” means “slanderer,” or “accuser” (Rev. 12:9-10). The devil is also referred to as Satan, which means “adversary” (1 Pet. 5:8). The devil’s slanderous nature is perhaps best illustrated by the devil’s words against Job, claiming that the great patriarch only served God because of the material blessings he enjoyed (Job 1:6-10). Then when all of Job’s physical blessings were taken away, the devil accused Job of only serving God because of his good health (Job 2:1-5). Though Job struggled long and hard to understand his situation before God, he proved the devil wrong (Job 42:7-9)!

The ministry of Jesus signaled doom for the devil, for through it, the slanderer would be eternally defeated (cf. Lk. 10:17-20; Jn. 12:30-33). Though defeated, the devil has not been sentenced to final destruction, but continues to have real but limited power (1 Pet. 5:8). However, the devil has no power over God’s children unless they allow it (Eph. 4:27; Jas. 4:6-10). Similarly, Christ has destroyed death (2 Tim. 1:10), yet death continues to be a reality—at least for now (cf. 1 Cor. 15:24-26). The devil will receive his eternal sentence on Judgement Day, the same day that all will be judged (Rev. 20:11-15). Not only did Deity descend from heaven and become human, but Deity also died!

Deity Delivered

Deity became human to “deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham” (Heb. 2:15-16). Before obedience to the Gospel, the first readers of Hebrews were kept in bondage by “fear of death.” The term “bondage” (from douleia, δουλεία) refers to slavery (cf. Rom. 8:15, 21; Gal. 5:1). Many are not willing to accept they are in bondage (cf. Jn. 8:33). Spiritually, only those who refuse God’s gift of deliverance are still enslaved to the fear of death. However, because Deity descended, taking on human nature, and because Deity died, the faithful child of God has no more need to fear death. Remember Paul’s words to the Philippians,

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better. (Phil. 1:20-23)

There are at least three additional reasons why we have no need to fear death: (1) Christ came to destroy the works of the devil (1 Jn. 3:8); (2) Christ’s resurrection makes death powerless (1 Cor. 15:55); and (3) Christ has complete authority over death (Rev. 1:18).
The translation, “he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took...” (KJV) is also rendered, “He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to...” (NKJ); and “it is not angels that he helps, but he helps...” (ESV). The differences in translation hinge on the meaning of “he took” (from epilambanomai, ἐπιλαμβάνομαι), which means to take, to take hold of (Heb. 8:9), seize, catch; arrest (Acts 21:33); help, be concerned about or assume the nature of (Heb. 2:16). No matter what the translation, however, the meaning of the verse is clear: Christ did not come to this earth and die for the sake of angels! Rather, His death on Calvary’s cross was to benefit the “seed of Abraham” (Heb. 2:16b). Who are “the seed of Abraham”?

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Gal. 3:27-29, emphasis added)

Conclusion

Deity descended, taking on human nature; Deity died for our sins; and Deity continues to deliver us from the fear of death. May the Lord continue helping us to counter the devil’s walking about “as a roaring lion...seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8) with more “beautiful...feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Rom. 10:15).

Works Cited

Hagner, Donald A. “Hebrews.” New International Biblical Com mentary. Vol. 14. Ed. W. Ward Gasque. Peabody, MA: Hen drickson, 1990.

To God Be The Glory

Amber completed her first round of chemotherapy and had a CT scan two weeks later. On May 19, we received the results, which thrilled us all, her oncologist included. There was no new cancer (which shows the cancer had not spread to the bones or pancreas) and her blood “cancer marker” decreased to 83 (from 552 on March 17 and three chemotherapies ago). Her breast, lymph nodes, lungs, and liver still have significant amounts of cancer, but the scan did reveal that in all areas the cancer has decreased nicely. Externally, Amber’s breathing is noticeably easier, and she is permitted to go without oxygen for up to two hours during times when she is not exerting herself. Her oncologist also began weaning her off the steroids. Her strength has improved (though she is still unable to walk long distances). Her next round of chemo began May 19 and will consist of three treatments, three weeks apart, and then another CT scan around July 7. While we recognize the advances in medicine and skilled medical personnel, all glory belongs to God, who has been answering our prayers! Amber and I thank you for the prayers, cards, and encouragement. Our awesome God continues to do great things! —Brian