THE POWER IV  

Why is this discussion so important?  Because, there is so much misinformation and outright lies about competing “power”.  We have been “tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine…” [Eph. 4.14]  We have not been “rightly dividing the word of truth”. [2 Tim. 2.15]  We must take a mature approach to our faith, otherwise “the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all” [Galatians 4.1]

Of course the discussion creates problems at this point because how do we now explain what “appears” to be terribly destructive evil powers?   Satan is a created being.  He has no independent life in himself.   No created being in the universe has independent life.  What satan has is what he is given – no more – no less. 

“Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given theefrom above…” John 19.11 

Who was Jesus really talking to?  What is Pilate or was it satan?  Or both?  Or, was He speaking for our benefit, so we would know, for certain, with full assurance, that His crucifixion was neither a random act nor satan “winning” in some fashion?

More on that in Part V